South Kensington

Overview:

A truly charming corner of South West London characterised by its iconic leafy garden squares and beautiful stucco-fronted, Victorian buildings together with distinctive mews cottages, previously housing horses and carts and now converted into bijoux homes. The area is home to a number of cultural beacons such as the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and The Royal Albert Hall as well as the excellent amenities of Old Brompton Road, Gloucester Road and Fulham Road. It is bordered by Kensington Gardens in the north, Fulham Road in the south, Knightsbridge to the east and Earls Court to the west.


Area Guides

South Kensington benefits from excellent restaurants, shopping and schooling and the area is home to a large proportion of London’s French community owing to the presence of the Lycee Francais and the Institut Francais – it has been nicknamed Paris’ “21st” arrondissement! There are weekly farmer’s markets, superb bakeries and an al fresco café culture which adds to the European vibe of the area.

History:

The area that is now defined as South Kensington remained principally agricultural until the 19th century, providing fruits and vegetables to the nearby urban areas of London. The development of the area followed The Great Exhibition of 1851 which took place in Hyde Park and inspired the museums of South Kensington. Shortly thereafter, a desire to be close to this new cultural heart of London drove the development of grand terraced houses and in 1863 the Church of England created the parish of South Kensington with St Stephen’s Church on Gloucester Road becoming its central focus.

In 1868 came the addition of the Gloucester Road and South Kensington underground stations, making the area more accessible from the city centre thereby creating one of London’s most desirable residential areas.


Tube Stations:

South Kensington - (Circle, District & Piccadilly Lines)
Gloucester Road - (Circle, District & Piccadilly Lines)
Earl’s Court - (Circle, District & Piccadilly Lines)

Where to Eat:

Bumpkin
Franca Manca
Bombay Brasserie
Da Mario’s
Ricardos
Lucio

Schools:

Glendower Prepetory School
The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle de Londres
Faulkner House
Queen’s Gate School
Eaton House The Vale
Bousfield Primary School

Bars & Pubs:

Anglesea Arms
Eclipse
Hereford Arms
Nam Long
Kosmopol
Barts
Jak’s Bar
190 Queen’s Gate

Gyms / Fitness:

The South Kensington Club
EMS at TwentyTwo Training
Method Movement
Harbour Club (Point West)
Matt Roberts
Evolve


Area Guides




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