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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>

BAYSIXTY6

<div class='contentField'><p>This is probably the best skate park in the capital. Operating not-for-profit it runs a skate academy as well as providing top class facilities</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Bay 66, Acklam Road, London W10 5YU</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.baysixty6.com/find-us/">Read more</a></div>

Kensington Leisure Centre

<div class='contentField'><p>Provides an air-conditioned 120 station gym, three pools, spa, fitness studios, sports hall and café.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Silchester Rd, London W10 6EX</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/kensington-and-chelsea/kensington-leisure-centre/facilities">Read more</a></div>

Westway Sports Centre

<div class='contentField'><p>Football pitches, tennis courts, gym, indoor sports facilities and a climbing wall.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>1 Crowthorne Rd, London W10 6RP</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.everyoneactive.com/centre/westway-sports-fitness-centre/">Read more</a></div>

Chelsea Sports Centre

<div class='contentField'><p>Pool, fitness centre and studios, and sports pitches.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea Manor St, Chelsea, London SW3 5PL</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.better.org.uk/leisure-centre/london/kensington-and-chelsea/chelsea-sports-centre">Read more</a></div>

Princess Diana Memorial Playground

<div class='contentField'><p>Adventure playground based around a pirate ship.</p> <p>Image © Royal Parks</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Broad Walk, London W2 4RU</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/kensington-gardens/things-to-see-and-do/diana-memorial-playground">Read more</a></div>

Holland Park Playground

<div class='contentField'><p>The adventure playground is closed for re-design until summer 2019. The new playground will feature a 25m zip wire, ten-person see-saw, 56m hill coaster, 110m of water channels,11-person dragon swinger.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>55 Abbotsbury Rd, Kensington, London W14 8EL</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks/holland-park">Read more</a></div>

Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance Playground

<div class='contentField'><p>Innovative children’s play area.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Big Green Gates North Kensington, 32 Southern Row, London W10 5AN</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/leisure-and-culture/parks/emslie-hornimans-pleasance">Read more</a></div>

Virgin Active Gym

<div class='contentField'><p>Seven studios, a spa, café and lounge.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>3rd Floor, 17A Old Ct Pl, Kensington, London W8 4PL</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.virginactive.co.uk/clubs/kensington">Read more</a></div>

Anytime Fitness Gym Kensington

<div class='contentField'><p><span lang="">Located beneath the Royal Garden Hotel and open 24hrs.</span></p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Royal Garden Hotel, 2-24 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 4PT</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.anytimefitness.co.uk/gyms/uk-0029/london-greater-london-w8-4pt/">Read more</a></div>

Triyoga

<div class='contentField'><p>Classes, treatments, workshops and courses</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>372 King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5UZ</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://triyoga.co.uk/">Read more</a></div>

Clarendon Cross

<div class='contentField'><p>Boutiques, restaurants,&nbsp;pampering and pets</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Clarendon Cross, W11 4AP</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/clarendon-cross" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>

Earl's Court

<div class='contentField'><p>Restaurants, cafes, pubs and fast food take aways. The area is undergoing significant change as the Exhibition Centre is redeveloped.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Earls Court, London SW5 9RF</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://theearlscourtdevelopmentcompany.com/">Read more</a></div>

Notting Hill Gate

<div class='contentField'><p>Boutiques and vintage clothing, antiques, cafes and restaurants.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p><span class="widget-pane-link" jsan="7.widget-pane-link" jstcache="676">London W11 3JS</span></p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/notting-hill-gate" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>

Pavilion Road

<div class='contentField'><p>Artisan food and drink street</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea, London SW1X 0BP</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.inchelsea.co.uk/pavilionroad/">Read more</a></div>

Thackeray Street

<div class='contentField'><p>Eclectic mix of galleries, restaurants, cafes and specialist shops</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Kensington, London W8 5ET</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/thackeray-street" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>

Stratford Road

<div class='contentField'><p>Offering specialist retailers, restaurants and cafes.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Kensington, London W8 6QD</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/stratford-road" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>

Holland Street / Kensington Church Walk

<div class='contentField'><p>Two tucked away streets of tiny boutiques and specialist shops.</p> </div><div class='contentField'><p>Kensington, London W8 4NB</p> </div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/holland-street-kensington-church-walk" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>