Arab Hall

Leighton House and Sambourne House

What to see and do in Kensington and Chelsea

See and do

So much to see and do - visit major museums and galleries, lesser known hidden gems, theatres and other entertainment venues, parks and gardens, places of interest, libraries, sports and recreation, find sculpture on public display, discover the history of the borough, commemorative blue plaques of famous former residents and notable filming locations.

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Explore - Saatchi Gallery
Saatchi Gallery

Founded in 1985 to bring contemporary art to as wide an audience as possible by providing an innovative platform for emerging artists to show their work. The Gallery has hosted 15 out of the top 20 most visited exhibitions in London over the last five years, and has more followers on social media than any other museum in the world. Entry to all Saatchi Gallery’s exhibitions is free.

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Shopping

Shopping

Our shopping centres range from international destinations to smaller, more quirky local centres and street markets.

Explore - Portobello Road credit Gunwoo Kim hero

Eat and drink

Where to Stay

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Kyoto Garden

<div class='contentField'><p>A gift from the city of Kyoto, this tranquil kaiyushiki, or stroll garden, features a koi carp pond, a waterfall and stone lanterns set in a Japanese-style landscape.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Holland Park, Holland Park Ave, Kensington, London W11 4UA</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park">Read more</a></div>

Holland Park

<div class='contentField'><p>Holland Park contains areas of woodland, a Japanese garden, the Ice House Gallery, a sculpture garden, Holland Park Theatre. It is home to Opera Holland Park, and the <a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/environmentandtransport/ecology.aspx">Ecology Centre</a>, which runs events and activities for children and young people.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Ilchester Pl, Kensington, London W8 6LU</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park">Read more</a></div>

Kensington Gardens

<div class='contentField'><p>In the gardens of Kensington Palace you will find the famous Peter Pan statue and the <a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/diana-memorial-playground">Peter Pan themed playground</a> with a pirate ship and beach, created in memory of Diana, Princess of Wales</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>London W2 2UH</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/about-kensington-gardens">Read more</a></div>

Chelsea Physic Garden

<div class='contentField'><p>The oldest botanic garden in London, it houses around 5,000 medicinal, herbal, edible and useful plants.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Curators House, 66 Royal Hospital Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 4HS</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/">Read more</a></div>

Brompton Cemetery

<div class='contentField'><p>A celebration of the high tide of the British Empire and commercial prosperity. It contains memorials to the great and the good including more Victoria Cross holders than anywhere else in the world and over 2,000 Chelsea Pensioners, and is a haven for wildlife.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Fulham Rd, Kensington, London SW10 9UG</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/brompton-cemetery">Read more</a></div>

Kensal Green Cemetery

<div class='contentField'><p>This was the UK’s first purpose built cemetery. It was designed as park with graveled carriage drives and smaller paths to stroll along, and contains many ornate mausoleums.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Harrow Rd, London W10 4RA</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.kensalgreen.co.uk/">Read more</a></div>

Michelin Building

<div class='contentField'><p>Former UK headquarters of the tyre company decorated with large stained glass windows and decorative tiles.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>81 Fulham Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 6RD</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://theargyllclub.com/office-locations/michelin-house">Read more</a></div>

Holy Trinity Sloane Square

<div class='contentField'><p><span lang="">A masterpiece of the Arts and Crafts movement.</span></p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Sloane St, Belgravia, London SW1X 9BZ</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.holytrinitysloanesquare.co.uk/">Read more</a></div>

Crosby Hall

<div class='contentField'><p>The only surviving Medieval merchant’s house in London. Once the home of Richard III, as Duke of Gloucester, later owned by Sir Thomas More. The hall was moved, stone by stone, from Bishopsgate to Chelsea in 1910 to make way for development. It is now a private residence.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, London SW3 5BB</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1358160">Read more</a></div>

Carlyle's House

<div class='contentField'><p>The former home of the Victorian historian and writer Thomas Carlyle. The house contains original furnishings, books, pictures and personal items. Open 2 March – 3 November in 2019.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>24 Cheyne Row, Chelsea, London SW3 5HL</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/carlyles-house">Read more</a></div>

Albert Bridge

<div class='contentField'><p><span lang="">London’s prettiest bridge, particularly at night.</span></p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Albert Bridge, London SW11 4PL</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/parking-transport-and-streets/your-streets/streetscape/street-projects/albert-bridge-restoration">Read more</a></div>

Trellick Tower

<div class='contentField'><p><span lang="">Erno Goldfinger’s iconic Brutalist apartment block.</span></p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>5 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PA</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1246688">Read more</a></div>

Kensington Central Library

<div class='contentField'><p>The Borough’s main public library provides extensive facilities and services including large local studies and biography sections. It holds regular events and activities and provides free internet and WiFi.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>12 Phillimore Walk, Kensington, London W8 7RX</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries">Read more</a></div>

Chelsea Library

<div class='contentField'><p>In addition to the expected services and facilities this library has co-working space and an extensive costume and fashion collection reflecting the major fashion movements that started in the King’s Road. It is the only library in the borough open on Sundays.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EZ</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries">Read more</a></div>

Brompton Library

<div class='contentField'><p>In addition to the expected services and facilities, the library has community space available for hire and co-working space for small businesses.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>210 Old Brompton Rd, Kensington, London SW5 0BS</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries">Read more</a></div>

Kensal Library

<div class='contentField'><p>Much used by children, this is a true community library holding popular health and hobbies events as well as offering public internet and WiFi.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>20 Golborne Rd, London W10 5PF</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries">Read more</a></div>

North Kensington Library

<div class='contentField'><p>London’s oldest library has a thriving children’s library on the lower ground floor, a dedicated IT suite on the first floor with study space, all the expected library services, and a well-used space for community organisations and adult learning.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>108 Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill, London W11 1PZ</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries">Read more</a></div>

Notting Hill Gate Library

<div class='contentField'><p>Just opposite the start of the Portobello Road market, the library offers a selection of services and facilities, free internet and WiFi, and limited study space. There is co-working space in the basement.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>1 Pembridge Square, Notting Hill, London W2 4EW</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/libraries">Read more</a></div>