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Among the top things to do in Kensington are visiting world-class museums, strolling through royal parks, and uncovering landmarks that showcase rich British heritage. Kensington is an elegant London neighbourhood, known for its Victorian architecture, stylish cafes, and a perfect balance of culture and leisure. Whether you’re admiring design masterpieces at the V&A, finding calm in Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden, or browsing high-end boutiques, Kensington offers a sophisticated experience. It’s a magical place for curious minds, history lovers, and anyone who enjoys combining education with a relaxing stroll through beautiful surroundings.
10 Best Things To Do In Kensington
If you’re planning to explore Kensington, there are plenty of things to do in Kensington, from museums to heritage parks; this elegant London district integrates culture, history, and leisure all around.
1. Explore The Natural History Museum
Photo: Diliff / Wikimedia Commons
Experience one of the most recognisable museums in the world, where science and wonder blend, in Kensington. The Natural History Museum is located in a visually stunning Romanesque building referred to as the “Cathedral of Nature.” Start your visit in Hintze Hall, where a massive 25-foot-long blue whale skeleton, named Hope, hangs from the ceiling. The Dinosaurs Gallery, home to a larger, moving animatronic T Rex and fossil skeletons, is fascinating to visit. The Earth Galleries even include an earthquake simulator and a rapidly spinning large globe.
Highlights: Dinosaur skeletons, Earth Hall, Blue Whale
Timings: 10 AM – 5:50 PM
2. Visit The Victoria And Albert Museum
Everything from art and design to fashion, exploring the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) is one of the most rewarding things to do in Kensington. Established in 1852, the V&A has more than 2.8 million objects and covers more than 5,000 years of history and creativity. Notable objects include the Fashion Gallery, where historical and modern clothing is on display, and the Cast Courts, which are home to giant replicas of Michelangelo’s David and Trajan’s Column. The dazzling Jewellery Gallery has work from ancient civilisations to modern designers.
Highlights: Fashion Gallery, Cast Courts, Jewellery Collection
Timings: 10 AM – 5:45 PM
3. Stroll Through Kensington Gardens
Photo: Txllxt TxllxT / Wikimedia Commons
Kensington Gardens, once the private grounds of Kensington Palace, now offers 265 acres of serene beauty in the heart of London. Begin your visit at the ornate Italian Gardens, then wander to the whimsical Peter Pan Statue tucked among the trees. Art lovers will appreciate the Serpentine Galleries, featuring free contemporary exhibitions year-round. Don’t miss the grand Albert Memorial nearby, or the Diana Memorial Playground with its giant pirate ship for children. Visiting Kensington Gardens is one of the most tranquil and beautiful things to see in Kensington, perfect for peaceful strolls.
Highlights: Italian Gardens, Peter Pan Statue, Serpentine Gallery
Timings: 6 AM – 9:45 PM
4. Tour Kensington Palace
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Kensington Palace is a living royal residence rich in centuries of history, making it a must for anyone wondering what to do in Kensington. Once home to Queen Victoria during her early years, it now houses the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Explore the elegant King’s State Apartments, the Queen’s Gallery of royal portraits, and the touching “Victoria: A Royal Childhood” exhibit. Outside, stroll through the tranquil Sunken Garden, redesigned in memory of Princess Diana. Booking is recommended for a seamless and enriching visit.
Highlights: Royal Apartments, Victoria Exhibition, Sunken Garden
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM
5. Shop At Kensington High Street
Photo: Gary Houston / Wikimedia Commons
Not only is Kensington High Street charming, but it is also an incredibly convenient shopping destination in London. It features a range of shops, including high-street names like Uniqlo and H&M, alongside unique boutiques, home decor, skincare specialists, and everything in between. The famous Whole Foods Market has three levels of organic produce, gourmet products, and amazing things from far and wide. Fashionistas can explore Zara and COS in the area (and nearby department stores), and being able to recharge in cafes like Joe & the Juice or The Ivy Kensington Brasserie is ideal after a hard day’s shopping.
Highlights: Fashion boutiques, Whole Foods Market, cafés
Timings: 9 AM – 6 PM
6. Discover The Design Museum
Photo: Daderot / Wikimedia Commons
A haven for creative thinkers, the Design Museum presents contemporary design in the disciplines of architecture, fashion, graphics, product design, and more. The museum, which is located in a cool, modernist building, has changing exhibitions about everything from sustainable innovation to sneaker culture. There’s usually something interactive, and something is thought-provoking about how design influences our lives. The stable display of the museum, Designer Maker User, invites you to experience the design process and iconic objects first-hand. They also run talks, workshops, and activities for families. It also has its lovely café, gift shop, and fabulous interior.
Highlights: Modern design, architecture, interactive exhibits
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM (Monday-Thursday) & 10 AM – 6 PM (Friday-Sunday)
7. Catch A Performance At Royal Albert Hall
Photo: Johen Redman / Unsplash
The Royal Albert Hall is an architectural wonder and one of the most recognisable venues, hosting benchmark performances since its founding in 1871. The venue has an enormous variety of events, including BBC Proms, classical concerts, rock concerts, ballet, and even screenings of films with orchestras playing the score live, among others. Stepping inside, it will be hard not to look up at the wonderful dome-shaped ceiling and notice the red velvet inside. Visiting one of London’s original halls is something to remember, and one of the best things to do in Kensington.
Highlights: Live performances, Proms, guided tours
Timings: 9 AM – 9 PM
8. Relax At Holland Park & Kyoto Garden
Photo: Piotr Zarobkiewicz / Wikimedia Commons
Hidden away in Kensington, Holland Park is a spacious area of peace and tranquillity with plenty of leafy paths and open lawns, along with a hint of cultural character. The centrepiece of the park is the beautiful Kyoto Garden, a Japanese-style garden with a pond filled with koi fish, stone lanterns, and a waterfall. This area was designed in 1991 to commemorate the UK’s long-term relations with Japan, to allow visitors to find a soul-soothing walk or moment of peace. The park also has areas of woodland, a children’s play area, and even peacocks roaming the grounds.
Highlights: Japanese garden, koi pond, peacocks
Timings: 7:30 AM – 30 minutes before dusk
9. Visit Leighton House Museum
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
Experience a beautiful piece of art and architecture at the Leighton House Museum, which was once home to Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. Tucked away in a quiet Kensington street, the house is renowned for its Arab Hall, a stunning room featuring Islamic tiles, a gold dome, and exquisite mosaics inspired by Leighton’s travels. The interior of the rest of the house combines classical European design with influences that are orientalist and exotic, which makes it very different from other historic houses in London. Visiting this gem is one of the best things to do in Kensington.
Highlights: Arab Hall, Victorian interiors, art exhibits
Timings: 10 AM – 5:30 PM (closed on Tuesdays)
10. Have Afternoon Tea At The Milestone Hotel
Photo: Mike Peel / Wikimedia Commons
For a sophisticated British experience, indulge in afternoon tea at The Milestone Hotel, located just blocks from Kensington Palace. Served in the lavish Park Lounge, this decadent experience includes freshly baked scones served with clotted cream and jam, delicate finger sandwiches, and a rotating selection of seasonal pastries, served with a wide range of fine teas. And in the midst of it all, the setting with wood panelled walls, fireplaces, and views of Kensington Gardens adds a great sense of old-world charm. They also have options for vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free tea.
Highlights: Elegant setting, classic tea service, garden views
Nearest Attractions: Kensington Palace & Gardens, Royal Albert Hall, Portobello Road Market
Kensington is a perfect blend of history, art, nature, and affluent charm, providing for every type of traveller. From famous museums and royal palaces to peaceful parks and beautiful shopping streets, the things to do in Kensington provide a rich, memorable London experience. From a quiet afternoon in Hyde Park to hundreds of years of culture at the V&A, this neighbourhood encourages relaxation and exploration. So, are you ready to do Kensington in a whole new way? Plan your trip with TripXL and discover the hidden gems to get the most out of your visit.
Cover Photo: Uliana Sova / Unsplash
