Readers Digest
Magazine subscription Podcast
HomeLifestyleTravelMy Britain

Ultimate guide to Kensington

Ultimate guide to Kensington

From the places to stay to the things to do, here's how to spend 48 hours in one of London's most glamorous districts: Kensington. 

Where to Stay: The Hari

Exterior of The Hari Hotel
The exterior of The Hari Hotel

Effortless modern elegance is the name of the game at The Hari hotel, which combines timeless sophistication with an undeniable sense of cool. From the moment you enter the lobby, with its exposed brick and plush deep velvet couches, the stylish vintage atmosphere of The Hari ushers you into a mood of calm and urbanity. 

Bedroom at The Hari London
Sleek modern furnishings at The Hari

With 85 rooms and 14 luxury suites, the five-star hotel couldn't be better located for a glamourous weekend in Kensington, nestled in the heart of Belgravia. So chic is this hotel, however, that you may find yourself reluctant to venture outside at all. With rotating art exhibitions, delicious food at its Il Pampero Italian restaurant, and a beautifully secluded gin terrace, The Hari is a sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of city life.

The upmarket Sloane Square is just a 15-minute walk away, and London's most famous department stores, Harrods and Harvey Nichols are almost on your doorstep—perfect if you're planning a weekend of retail therapy. 

Breakfast at The Hari London
Breakfast at Il Pampero

Bedrooms offer a quintessential London view over Chesham Place Garden, ensuring a leafy start to every morning, and the dazzling lights of the city to end each evening. Bathrooms, meanwhile, are havens of Italian marble, with deep bathtubs and luxury showers to match your every need—an evening to unwind or an invigorating start to your day. 

Staff at The Hari welcome guests as though they've stayed hundreds of times—with a smile and a quick familiarity with your tastes, orders, and preferences. 

 

Where to Eat

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Wulf & Lamb (@wulfandlamb)

Though if staying at The Hari, enjoying a meal at Il Pampero (their Italian restaurant serving traditional food with creative twists in a light, modern setting) is essential, you'll be spoiled for choice when it comes to eateries in this leafy part of London. 

For vegetarians, Wulf & Lamb is the perfect sunny day setting, with energising dishes offering light and delicious dining variety. The vegan Mac ‘N’ Cheese plus burgers are a must-try. 

For something different, you may be surprised to find one of the best sushi spots in the UK nestled away just off High Street Kensington. Yashin Sushi offers innovative flavour combinations served in a slick modern interior. 

For a traditional pub, The Churchill Arms in Fulham might just be the prettiest pub in London, covered in flowers with all the charm of a quintessentially British pub. And the food is excellent—delicious Thai food. It even claims to be the first pub in London to begin serving Thai. 

 

What to Do

Natural History Museum

Visitors are spoiled with things to do in Kensington. Any good day in the area should begin with a trip to one of the many world-leading museums and galleries in the area. From the Victoria and Albert Museum to the Natural History Museum and Science Museum, there's something to suit every interest, and you're sure to leave having learned something new. 

After a spot of lunch, why not enjoy a saunter around one of Kensington's beautiful parks? Holland Park is known as one of London's prettiest green spaces, with over 55 acres of green to enjoy. The 270 acres of Kensington Gardens, meanwhile, has Kensington Palace, and the Serpentine Lake all within its borders. 

For evening entertainment, a trip to Kensington isn't complete without a visit to the Royal Albert Hall. From classical concerts to modern pop shows, the iconic venue hosts a variety of live music events throughout the year. So don your glad rags and end your Kensington adventure in style. 

 

Keep up with the top stories from Reader's Digest by subscribing to our weekly newsletter

 

 

Loading up next...
Stories by email|Subscription
Readers Digest

Launched in 1922, Reader's Digest has built 100 years of trust with a loyal audience and has become the largest circulating magazine in the world

Readers Digest
Reader’s Digest is a member of the Independent Press Standards Organisation (which regulates the UK’s magazine and newspaper industry). We abide by the Editors’ Code of Practice and are committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism. If you think that we have not met those standards, please contact 0203 289 0940. If we are unable to resolve your complaint, or if you would like more information about IPSO or the Editors’ Code, contact IPSO on 0300 123 2220 or visit ipso.co.uk