Kensington Area Guide - Update
The West London borough of Kensington is a prime destination for business travellers. Alongside neighbouring Chelsea, it is renowned as one of the most affluent areas of London, boasting historic monuments scattered throughout its opulent residential neighbourhoods. Kensington abounds with attractions and amenities, including some of the finest museums, parks, luxury shops, and public houses that the city has to offer. If you're planning a business trip to Kensington this year, this guide to the area will help you feel right at home amidst the royalty.
Staying in Kensington
Photos by Rahul Chakraborty, Robert Bye and Vitalijs Barilo on Unsplash
With its ease of access, grand sights, and friendly residential neighbourhoods, it’s no wonder Kensington is one of the most sought-after districts in London. If you’re a business traveller looking for a comfortable stay, SilverDoor offers plenty of serviced apartments in Kensington to meet your needs. If you're seeking family-friendly accommodation, Napier Place is an excellent choice with its spacious three-bedroom setups.
If you’re traveling with a smaller party or alone, Cove Huntingdon House apartments come well equipped with all the amenities you could need in a relaxed and comfortable setting, providing a home away from home experience. For even more ideas on where to stay, be sure to read our guide to The 6 best serviced apartments in Kensington. With a wide range of flexible serviced accommodation options to suit your needs, the SilverDoor Apartments team of experts is here to assist you. Get in touch to make your stay a perfect one.
Serviced Apartment Spotlight: Cove Huntington House
Weather in Kensington
Like much of England, London has a Temperate Marine Climate. This means you can expect consistent seasonal weather, with warm summers reaching an average high of 24°C and chilly winters with average lows of 3°C. It's advisable to pack a flexible range of attire, including warm and woolly garments for the winter months, as well as breathable and lightweight clothing for a comfortable experience during the summer.
Activities in Kensington
Kensington offers a diverse range of activities for business travellers seeking client entertainment, conducting meetings, or enjoying leisurely downtime. Delve into London’s history by visiting Kensington Palace or explore renowned museums like the Victoria & Albert Museum.
Enjoy leisurely strolls in Kensington Gardens or explore outdoor activities in Hyde Park. Don't miss traditional afternoon tea at elegant hotels like The Milestone Hotel, and for ultimate relaxation, why not indulge in spa days at luxurious venues such as The Bulgari Spa.
With a great selection of high-quality restaurants in the area to choose from, those all-important client dinners will be made that bit more special. You can book reservations at Michelin-starred restaurants such as Kitchen W8 and Launceston Place or even opt for private dining experiences at swanky venues such as Chucs’ Café in South Kensington.
Evening entertainment options include attending West End shows at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. Or for something different you could explore guided historical tours to combine business discussions with local insights and history.
No matter what you’re in the mood for Kensington is packed with potential activities ensuring a well-rounded experience for business travellers in a regal setting.
Kensington's Royal Parks
Photo by V2F, Vincent Creton and Micah Kunkle on Unsplash
Amidst the grand architecture of its residential surroundings, Kensington offers an abundance of lush greenery waiting to be discovered in its beautiful Royal Parks. These parks are perfect for daily exercise or simply enjoying a relaxing stroll during your free time or even planning a business lunch at one of the many eateries situated throughout the grounds.
Kensington Gardens
Explore Kensington Gardens, a historic and stunning collection of gardens situated adjacent to Kensington Palace. Originally conceived by Queen Caroline in the 18th Century, the park's Italian-inspired influences provide an ideal setting for those seeking creative inspiration. The lush and tranquil ambiance is certain to sow the seeds of creativity, just as it has for the numerous writers and artists who have found inspiration among the historic tree arches and flowers.
Hyde Park
Journeying across the serpentine lake that separates the Royal Parks you will find the widely known ‘People’s Park’ - Hyde Park. A vast expanse stretching from Kensington to Westminster. Packed with things to see and do from the waterfront pathways populated with wildlife and gorgeous vistas to the quieter more tranquil gardens that can be found to the north of the park.
Museums & Public Buildings
Photos by Claudio Testa on Unsplash and Miles Gower (middle & far right)
Kensington is home to some of the best museums in the world with the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum right on the doorstep and the grand Royal Albert Hall only a short walk away from the south side of Kensington Gardens.
Restaurants & Pubs in Kensington
Kensington offers a delightful array of dining experiences. At The Ivy Kensington Brasserie, savour diverse British and international dishes in an elegant setting. Dishoom Kensington, inspired by Bombay's Irani cafés, serves exquisite Indian cuisine and breakfast delights.
For a Michelin-starred experience, Launceston Place presents seasonal British fare. Meanwhile, the unique Kensington Roof Gardens provides a stunning rooftop dining experience.
When it comes to pubs, The Anglesea Arms offers real ales in a historic setting, while The Elephant & Castle boasts a gastropub vibe with craft beers. The Scarsdale Tavern and The Abingdon offer classic British pub atmospheres, and The Churchill Arms is renowned for its floral exterior and cosy interior.
Transport in Kensington
Being situated in the heart of London means Kensington is part of a well-connected transportation infrastructure. You can easily access the London Underground system via nearby stations such as Gloucester Road, High Street Kensington, and South Kensington. These stations provide swift access to various parts of the city, including popular destinations like the West End and Westminster.
To make your travels even more convenient, consider using an Oyster card, which is accepted on the London Underground, buses, trams, the Docklands Light Railway, London Overground, and some National Rail services.
Additionally, taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available, offering flexible point-to-point transportation solutions for getting from A to B in no time flat.
Accessible transportation is never far away from our serviced apartments in Kensington, making for a convenient and comfortable base for your London stay.
Now that you are familiar with all this prime London location has to offer, be sure to explore our selection of serviced apartments in Kensington to guarantee a relaxing stay, all tailored to your needs. Whether you're relocating or on an extended business trip, SilverDoor will find the perfect corporate housing for you. Get in touch to book today and make your stay in Kensington truly exceptional.
