South Kensington & Chelsea
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South Ken - by Bruno Martins on Unsplash
Description
South Kensington & Chelsea are two of the most famous and affluent neighbourhoods in London, they form part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, alongside Knightsbridge, Kensington and Notting Hill. The area runs south directly from Hyde Park until the Thames. South Kensington is well known to be a cultural centre with its various museums (including the V&A, the National History Museum and the Science Museum) and has many enjoyable residential streets with white stucco buildings and redeveloped mews. Once known as London's bohemian quarter, Chelsea is now one of the most expensive residential and commercial areas in the city with many high-profile foreigners living there.
Access & Transport
Both neighbourhoods are easy to access by road (car and bus) with South Kensington also served by the underground (South Kensington and Gloucester Road stations - Circle, District and Picadilly lines) whilst Chelsea closest station is Sloane Square which sits on its boundary with Belgravia.
Instructions & Recommendations
We would suggest visiting the area and one or two of South Kensington museums before or after a visit to Westminster, Battersea Park (just across the Thames from Chelsea) or Hyde Park. Given the extensive number of restaurant options, we would also recommend either neighbourhood for lunch or dinner - South Ken is also a good breakfast place thanks to its French community and the cafes / bakeries that come with it!
Environmental & Social
It is an urban environment but few high rises with a fair number of green spaces and trees. Neutral from a social perspective, most of the people who work there live somewhere else due to high rent prices.
Conclusion
The South Kensington & Chelsea area is bound to be on your way at some stage, whether you are visiting some of its key museums, crossing Hyde Park or going west from Westminster. It is not a top standalone sight, but for those with more than 4 days in the city, we would highly recommend spending some time walking around and enjoying the beautiful residential architecture, peeking in some random boutique, trying a couple of cafes / restaurants or even one of the pubs. We like it!
Key positive
Great neighbourhoods for a casual stroll
Can be combined with museums and/or touristic highlights in Westminster
Some photogenic streets on a sunny day
Key negative
It is a residential area so some streets may hold little interest
Suitability
Suitable for all ages although younger kids may not take much pleasure in an urban walk. The London pavements and street crossings are not unfriendly to people with mobility issues.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:2h 30m
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo