Libraries
From the extensive collections of Kensington Central Library and Chelsea Library, to smaller community libraries.
Kensington Central Library
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.
Chelsea Library
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.
Brompton Library
In addition to the expected services and facilities, the library has community space available for hire and co-working space for small businesses.
Kensal Library
Much used by children, this is a true community library holding popular health and hobbies events as well as offering public internet and WiFi.
North Kensington Library
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.
Notting Hill Gate Library
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.
Refine by
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>
Japan House
<div class='contentField'><p>A Japanese cultural centre on Kensington High Street, which is part of a global project led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering an exhibition gallery, events space, a Japanese restaurant and thoughtfully curated Japanese products.</p>
<p>Image © Lee Mawdsley</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>101-111 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5SA</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/">Read more</a></div>
Royal Hospital Chelsea
<div class='contentField'><p>Home of the Chelsea Pensioners, the famous scarlet-coated veteran soldiers, for over 300 years. The Hospital is a grade I listed heritage site designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is open to visitors.</p>
<p>Image © Royal Hospital Chelsea</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea Bridge Rd, Belgravia, London SW3 4SR</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/visit">Read more</a></div>
Chelsea Old Town Hall
<div class='contentField'><p>Grade II listed late Victorian building now used for a range of events and home to the iconic Chelsea Registry Office.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EE</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk">Read more</a></div>
French Institute
<div class='contentField'><p>Encourages cross-cultural exchange and presents the best of French culture, offering: French courses, film screenings, library collections, kids activities, festivals, talks and concerts.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>17 Queensbery Pl, Kensington, London SW7 2DT</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.institut-francais.org.uk/">Read more</a></div>
Ismaili Centre
<div class='contentField'><p>Home to the UK Ismaili Muslim community. In addition to a central prayer hall the centre also hosts exhibitions.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>1-7 Cromwell Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 2SL</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://the.ismaili/ismailicentres/london/architecture-london">Read more</a></div>
Kensington Town Hall
<div class='contentField'><p>Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the main Council Building is used for conferences and events as well as Council business.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Hornton St, Kensington, London W8 7NX</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/">Read more</a></div>
St Mary Abbots
<div class='contentField'><p>Kensington’s ‘cathedral’ has the tallest church steeple in London, in addition to daily worship there are weekly concerts and regular talks and events.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 4LA</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.smaw8.org/">Read more</a></div>
The Brompton Oratory
<div class='contentField'><p>Home to the Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri in London, a community of priests founded in the sixteenth century. The Oratory also serves as a parish church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RP</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.bromptonoratory.co.uk/#about">Read more</a></div>