Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

A restaurant patio with outdoor seating, a lamp post, and a building with arches and a flag.
A large brick building with a central ornate gate and statues on the roof.
A tunnel of green foliage arching over a pathway, with buildings in the background.
A grand hallway with red walls, golden ceiling, and classical paintings.
A formal garden with a central water feature, symmetrical pathways, and a classical building in the background.

From royal parks and themed gardens to free museums, luxury shopping streets and professional soccer, this central borough is packed with popular attractions.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is among the most luxurious of the 32 districts of Greater London. Visit superb galleries and museums, which occupy majestic landmarks in the district’s affluent neighbourhoods. Shop for high-end fashion and enjoy London’s renowned park life when you visit the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.

Start with a stroll down Kensington High Street, a busy avenue lined with brandname stores and upmarket boutiques. Browse interesting art exhibitions at the Thackeray Gallery and The Mosaic Rooms. Kensington Gardens is one of the Royal Parks and boasts lush lawns, Kensington Palace and the Serpentine Gallery. Pathways connect the garden to Hyde Park, a popular spot for boating, picnics and live music.

In South Kensington you’ll find some of London’s finest free museums. Learn about dinosaurs, the animal kingdom and natural phenomena at the Natural History Museum. Play with interactive exhibits at the Science Museum and admire displays of art and design at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Royal Albert Hall is one of England’s most prestigious concert halls.

Chelsea exudes style and elegance and its King’s Road buzzes with design stores, fashion outlets and galleries. Appreciate contemporary art at the Saatchi Gallery and retrace military history at the National Army Museum. Attend the Chelsea Flower Show at Ranelagh Gardens and peruse botanical displays at Chelsea Physic Garden.

Join the fans of Chelsea Football Club for an English Premier League soccer match at Stamford Bridge stadium. Adjacent to here is Brompton Cemetery, one of London’s Victorian-era Magnificent Seven cemeteries.

The grassy lawns, woodland and sports facilities of Holland Park present opportunities for relaxation and recreation. See a slice of Japan at the Kyoto Garden and enjoy open-air theatre at Opera Holland Park. The Design Museum celebrates modern design and Leighton House Museum has 70-plus oil paintings by Lord Leighton.

Overground trains and the Circle, District and Piccadilly underground lines travel through the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Get a feel for the district’s splendour by walking between attractions via its graceful streets.

Stay near popular Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea attractions

A historic building with ornate architecture and storefronts labeled 'Harrods'.

Harrods

8.2/10 (1,672 reviews)
During your trip to London, you can search for that perfect souvenir at Harrods. Discover the acclaimed art galleries and notable monuments in this vibrant area.
See properties

Activities

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional River Cruise

City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras

AU$58
per adult
76% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing London Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour + Bookable Extras
The London Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions

The London Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions

AU$172
per adult
74% of travellers recommend
The London Pass®: Access 100+ Attractions
Westminster Abbey in London

Westminster Abbey Tickets

AU$52
per adult
86% of travellers recommend
Westminster Abbey Tickets
See all activities in London

Our pick of the best Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Hotel Deals

Royal Garden Hotel

Royal Garden Hotel

5 out of 5
2-24 Kensington High Street London England
The price is AU$568 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$568
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,903 reviews)
"The clean staff were wonderful and all the staff would acknowledge you when they passed. Truly wonderful staff with the exception of the gentleman that checked us in and out. Everyone else was extremely pleasant and ready to assist. The gentleman that made our omelets on the weekend was amazing. ..."

Reviewed on 21 July 2026

Royal Garden Hotel
100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton

5 out of 5
100 Queens Gate London England
The price is AU$325 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$325
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this luxury hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"Nice location, overall pretty good rooms. Staff was helpful."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

100 Queen's Gate Hotel London Kensington, Curio Collection by Hilton
Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
Scarsdale Place London England
The price is AU$155 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$155
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
7.8/10 Good! (3,784 reviews)
"Stay here a lot when I am in London. Very close to the Tube at High Street Kensington. Nice rooms, great amenities and excellent customer service."

Reviewed on 21 July 2026

Copthorne Tara Hotel London Kensington
The Drey - Kensington, Earl's Court

The Drey - Kensington, Earl's Court

3 out of 5
1 Barkston Gardens London England
The price is AU$158 per night from 9 Aug to 10 Aug
AU$158
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and an in-room espresso maker. Popular attractions Royal Albert Hall and Hyde Park are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (547 reviews)
"The room size was brutal. The were two bunks with a small walkway nothing more. No room for luggage, no where to sit. The bathroom door was frosted glass so you could see people using the washroom. Bedding was never changed in the 8 days we were there. No lobby, just a small desk by the door with ..."

Reviewed on 20 July 2026

The Drey - Kensington, Earl's Court
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington

4 out of 5
140 Gloucester Road London England
The price is AU$321 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$321
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
The Bailey's Hotel London Kensington
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington

4 out of 5
68-86 Cromwell Road London England
The price is AU$241 per night from 26 July to 27 July
AU$241
26 July - 27 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in London. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8/10 Very good! (1,343 reviews)
"Small, clean room fine for a night. Decent Aircon that could be adjusted to a low and quiet setting to keep the room cool overnight. Bathroom was a little compact but very functional. Though we are quite small people. No plug outlets at the bedside is annoying. Didn't use the bar or have food as ..."

Reviewed on 18 July 2026

Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
See all 3,263 properties in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Our guide on where to stay in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Find the best Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea areas for the activities you enjoy most.
A waterfront with modern buildings, including a curved structure with glass windows and a bridge overhead.

Canary Wharf

Canary Wharf is highly notable for its fantastic nightlife, and you might want to visit top sights like Crossrail Place Roof Garden and Museum of London Docklands. See more of London by jumping on the metro at Heron Quays DLR Station or Canary Wharf Underground Station.

A modern glass building, the Shard, and the Tower Bridge in the background during sunset.

London City Centre

Known for its fascinating museums, stunning river views and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in London City Centre. Top attractions like Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus are major draws. Catch the metro at Charing Cross Underground Station or Leicester Square Underground Station to see more of the city.

A large white archway with intricate carvings, surrounded by trees and people walking.

City of Westminster

Big Ben and Trafalgar Square are a few top attractions in City of Westminster. Hop around the city on the metro at St. James's Park Underground Station or Victoria Underground Station and check out the area's fascinating museums, popular shops and acclaimed art galleries.

An aerial view of a city with a large stadium, historic buildings, and surrounding greenery.

Wimbledon

You might enjoy the theatres while in Wimbledon. Wimbledon Village Stables is a notable sight, and you can get around town at Dundonald Road Tram Station or Wimbledon Underground Station to see more of the city.

The exterior of the Covent Garden Market with the Punch & Judy theatre and Central Avenue entrance.

Covent Garden

The lively bars and colourful gardens are just a few top-rate features of the neighbourhood. Make a stop by Covent Garden Market or London Transport Museum while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Covent Garden Underground Station to get around town.

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Travel Guide

Choose two or more items and save on your trip: