London has so much to see and do, it’s hard to know where to start and if you will ever finish. One or two days is never enough to see everything, with each individual area of London having its own attractions and less-known sites.
As well as being one of the most well-regarded boroughs of London, Kensington is also rich with attractions and unique things to see and do. Known for its beautiful architecture and refined air, Kensington has a great deal to entice the sightseer. With that in mind, let’s go through some of the best and most beautiful sites in the borough.
Serpentine Gallery
Actually a little bit of a misnomer, there are two Serpentine Galleries located in Kensington Gardens. The original was founded in 1970, with the second – the Serpentine Sacker Gallery – opening in 2013. The two are right next to each other, so it’s worth checking them both out.
Both galleries are all about contemporary art, and the bucolic settings on Kensington Gardens are a great place to take in modern, cutting-edge art. The two galleries frequently update their stock of British and international art and there’s a great deal to see and appreciate.
During the summer months, the original Serpentine Gallery hosts a structure built by a big-name architect. Every year is different and the structures are often bold, modern and thought-provoking. If you’re staying at the Montcalm London Marble Arch, the galleries are only a five-minute walk away, so the Serpentine Galleries are the perfect place for a little art-appreciation of an evening.
Kensington Palace
No sightseeing tour of the area would be complete without a visit to the beautiful Kensington Palace. It’s been the home of royalty since the 17th century and is now the London residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as a clutch of other royals.
It’s an easy trip for those staying in our hotels near central London, and a quick, five to ten minutes from The Montcalm London Marble Arch.
The palace is home to a huge collection of art collected by the Royal family, and the state rooms are open to the public daily. It’s an absolutely gorgeous building and the ideal way to see a slice of Royal London living.
Holland Park Avenue
Overflowing with beautiful 18th and 19th century architecture, Holland Park Avenue is a picture-book ideal of how many people imagine London looks.
Streets are lined with imposing and beautiful houses, and many of London’s wealthier denizens call the area home. Aside from the amazing aesthetics, Holland Park Avenue is also home to a number of delis and retro boutiques, so there’s some good shopping to be had if you’re in the mood. The area looks old-London, but the breezy air of the place also makes Holland Park Avenue feel very modern and it’s a great place to see the picturesque side of the capital.
The Natural History Museum
There’s no better place to get lost and wile away a few hours than Kensington’s own Natural History Museum. In fact, it would be easy to spend a couple of days seeing everything the museum has to offer, such is the vast array of collections and exhibits. For anyone staying in our hotels near central London, it’s a must-see.
The Natural History museum houses more than 70 million specimens from around the globe, from fossils to anthropological exhibits, so there’s something to suit everyone’s curiosity. It’s one of the best museums in the world, so it’s worth taking the time to absorb as much of it as you can.
