London/South Kensington-Chelsea

This district is defined as the southern part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBK & C), from the Thames in the south to Kensington High Street in the north, also taking in Hyde Park in the east and the area around Kensington Olympia in the west. It includes the area south of the Royal Parks commonly known as High Street Kensington and South Kensington west to Earl's Court and Olympia and south to West Brompton, Sloane Square and Chelsea. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens combine to form the largest green space in metropolitan London and provide a real oasis in the heart of this vast city.
South Kensington hosts four of London's largest and finest museums, its oldest and one of its most famous concert hall, and is home to the venerable Imperial College. High Street Kensington leads to a long line of shops and department stores, offering a less hectic version of Oxford Street, and very upmarket stores in Knightsbridge. Sloane Street connects Knightsbridge to Chelsea via Sloane Square and is lined with luxury brand boutiques.
Chelsea is an extensive riverside area of London that extends broadly from Sloane Square in the east to the World's End pub in the west and down to the River Thames. The King's Road marks the main thoroughfare of Chelsea.
The district contains the second largest population of American immigrants in the United Kingdom, many of whom work in the financial sector in the City, while others are connected to institutions such as the American International University, which has a campus just off High Street Kensington. Many local shops, from convenience stores to supermarkets, stock American products in their ethnic food sections. South Kensington is sometimes called the "21st arrondissement" because the number of French expatriates living there would make London the sixth largest French city. The community results in many French cafés, delicatessens and other businesses in the area. Knightsbridge is known for its Russian and Arab populations, with the accompanying restaurants and institutions they bring.
The whole of the district contains some of the most expensive residential property in the world but is a little more downmarket towards its western edges.

Albertopolis

Following the success of the Great Exhibition of 1851, of which he was a key figure, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, proposed a cultural hub to continue the Exhibition's work and to promote both arts and sciences together in one area. Profits from the Exhibition were used to purchase land, which was then in the countryside, and begin an ambitious plan for the area. The prince was so influential that the project became known as "Albertopolis", first in mockery and later with affection. The first building, the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum), opening in 1857. Today Albertopolis, loosely the area around Exhibition Road, contains a collection of world-class museums, universities, conservatories, and other cultural institutions. Its tradition for innovation continues: in 2012 Exhibition Road was redeveloped and converted into a shared space for pedestrians and motorists, with no kerb to separate them.

History of Chelsea

Chelsea's modern reputation as a centre of innovation and influence originated in a period during the 19th century when the area became a veritable Victorian artists' colony: artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, J.M.W. Turner, James McNeill Whistler, William Holman Hunt and John Singer Sargent, as well as writers such as George Meredith, Algernon Swinburne, Leigh Hunt and Thomas Carlyle lived and worked here. A particularly large concentration of artists existed in the area around Cheyne Walk (pronounced Chey-nee) and Cheyne Row, where the pre-Raphaelite movement had its heart.
Following the Second World War, Chelsea, like many other formerly prosperous areas became rather run down and poor. It became prominent once again as an artistic centre, Bohemian district and hot spots for young professionals in the 1960s. The Americans called this period "Swinging London" and the King's Road became the definition of style and fashion and both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones lived in the neighbourhood.
In the 1970s, the "World's End" area of the King's Road was home to Vivienne Westwood's shop ("Sex"), and witnessed the genesis of punk music and style with many Mohawks to be seen on the road against the background of the closed down shops. Thereafter, working class youth culture was priced out of the area and gravitated to Camden, Islington, Ladbroke Grove, Brixton and Brick Lane.
In the 1980s, the rise of the Sloane (archetypally Princess Diana) and the Mohawks gave way to twin set pearls, pink Polo shirts and what an American would call a "preppy". Chelsea seems to have settled into stylish affluence and aspiration.

By Tube

This is a large district, served by a similarly large number of Tube stations, in Zone 1 if not otherwise noted, and three Tube lines:

• Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line) – For Hyde Park.
• Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line) – For Harrods, Harvey Nicholls and other upmarket stores.
• Sloane Square (District and Circle lines) – For King's Road.
• South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines) – For the museums.
• Gloucester Road (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines)
• High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines) – For general shopping and Kensington Gardens.
• Earl's Court (District and Piccadilly lines, Zones 1 and 2) – Interchange with connections to all stations on the District line. Use Earl's Court for budget lodging and step-free tube access to/from Heathrow Airport too.
• Kensington Olympia (District line, Zone 2)
• West Brompton (District line, Zone 2)

By bus

Like most parts of Zone 1 (Central London), this area is well connected by a variety of bus services. Here is a general list of the bus routes serving each major destination in this area:

• South Kensington Museums: 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1
• Knightsbridge: 9, 14, 19, 22, 23, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452, C1
• High Street Kensington: 9, 23, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, 452, C1
• Sloane Square: 11, 19, 22, 137, 170, 211, 319, 360, 452, C1
• King's Road Chelsea: 11, 19, 22, 49, 211, 319
• Earl's Court: 74, 190, 328, 430, C1, C3
• Hyde Park Corner: 2, 9, 14, 16, 19, 22, 23, 36, 38, 52, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 414, 436, C2

The most useful buses for visitors to this area are:

• 9: from Aldwych via Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, and High Street Kensington (to Hammersmith)
• 11: from Liverpool Street Station via the City of London, St. Paul's, Aldwych, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, and Victoria Station serving Sloane Square and King's Road Chelsea (to Fulham)
• 14: from Warren Street Station via Tottenham Court Road, Shaftesbury Avenue/Soho, and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, and Fulham Road (to Fulham and Putney)
• 19: from Finsbury Park and Islington/Angel via Tottenham Court Road, Shaftesbury Avenue/Soho, and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Sloane Square, and King's Road Chelsea (to Battersea)
• 22: from Oxford Circus via Regent Street and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Sloane Square and King's Road Chelsea (to Putney Common)
• 74: from Baker Street via Oxford Street and Marble Arch serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, and Earl's Court (to West Brompton, Fulham, and Putney)
• 211: from Waterloo Station (near South Bank/London Eye) via Westminster and Victoria Station serving Sloane Square and King's Road Chelsea (to Fulham and Hammersmith)
• C1: from Victoria Station serving Sloane Square, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, Earl's Court, and High Street Kensington (to White City/Westfield London)

All of these routes use iconic London red double-deck buses, except C1. They typically operate at least every 10 minutes. The usual TfL fares apply.

Museums

Exhibition Road and Cromwell Road in South Kensington are home to several world class museums and all have free entry, only charging for special temporary exhibitions. They do accept (and encourage) donations if you feel you have enjoyed your visit.
Each of them more than justifies a full day's visit. It's probably more rewarding to spend your time on a relaxed visit to one or perhaps two of the South Kensington museums, giving yourself a chance to breathe in the atmosphere of the institutions and wander through some of the less obvious galleries, than it is to attempt to fit all of them into one day.

• Victoria and Albert Museum

  phone: +44 20 7942-2000
  address: Cromwell Rd
  Named in honour of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert, this museum has existed for over 150 years. It contains a huge collection of decorative arts from all over the world and far back in time, trying to see everything in one day would be exhausting. There are regular exhibitions concentrating on a particular theme from Chinese art to fashion designers. Frequently they put on children's activities and late DJ nights.

• Natural History Museum

  phone: +44 20 7942-5000
  address: Cromwell Rd
  Probably the most popular of all the museums here and a must see for many visitors to London. Home to at least 70 million specimens from across all the life sciences. It's difficult to say what the most popular exhibit here is; the diplodocus which towers over the entrance hall, the (now slightly tacky-looking) animatronic tyrannasaurs in the dinosaur gallery, or the life-size model blue whale in the mammals gallery. Also well worth a check are the Darwin Centre (book on a free tour to see some of the most interesting, and sometimes gruesome, specimens not on public display); and the studio dedicated to BBC wildlife personality extraordinaire, David Attenborough. The NHM's "Earth Galleries" were once the adjacent Geological Museum, an independent institution until the 1980s, and still located in a separate building with a separate entrance.

• Science Museum

  phone: +44 870 870 4868
  address: Exhibition Rd
  Dedicated to scientific exhibitions and collections bar those related to the life sciences. A number of famous historical machines and inventions are housed here including Stephenson's Rocket. The space exhibits are especially popular. Exhibitions tend to concentrate on explaining scientific principles with working models and there is a strong emphasis on education and attracting children. The Science Museum opened a "Children's Gallery" in the 1930s and it continues to lead the way in this area; now, there are three separate galleries aimed at all ages of younger visitor, from 5 to 16. The museum also runs "Science Nights" whereby children spend an evening learning principles and participating in experiments before spending the night sleeping in the museum with the exhibits. Also houses a vast library of scientific and medical books and journals.

• The Geological Museum

  address: Cromwell Rd
  This venerable old institution was absorbed by the neighbouring Natural History Museum in 1985 but still has something of a separate identity. Unsurprisingly, devoted to all things geological with especially popular exhibits on vulcanology and earthquakes and fossils of all types. Very popular with kids and often under-rated.

• National Army Museum

  address: Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT

Parks and gardens

This area, while urban, is not lacking in green areas. Many residential squares have gated gardens in their centre, although only the residents will usually have keys to access them. Many other green areas will be open, however. The dominant green area is, of course, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These royal parks are contiguous and often mistaken for just one park, called Hyde Park, although they are officially separate and have different opening hours. Together they are one of the larger metropolitan parks on Earth and cover more land than some small countries. The parks are popular for urban bird-watching as they hold over a hundred different species, from common urban birds and waterfowl to kestrals, owls and parrots. Flocks of the latter, ring-necked parakeets, have established themselves throughout London, although no one knows from where they came (one theory is that they escaped from the filming of The African Queen in 1950, although there are records of urban parrots as far back as the Victorian period).

• Chelsea Physic Garden

  phone: +44 20 7352-5646
  address: 66 Royal Hospital Rd SW3 4HS
  Garden founded by apothecaries in the 17th century to the medicinal properties of plants. It was only opened to the public in the 1980s when it became a charity. The heat-sink caused by its thick walls, combined with the general waste heat of London itself, keeps the garden much warmer than it would otherwise be at this latitude. Due to this, the garden contains the world's most northerly example of a grapefruit outside of a greenhouse, and the largest fruiting olive tree in the country. The collection contains thousands of different plant species.

• Hyde ParkThe eastern half of the twin parks. Of the two, Hyde Park is open for longer and has more open, unwooded land; it is often host to concerts, fun fairs and events.

• Diana Memorial Fountain

• Rose Garden

• The SerpentineThe Serpentine is a small, artificial lake within Hyde Park which contains a range of waterfowl and fish. It was first made by damming the River Westbourne but it is now fed by three boreholes. The western end of the lake is actually in Kensington Gardens, in which it is called The Long Water.

• Speakers CornerBy custom, in this far northeastern corner of the park (by the Marble Arch Tube stop near Mayfair), people are free to say whatever they like about who and whatever they like. Worth checking out to see the lunatics and exhibitionists spouting off.

Kensington GardensThe western half of the twin parks and the half that is often forgotten in public consciousness. It tends to be more formal than its neighbouring park and it closes at dusk, while Hyde Park is open until midnight.

• Albert MemorialHighly detailed, Gothic-style monument to commemorate Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. Opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

• Diana Memorial PlaygroundDiana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

• Elfin OakA 900-year-old tree stump carved and painted to feature elves and small animals.

• Italian Gardens

• Kensington Palace

  phone: +44 20 3166-6000
  address: Palace Green, W8 4PX
  A royal residence which is still used by some members of the ruling family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a magnificent Regency period court drawing room and contains some impressive paintings including a Van Dyke. Also a nice restaurant on site called The Orangery.

• The Round PondA pond that is round. Deckchairs can be hired for £1.50. The park benches and grassy areas are free.

• The Serpentine GalleryA nice free art gallery, near to the Serpentine. Each summer a pavilion next to the gallery is designed by a different architect, which then houses various cultural events.

Kensington Roof Gardens

phone: +44 20 7937-7994

address: 99 High Street Kensington, W8 5SA

High above High Street Kensington is an unlikely place to find ornamental gardens. Nevertheless, three themed gardens can be found here: a Spanish Garden, a Tudor Garden and an English Woodland, covering 1.5 acres of rooftop. They were created in the 1930s by the owners of what was then the department store underneath. You can gaze at a stream and its resident flamingos while looking over the rooftops of Kensington. A restaurant and nightclub can also be found up here.

Roper's Garden

address: Cheyne Walk

Small green area, with benches, by the Thames. Created in the crater of a World War II bomb site, it contains an ancient cherry tree to commemorate the visit of Gunji Koizumi, the man who introduced judo to the country. Named after Margaret Roper née More, to whom the area was a gift from her father, Sir Thomas More, on her marriage to William Roper.

Blue plaques

Blue plaques mark the buildings in which the notable people of the past lived and worked. The scheme started in London in 1866 and continues to this day. There are hundreds of houses and other buildings marked in this way in the area; the following are just a sample of those that can be viewed. This can be a pleasant way to look around the city, something to see on your journey, or the focus of a pilgrimage to see the historic sites related to a specific figure.

• Alfred Hitchcock's House

  address: 153 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TQ
  A plaque erected in 1999 marks the house where the famous director lived from 1926 to 1939.

• Bram Stoker's House

  address: 18 St Leonard’s Terrace, SW3 4QG
  In 1977, the London Dracula Society unveiled the plaque that marks the home of the author of Dracula.

• Mark Twain's House

  address: 23 Tedworth Square, SW3 5DR
  The American writer lived at this address from 1896 to 1897.

• Oscar Wilde's House

  address: 34 Tite Street, SW3 4JA
  The famous Victorian writer lived at this house.

• Rosalind Franklin's House

  address: Donovan Court, Drayton Gardens, SW10 9QS
  One of the discoverers of the DNA molecule lived here in the 1950s until her death in 1958.

• T.S. Elliot's House

  address: 3 Kensington Court Gardens, W8 5QE
  The poet lived and died in this house.

• Sir William Gilbert's House

  address: 39 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JU
  One half of the comic opera writing team Gilbert & Sullivan lived here.

• Sir Winston Churchill's House

  address: 28 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5DJ
  One of the UK's greatest prime ministers lived and died at this address.

Churches and buildings

• Billionaries' RowOne of the most expensive residential streets on the planet! Most of the buildings here are embassies or ambassadorial residences but the rest of the mansions belong to some of the richest people in the country (or elsewhere). For added historical value, during World War II, the current Norwegian embassy was where King Haakon VII led the Norwegian government-in-exile (commemorated by a blue plaque) and MI19's "London Cage" prisoner-of-war facility was located here. There is no public right of way but the Crown Estate allow pedestrians and cyclists to use the street; photography is not permitted.

• Brompton Oratory

  phone: +44 20 7808-0900
  address: Brompton Rd, SW7 2RP
  Beautiful Italianate church created during the Catholic revival of the 19th century.

• Carlyle's House

  phone: +44 20 7352-7087
  address: 24 Cheyne Row, SW3 5HL
  Now preserved by the National Trust, this 18th-century house was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 and now houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.

• Chelsea Old Church

  phone: +44 20 7795-1019
  address: 64 Cheyne Walk, SW3 5LT
  This church on the bank of the Thames was built in 1157. It is the only church in London with chained books. A statue of Thomas More sits in front of the church.

• Crosby Hall

  address: Cheyne Walk, SW3 5AZ
  All that remains of a Tudor mansion built in the City of London. In 1910, to avoid demolition to make way for a bank, it was moved brick by brick and reassembled at Cheyne Walk. It is now a Grade II

* listed building and possibly the largest private home in the capital.

• Holy Trinity Church

  phone: +44 20 7730 7270
  address: Sloane St, SW1X 9BZ
  From their website: "In common with the aims of the Arts & Crafts Movement, the architect of Holy Trinity Church, John Dando Sedding, believed that a church should be 'wrought and painted over with everything that has life and beauty—in frank and fearless naturalism.'" Naturalism or not, the church is known as an ornate building.

• Royal Hospital

  phone: +44 20 7881-5516
  address: Royal Hospital Rd
  A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and include the museum (which can be visited separately) whose exhibits contain military memorabilia donated by Chelsea Pensioners over the years.

Other

• Brompton Cemetery

  address: entrances on Old Brompton Road and Fulham Rd
  One of the "Magnificent Seven" old cemeteries in London. Graves range from plain to ornate and the site can be a tranquil place to walk amid the bustle of the city. It was opened in 1840 and is still a working cemetery, although it was closed for a some time in the late 20th century. Can be nice, if morbid, for an afternoon stroll, especially as a route (and cycle route) between Old Brompton Road and Fulham Road.

• Penfold Post Box

  address: Kensington High Street, W8
  One of the few Victorian hexagonal Penfold post boxes still in use. Although there are others in this district, this one in notable for a narrow escape during Worl War II: minor bomb damage can still be seen in the base of the pillar.

• Police Box

  address: Earls Court Road, outside Earl's Court station
  This police box was intended as part of a 1990s high-tech revival of the 1920s-60s police box system. The experiment failed and this is now the only police box left in London. It remains as street furniture and is quite popular with fans of the TV series Doctor Who.

• Royal College of Art

  phone: +44 20 7590-4444
  address: Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU
  A Victorian school, now a university with a mission to advance knowledge of the fine arts. Exhibitions are common. Times and admission charges vary but can often be free, although visitors may need to book tickets to certain events.

• Royal College of Music

  phone: +44 20 7591-4300
  address: Prince Consort Rd, SW7 2BS
  Victorian school of music created on a suggestion by Prince Albert. It is still an active school but visitors may be more interested in its museum and performances. The free museum houses instruments dating back to the 15th century with several unusual pieces. Performances—by students, professors or visitors—are often free as well.

• Saatchi Gallery

  address: Duke Of York's HQ, King's Road, SW3 4RY
  Prestigious contemporary art gallery worth a visit.

• Watch football: Chelsea FC aren't in Chelsea but a short walk west of it. Their home ground Stamford Bridge is just west of Brompton Cemetery, which puts it over the boundary into Fulham.

• Boating on the SerpentineRowing boats and pedalos are available for hire from Easter until the end of October.

• Earl's Court Exhibition Centre

  phone: +44 20 7385-1200
  address: Warwick Road, SW5 9TA
  Hosts frequent conventions, exhibitions, concerts and events. Located on the site used for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the 19th century. It has two halls, Earl's Court One and Earl's Court Two. See it while you can; the site has controversially been scheduled to be demolished and redeveloped. Times and prices vary.

• Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre

  phone: +44 20 7262-3474
  address: South Carriage Drive, W2 2UH
  Contains six hard tennis courts, two mini tennis courts, a six-rink lawn bowling green and a nine-hole putting green; plus support facilities such as changing rooms and a café. Bowling greens, tennis courts and nearby football pitches can be booked. Putting is mostly drop-in only (as is some tennis). Some equipment can be rented from the sports centre.

• Institut Francais du Royaume-Uni

  phone: +44 20 7871-3515
  address: 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT
  The first in a worldwide network of institutes to promote and present the best of French culture. The site includes a café-restaurant, a cinema showing French films, the largest French library in the UK and a French language centre, and runs other events. Set in a Kensington block that also includes the French consulate and a French school.

• Le BistrotFrench café.

• Children's Library

  phone: +44 20 7871-3550
  address: 32 Harrington Rd, SW7 2DT

• Ciné Lumière

  phone: +44 20 7838-2144
  address: 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT
  Watch French-language movies in the Institute's cinema.

• Language Centre

  phone: +44 20 7871-3535
  address: 13 Cromwell Pl, SW7 2JN
  Learn French or take courses on French culture from France's official teaching centre in the UK. Intensive courses can be completed in just two weeks, general courses are closer to 10–15 weeks.

• La Médiathèque

  phone: +44 20 7871-3545
  address: 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT
  The largest French library in the UK. Read and borrow French books from the library. Non-members are free to browse; members can borrow books.

London Cru

phone: +44 20 7381-7871

address: 21/27 Seagrave Road

Urban winery based in West London run by a team of experts that include international winemaker Gavin Monery and Master of Wine student Mark Andrew. The winery offers public tours, wine tastings, courses, and custom winemaking.

Olympia London

phone: +44 20 7385-1200

address: Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX

Another exhibition centre, owned by the same company as Earl's Court Exhibition Centre. It hosts the same range of conventions, fairs and events. Olympia has four halls and a conference centre, with a mix of trade shows and public events, so there is almost always something to see. Times and prices vary.

Royal Albert Hall

phone: +44 20 7589-8212

address: Kensington Gore

Since opening in 1871 as part of Queen Victoria's memorial to her late husband it has become one of the most famous venues in the UK, and remains one of London's main concert halls. It still mainly caters for a classical audience, but it also hosts many other varied events including the odd contemporary rock/pop acts, and its corridors are sometimes used as exhibition spaces. During July–September the Albert Hall hosts the BBC Proms. This British national institution is a series of nightly classical concerts with world-leading performers for which standing tickets can be bought on the door on the night for as little as £5.

Royal Court Theatre

phone: +44 20 7565-5000

address: Sloane Sq, SW1W 8AS

Britain's leading national theatre company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world.

The Troubadour

phone: +44 20 7370-1434

address: 263-265 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 9JA

Famous bohemian cafe with a pleasing menu of hearty dishes such as fishcakes, burgers and delicious filling salads. Good wine list too and lovely leafy garden out the back. There is a great little music venue downstairs and even accommodation on the top floor. As a music venue, the Troubadour has been programming acoustic music since the 1950s when Bob Dylan et al took to the stage. It's bigger now and has gone electric but is still one of the best venues in London for up and coming talent. The musical spectrum is broad. On any night you might catch solo singer-songwriters or full bands. No heavy rock or covers bands though. Amongst the acts hosted have been, Adele, Laura Marlin, Jamie T and The Kleeks. There is a good menu too but arrive early to get a table. It can get very busy. Well worth a visit.

• The Duke of York Square Shopping ComplexHas a range of spacious branches of popular fashion chains, but lacks some of the road's character, however the small adjoining public space of Duke of York square is a welcome place for a rest between shopping, and a popular place to hang out.

• Harrods

  phone: +44 20 7730-1234
  address: 87–135 Brompton Rd SW1X 7XL
  The most famous store in London, favoured by the British establishment and owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed. Fairly strict dress code so do not turn up looking like a backpacker and expect to gain entrance.

• Harvey Nichols

  phone: +44 20 7235-5000
  address: 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ
  Large department store full of designer goods and an excellent cafe.

• The Hummingbird Bakery

  phone: +44 20 7584-0055
  address: 47 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3JP
  A nice little bakery with wonderful cupcakes. Try their red velvet cupcake that is incredibly popular with the locals.

• H.R. Owen Ferrari London

  phone: +44 20 3053-0760
  address: 125 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3RP
  If the expensive clothes and products in other shops don't appeal, expensive cars are also available in this area.

• King's RoadOne of London's smartest fashion streets, having evolved from the cutting-edge of bohemia and innovative fashion in the 1960s to a more genteel place to indulge in retail therapy, albeit with a notable presence of trendy young Londoners (including many so called Sloane Rangers). It is a very attractive street that retains the atmosphere of a small town whilst being in the heart of a huge city. There is a huge range of fashion stores from upmarket chains to one-off boutiques, as well as variety of other shops, complimented by cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. There is an obvious affluence to the road without any bling or snobbiness. King's Road stretches south-west from here for miles, though the best of the shopping is in the first mile.

• Lamborghini London

  phone: +44 20 7589-1472
  address: 27 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3TD
  If you fancy a new car and have a lot of spare change, it might be worth a look. Poorer people are allowed to look at the shiny cars too.

• Sloane StreetLined with high-end designer label stores, such as Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, and many more.

• Whole Foods Market

  phone: +44 20 7368-4500
  address: 63-97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE
  The Kensington branch of this American chain of natural food supermarkets is the largest in the world.

• The Carnival Store

  phone: +44 20 7603 2918
  address: 95 Hammersmith Road, W14 0QH
  Store stocking an extensive range of budget to mid-range costumes, masks and acessories, staff are very approachable and prepared to answer queries.

Budget

Despite being a very upmarket and affluent area, there are still many places to eat on a budget, especially on the high street areas by the stations, each of which has its share of chain restaurants and fast food outlets. Gastropubs are another eating options, which can be found in the Drink section.

• La Nuova Delizia

  phone: +44 20 7376-4111
  address: 63-65 Chelsea Manor Street, SW3 5RZ
  Quaint Italian bistro offers 18 different pizzas, three risottos, various pasta dishes, gnocchi and other traditional Italian entrees. It’s top-notch food at a great value.

• Little Japan

  phone: +44 20 7591-0207
  address: 32 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LT
  Japanese restaurant and take-away between South Kensington station and the museums.

• McDonald's

  phone: +44 20 7937-3705
  address: 108-110 Kensington High St, W8 4SG
  This is just a McDonald's, pretty much the same as any other, but this one's easily remembered location and hours of operation make it a useful to know about.

• Pop's

  phone: +44 20 7835-1442
  address: 272-274 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9HR
  Simple and straight-forward "greasy spoon" café for a good all-day breakfast or other budget meal.

Mid-range

• Beirut Express

  phone: +44 20 7591-0123
  address: 65 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3JS
  Part of the local Maroush chain of Lebanese restaurants based in Edgware Rd.

• Da Mario

  phone: +44 20 7584 9078
  address: 15 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PP
  Popular family-run ristorante with great pizzas and Italian dishes. Come early or get on the waiting list or book in advance.

• Fifth Floor Café

  phone: +44 20 7823-1839
  address: 109-125 Knightsbridge
  The aptly name café on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols. A roof terrace gives a view of the rooftops of Knightsbridge.

• Firezza

  phone: +44 20 7370-2255
  address: 116 Finborough Rd, SW10 9ED
  Takeaway pizza isn't unusual but this local company produces not only gourmet pizza but square, metric, gourmet pizza. Take out and delivery only.

• Great India Tandoori

  phone: +44 20 7730-2207
  address: 79 Lower Sloane St, SW1 W8DA
  One of Chelsea's most popular restaurants. Established by Satir Ahmed in 1960.

• Kensington Creperie

  phone: +44 20 7589-8947
  address: 2 Exhibition Rd
  A small, cute, often crowded cafe and authentic French creperie, popular with the local French and various other South Ken expats. Given its location near the tube, it is a fine place to sit outside and watch the fashionable young people pass by.

• La Bouchee

  phone: +44 20 7589-1929
  address: 56 Old Brompton Rd, SW7 3DY
  Decent, reasonably priced French Restaurant.

• The Pig's Ear

  phone: +44 20 7352-2908
  address: 35 Old Church St, SW3 5BS
  Lively, old-world style pub/restaurant on Old Church Street. Acclaimed bistro fare and a wide selection of wines by the glass.

• Sole Luna Pizza & Pasta

  phone: +44 20 7581-0098
  address: 32-34 Thurloe St, SW7 2LT
  This Italian bistro-style restaurant offers good food but the prices are too high compared to the rather bad service. The waiters, which change often, are not very attentive and almost yank the plates and glasses from the customer as soon as they have finished. The restaurant can be very busy due to its location, but the service leaves a lot to be desired.

Splurge

• Babylon

  phone: +44 20 7368-3993
  Set amid Kensington Roof Gardens, seven floors above High Street Kensington station with a view over the city.

• Bibendum

  phone: +44 20 7581-5817
  address: 81 Fulham Rd, SW3 6RD
  Café, restaurant and oyster bar in Michelin House, an ornately tiled art nouveau building which belies the fact that it used to be a garage, albeit one catering to the few rich patrons who could afford an automobile in Edwardian London. Bibendum is the name of the character most commonly known as the Michelin Man.

• Gordon Ramsay

  phone: +44 20 7352-4441
  address: 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP
  The original, flagship branch of the Ramsay empire. You are highly unlikely to find the man himself behind the stove these days, but this triple Michelin-starred eatery deserves its reputation as one of the finest on the planet. The lunch menu is just about affordable, but getting a reservation is problematic. Dress code applies.

• Tom's Kitchen

  phone: +44 20 7349-0202
  address: 27 Cale Street, SW3 3QP
  Populist spot for Tom Aikens's aptly named restaurant, albeit certainly in the "Splurge" category, the fish and chips make it certainly worth the difficulty getting reservations and the rather high cost.

• Côte Brasserie

  phone: +44 20 7881-5999
  address: 7-12 Sloane Square
  Modern restaurant/bar at the Sloane Square Hotel serving French cuisine. Popular lunch place for people working in the area.

Chelsea

The southern area by the river has had a bohemian reputation since the nineteenth century, when it was a famous artists colony. In the 1960s it was part of the Swinging London culture, in the 1970s it was famous for punks, and in the 80s known for rich Sloane Rangers.

• Builders Arms

  phone: +44 20 7349-9040
  address: 13 Britten St, SW3 3TY
  Gastropub near the Royal Marsden Hospital and just off the King's Rd.

• Chelsea Potter

  phone: +44 20 7352-9479
  address: 119 Kings Rd, SW3 4PL
  Traditional pub fare, but when warm outside, best people watching spot around. Also, Aussie and Kiwi barmen solidify the awesome environment here.

• Coopers Arms

  phone: +44 20 7376-3120
  address: 87 Flood St, SW3 5TB
  Great pints, including Peroni on tap. Best Sunday Roast around, and more of a gastropub than a traditional pub.

• Maggie's

  phone: +44 20 7352-8512
  address: 329 Fulham Rd, SW10 9QL
  1980s-themed nightclub. Named after 1980s prime minister Margaret Thatcher, whose speeches can be heard playing in the toilets. At the splurge level of costs, both to get in and at the bar.

• The Phoenix

  phone: +44 20 7730-9182
  address: 23 Smith St, SW3 4EE
  Great pints, tremendous place for a pint on a sunny day. be sure to grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy a cool pint on a hot day here (when not raining in London).

• Queens Head

  phone: +44 20 7589-0262
  address: 27 Tryon St, SW3 3LG
  LGBT traditional pub; real ale and standard pub food separates it from the trendier Kings Rd establishments. Karaoke every other Saturday.

Earls Court–Brompton

The western side of this destination is, in relative terms, the cheaper end of the area. Major urbanisation, and drinking establishments, came with the underground stations in the 1860s.

• Courtfield

  phone: +44 20 7370-2626
  address: 187 Earl's Court Rd, SW5 9AN
  CAMRA-listed gastropub, serving food and a range of beers.

• Drayton Arms

  phone: +44 20 7835-2301
  address: 153 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 0LJ
  A mix of traditional pub and bohemian nightspot. A good range of beer and slightly more upmarket than some other pubs in the area.

• Gloucester Arms

  phone: +44 20 7584-0020
  address: 34 Gloucester Rd, SW7 4RB
  Traditional pub.

• The Prince of Teck

  phone: +44 20 7373-4291
  address: 161 Earl's Court Rd, SW5 9RQ
  Traditional pub downstairs with a dining area on the first floor.

• Troubadour Wines

  phone: +44 20 7341-6341
  address: 267 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 9JA
  This cozy wine bar is a quieter alternative to the buzz next door. With a great selection of wines from around the world, many of which are not available anywhere else in London, this is a peaceful oasis where you can discover delicious and good value wines. Drink in or take home.

• Zetland Arms

  phone: +44 20 7589-3813
  address: 2 Bute St, SW7 3EX
  Traditional pub near South Kensington station.

Knightsbridge–Sloane Square

The eastern side of this destination is the most exclusive. Knightsbridge was constructed in the 19th century, at a time when pubs and beer shops were considered something only frequented by poor people. The owners and designers of Knightsbridge included pubs in the plans, for their servants, but made sure to place them down side streets where they wouldn't spoil the view.

• Admiral Codrington

  phone: +44 20 7581-0005
  address: 17 Mossop St, SW3 2LY
  Gastropub.

• The Antelope

  phone: +44 20 7824-8512
  address: 22 Eaton Terrace, SW1W 8EZ
  Traditional pub with many original features preserved from its Georgian origin.

• The Hour Glass

  phone: +44 20 7581-2840
  address: 279 Brompton Rd, SW3 2DY
  This small, triangular, very easy-going pub just a little away from the main street bustle is a favorite among the locals, above all because the seating inside is designed to prevent overcrowding, but also for its pavement seating and upscale gastropub fare.

This destination has many hotels and accommodation across a range of price points. As with most things in London, cost is often relative to the distance from the centre. For this destination, the hotels around Knightsbridge in the east are more in the splurge range, while those around Earls Court in the west are mostly budget or mid-range. For more splurgey, upmarket hotels, you might want to look at Mayfair-Marylebone. For more budgety, affordable hotels, try either Hammersmith and Fulham or Paddington-Maida Vale.

Hostels

If privacy and luxury are not big concerns, or just not in your price range, these hostels will at least give you a place to sleep for the night.

• The Londonears Hostel

  phone: +44 20 7373-4322
  address: 1 Barkston Gdns, SW5 0ER
  Youth hostel for those willing to sleep in a bunk bed in a dormitory with many others.

• Park House Women's Hostel

  phone: +44 20 7373-2851
  address: 227 Earl's Court Rd, SW5 9BL
  Women only. Single rooms with shared facilities.

Budget

Many of these listings are converted townhouses, often on streets full of other converted townhouses.

• Ambassadors Hotel

  phone: +44 1480 212898
  address: 16 Collingham Rd, SW5 OLX
  Popular three star hotel situated on Collingham Road between Earls Court and Kensington. The hotel offers 140 en-suite rooms, all with modern amenities. Book direct for best rates and low prices.

• 20 Navern Square Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7565 9555
  address: 20 Nevern Square, Earls Court, SW5 9PD
  Overlooks the tranquil gardens of Nevern Square and offers a mix of European and Oriental influences.

• Avonmore Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7603-4296, +44 20 7603-3121
  address: 66 Avonmore Road, W14 8RS

• Chelsea House Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7835-1551
  address: 96 Redcliffe Gdn, SW10 9HH
  The staff is very gentle and helpful. It is clean, and the rooms are all right, they are a bit small, have fridge, a small TV, but no table. The hotel is not nice, but OK. The breakfast is uninteresting, except the coffee, which is awful! But, the tea and the juice are good. It is close to many pubs, cafés and shops. Good place to stay, but lots of traffic.

• easyHotel Earl's Court

  address: 42-48 West Cromwell Rd, SW5 9QL
  Guests can only book an easyHotel on the website and rooms are priced on the basis of the earlier you book, the less you pay.

• Mayflower Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7370 0991
  address: 26-28 Trebovir Road, Earls Court
  The Mayflower Hotel is a boutique Bed and Breakfast hotel in Earls Court in London. The hotel is close to Kensington High Street.

• Exhibition Court Hotel 4

  phone: +44 20 7370-2414
  address: 25 Collingham Pl, SW5 0QF
  Neat and tidy 2-star hotel less than 5 minutes walk from Earls Court tube station. They have a 24-hour front desk. Double rooms with bathroom from around £60 (summer pricing) with basic breakfast included. The rooms are nicer than many of the double rooms in the hostels along Earls Court Rd, for much the same price, although there is no wi-fi internet.

• The Jade

  phone: +44 20 7373-6297
  address: 52 Hogarth Rd, SW5 0PU
  Long-established private 2-star hotel around 2 minutes' walk from Earls Court tube station. Well-heated, double-glazed and secure. Telephone and cable TV in room (Sky News, CNN), free wi-fi and continental breakfast.

• Kensington West

  phone: +44 20 7602-9954
  address: 25 Matheson Road, W14 8SN
  Refurbished 2-star hotel offering 24-hour reception, wireless internet, and flat screen TVs.

• The Lord Jim Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7370-6071
  address: 23-25 Penywern Rd, SW5 9TT
  One of the best hotels on Penywern Road, they have 45 rooms ranging from singles to quads. Breakfast is included, some rooms en suite. There is a TV lounge, a 24-hour concierge, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It is clean and the shared bathrooms are not bad at all.

• Merlyn Court Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7370-1640
  address: 2 Barkston Gdns, SW5 0EN
  Lovely and friendly family run bed and breakfast hotel. Totally no smoking. Located in a quiet Edwardian Garden Square. Bright and clean rooms. Family rooms are available.

• St. Mark Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7373-0060
  address: 4 Barkston Gdns, SW5 0EN
  This hotel offers 25 guest rooms all with private en-suite facilities. Book online for best deals.

Mid-range

• Ashburn Hotel

  address: 111 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DP
  4-star boutique hotel with 38 newly converted (as of 2014) rooms offers continental breakfast, free wifi, AC, and champagne in the evening. Two sets of windows block out road noises effectively.

• Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum

  phone: +44 871 942 9100
  address: 97 Cromwell Rd, Kensington, SW7 4DN
  4-star hotel near Kensington High Street with 906 rooms offering the usual Holiday Inn services

• Kensington House Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7937-2345
  address: 15/16 Prince of Wales Ter, W8 5PQ
  Boutique townhouse rooms and accommodation just off Kensington High Street.

• Montana Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7584-7654
  address: 67/69 Gloucester Rd, SW7 4PG
  Good standard tourist class accommodation in an excellent area.

• NH Harrington Hall Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7396-9696
  address: 5-25 Harrington Gdns, SW7 4JW
  Beautiful old building and useful location, with friendly and welcoming staff.

• Simply Rooms & Suites

  phone: +44 20 3384-4698
  address: 21 Avonmore Road, W14 8RP
  New 4 Star hotel boutique hotel offering high spec bedrooms in an excellent location off Kensington High Street (opened May 2010).

• The Sloane Square Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7896-9988
  address: 7-12 Sloane Sq, SW1W 8EG
  Modern and stylish hotel with good location in Chelsea close to a great array of shops.

Splurge

This destination has some of the most luxurious hotels in the city, if you can afford them.

• The Beaufort Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7584-5252
  address: 33 Beaufort Gdns, SW3 1PP
  A privately owned small boutique hotel close to Harrods and Harvey Nichols offering first class service and contemporary style.

• The Berkeley

  phone: +44 20 7235-6000
  address: Wilton Pl, SW1X 7RL
  Five star luxury hotel. Individually designed suites and rooms. Features Marcus Wareing's restaurant and fine afternoon tea in London at the caramel room.

• Eccleston Square Hotel

  phone: +44 20 3503 0693
  address: 37 Eccleston Square

• Blakes Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7370-6701
  address: 33 Roland Gdns, SW7 3PF
  A fashionable small couture luxury 5-star hotel respected for client privacy.

• 54 Boutique Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7761-4000
  address: 54 Queen's Gate, SW7 5JW
  Across the road from the Natural History Museum.

• Cadogan Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7235-7141
  address: 75 Sloane St, SW1X 9SG
  Cadogan is a classic Edwardian townhouse hotel, provides comfortable elegant five star hotel accommodation and service.

• K+K Hotel George

  phone: +44 20 7598-8700
  address: 1-15 Templeton Pl, SW5 9NB
  154 rooms and free wireless (and wired) internet access. The hotel is also right next door to Earl's Court exhibition center.

• Marriott London Kensington Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7973-1000
  address: 147 Cromwell Rd, SW5 0TH

• myhotel Chelsea

  phone: +44 20 7225-7500
  address: 35 Ixworth Pl, SW3 3QX
  Four star hotel on a quiet residential street on the doorstep of fashionable shops and minutes from South Kensington and King's Rd.

• No. 11 Cadogan

  phone: +44 20 7730-7000
  address: 11 Cadogan Gdns, SW3 2RJ
  This designer hotel and private club is arguably London's finest couture space with its beautiful facilities and impeccable service.

• The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel

  phone: +44 20 7235-8050
  address: 101 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RN
  Five star luxury hotel in a Modernist tower across the road from Harvey Nichols, with views over Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.

There are public phone booths on the main streets throughout this area.

Internet cafés

• Internet Café

  address: Earl's Court Rd

• Global Talk Internet

  phone: +44 20 7584-1277
  address: 42-44 Thurloe St, SW7 2TN

• Kensington Call Shop

  phone: +44 20 7373-0909
  address: 124A Cromwell Rd, SW7 4ET

Libraries

There are three public libraries within this destination, all of which have wi-fi networks available to anyone. They all also have computers available for public use but a library membership card is required to book these machines.

• Brompton Library

  phone: +44 20 7361-3010
  address: 210 Old Brompton Rd, SW5 0BS

• Chelsea Library

  phone: +44 20 7361-3010
  address: Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Rd, SW3 5EZ

• Kensington Central Library

  phone: +44 20 7361-3010
  address: Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX

Emergencies

For medical supplies, there are pharmacies throughout this area. The principal emergency medical facility in this destination is Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, with more facilities in neighbouring areas.

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Urgent Care Centre

  phone: +44 20 3315-8080
  address: 369 Fulham Rd, SW10 9NH
  The Urgent Care Centre offers a walk-in service for minor injuries and illnesses at the hospital's Accident & Emergency Department.

There is one police station in this area. The next closest are in Notting Hill (Notting Hill-North Kensington), Belgravia (Westminster) and Fulham (Hammersmith and Fulham).

• Kensington Police Station

  address: 72 Earl's Court Rd, W8 6EQ

General supplies

The two largest supermarkets within this area are in the western, slightly cheaper area. Most general supplies can be found at either.

• Sainsbury's Superstore

  phone: +44 20 7373-8313
  address: 158a Cromwell Rd, SW7 4EJ
  A small selection of travel supplies, including visitor-to-the-UK power adaptors, can be found in the pharmacy section.

• Tesco Kensington Superstore

  phone: +44 845 677 9388
  address: West Cromwell Rd, W14 8PB
  Larger selection of world foods (for the homesick). Some travel supplies split between the pharmacy and electronics sections.

Your interests may decide your onward journey:

• For more shopping like Sloane St and King's Rd, try Mayfair-Marylebone, which includes Oxford St, Regent St, Bond St, etc.
• For cultural centres like Albertopolis, you want to look at South Bank, home of (amongst others) the National Theatre and the British Film Institute.
• Museums abound in London but one of its other major examples is the British Museum in Bloomsbury.