South Kensington

The Great Exhibition of 1851 prompted the construction of grand Italianate stucco houses in South Kensington, providing homes for wealthy people who wanted to be close to the area, which had become famous for being a scientific and cultural nucleus. Some of the world’s finest institutions are located in South Kensington, such as the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum, and the V&A. 

Today South Kensington has a relaxed and cosmopolitan atmosphere, perhaps thanks in part to its being a popular area for French families. Some of the houses have now been broken into spacious flats. There are also some mansion blocks located around the area’s borders with Knightsbridge and Chelsea, and some very pretty mews houses in quiet, tucked away mews. 

World-famous department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols, are just a short walk away in Knightsbridge. 

 Average Price Guide for the Area:

 

Schools

The Lyceé is obviously a hugely popular school with local French families. Faulkner House & Glendower can be counted amongst the best nearby private primary schools. The sixth form College Westminster Tutors is outstanding. Our Lady of Victories is the local Roman Catholic state primary.

Lifestyle

Places to Eat: Hawksmoor, Daphne’s - known for its well-heeled clientele & excellent people-watching, Bumpkin, Poissonnerie, Macellaio RC, Claude Bosi at Bibendum and the charming British bistro, Muriel’s Kitchen are all superb local restaurants. Hummingbird Bakery is the place to go for an afternoon treat.

 

Nightlife: There is a fabulously eclectic mix of bars and pubs in South Kensington. From the elegant South Kensington Club to the Dolce Kensington nightclub, the quintessentially Victorian pub the Hereford Arms to the infamous, bohemian Troubadour bar where Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, Paul Simon and Adele have all played.

Green spaces & recreation

Many of the stucco houses surround beautiful private garden squares, to be enjoyed by their residents. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are a short walk away. South Kensington is home to the country’s most famous free museums such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Science Museum and The Natural History Museum.

Transport

South Kensington has excellent transport links. The zone 1 tube station is served by the Piccadilly, Circle and District lines and there are multiple buses to the West End.