Kensington

Earls Terrace East Lodge, a tiny square Victorian building on Kensington High Street Earls Terrace East Lodge, a tiny square Victorian building on Kensington High Street
Photo by me. I know, I just liked this tiny building.

Kensington High Street, at the centre of the borough, is further west than South Kensington and perhaps less visited by tourists.

Honestly the street itself isn’t fantastic, four lanes of luxury SUVs and busses do not make for a relaxing stroll. Fortunately you can retreat into Holland Park for some peace and quiet.

Things to do

Photo of a large board with USER written on it, mid-transition to DESIGNER. Photo of a large board with USER written on it, mid-transition to DESIGNER.
Photo by me, I miss these scrolly advertising boards.

Design Museum

Having seen pictures of the Design Museum’s grand entrance hall before visiting I expected there to be more to see.

Much of the space inside is dedicated to seminar rooms so the exhibitions are fairly small. Worth seeing, but they won’t take the whole day.

Free - some paid exhibitions

designmuseum.org
View of
Photo by me.

Leighton House

The former home of Frederick Leighton, a famous and immensely wealthy Victorian artist.

The house is best known for its ornate Arab Hall, decoarated with tiles from Damascus.

The best way to visit is to get a ticket for both Leighton and Sambourne houses for £22.

£14.00 - Children £5

www.rbkc.gov.uk
Close-up of a brightly coloured, traditional drawing of two figures.
Photo by me, part of a Yamakasa float.

Japan House

Japan House, a Japanese cultural centre, is one of four worldwide with ties to the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Most of the ground floor is a terrifyingly expensive shop, with other floors having exhibition spaces and a restaurant.

Free - Some paid events

www.japanhouselondon.uk
View of an upstairs room in the house.
Photo by me.

Sambourne House

The immaculately preserved home of Linley and Marion Sambourne. Linley Sambourne drew cartoons for Punch, one of the most famous satirical magazines.

As well as magnificent quantities of Victorian clutter you can see many of Linley’s cartoons and photographs that he took for inspiration.

£12.00 - Children £5

www.rbkc.gov.uk

Parks

A picture of a waterfall surrounded by trees A picture of a waterfall surrounded by trees
Photo by me, in the Kyoto Garden

Holland Park

Connecting Kensington High Street to Notting Hill, Holland Park is more wooded and natural feeling than many of the royal parks in the centre of the city and features a famous Japanese Garden - the Kyoto Garden - to explore.

www.rbkc.gov.uk