The Perfect Day in Kensington
Planning a trip to London and curious about the Kensington neighborhood? Look no further than this guide to the perfect day in Kensington! Nestled in the heart of London, Kensington is a vibrant neighborhood brimming with culture, history, and elegance. Known for its royal roots and stunning architecture, Kensington has been home to Kensington Palace since the 17th century, serving as a royal residence for many, including Queen Victoria and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The area boasts several world-renowned museums, making it a cultural hub that attracts millions of visitors each year. Kensington offers an experience that truly captures the essence of London. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Londoner, there's always something new to discover. Here's how to spend a perfect day in Kensington, filled with exciting things to do and see.
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Planning a trip to London? Be sure to explore the Kensington neighborhood! In this guide, we will show you how to have an amazing action packed day in Kensington.
Breakfast at Luba's Green Hut Cafe
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Luba's Green Hut Cafe, a charming and historically significant spot. Originally built for taxi drivers who needed a place to eat and drink without the stigma of visiting pubs, this iconic green hut has been serving London's cabbies since its inception. Anthony Bourdain himself visited this stand back in 2011, further cementing its legendary status.
Today, the cafe is run by a wonderful woman named Luba, who is known for her friendly demeanor and genuine care for her customers. The menu offers a variety of delicious breakfast and lunch items, including fresh coffee, bacon sandwiches (known as bacon baps), sausage long rolls, and Evan's favorite – bacon with cranberry sauce and brie. We enjoyed two sandwiches and two flat whites for £16.30.
Maintaining tradition, the hut allows only taxi drivers to sit inside, so be sure to take your food and coffee to go to Kensington Palace (literally right behind Luba’s) for a little picnic!
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace has been a royal residence since the 17th century and is currently home to several members of the British royal family, including the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The Gardens, once the private gardens of the palace, are now a beautifully landscaped public park that offers a serene retreat in the heart of the city. It is the PERFECT place to enjoy your breakfast!
The Design Museum
After a relaxing breakfast, make your way to the Design Museum, just a short walk away. This museum, which offers free entry, is a treasure trove of contemporary design and innovation. Spend some time exploring the fascinating exhibits that showcase the best in modern architecture, fashion, and graphic design. They also offered rotating paid exhibits, like the Skateboard Exhibit, which we visited while we were there.
Bone Daddies
When lunchtime rolls around, head to Bone Daddies, a vibrant eatery in Kensington known for its delicious ramen and Japanese rockabilly theme. The restaurant offers a variety of flavorful broths and unique toppings. Their signature Tonkotsu ramen, with its creamy pork bone broth and tender chashu pork, is a must-try. For a bit of spice, go for the Spicy Miso ramen. Vegetarians will love the Tantanmen ramen, featuring a rich sesame-based broth and fresh vegetables. Lemon opted for the monthly special of Laksa Ramen and a beer while I went with the Pork Pork Chilli and a soda for £51. We’ve eaten a lot of ramen in our day and this was right up there with the delicious ramen we had in Japan.
The Churchill Arms
After lunch, take a leisurely walk to the Churchill Arms, a pub that’s as famous for its historical charm as it is for its floral facade. This iconic establishment, adorned with a spectacular display of flowers, has been serving locals and travelers alike since the 18th century. Grab a pint and soak in the cozy atmosphere of this quintessentially British pub, which also boasts a fascinating collection of Winston Churchill memorabilia. A pint here will run you about £6-7.
The Natural History Museum
Next, hop on a bus to the Natural History Museum, one of London’s most iconic landmarks. With over 80 million specimens spanning billions of years, you could easily spend four or more hours exploring its vast halls. Highlights include the impressive dinosaur skeletons, the stunning Central Hall, and the incredible Vault and Treasures section. There is also a cafe serving snacks, delicious coffee and a place to relax if needed. The museum’s grand architecture and captivating displays make it a must-visit for anyone interested in the natural world.
Harrods
No visit to Kensington would be complete without a trip to Harrods, one of the world's most famous department stores. Established in 1849 by Charles Henry Harrod, this iconic store has grown from a small grocery shop to a luxury shopping destination spanning seven floors and over 330 departments.
Explore the opulent food halls, each dedicated to different delicacies such as chocolate, tea, and ready to eat foods. The chocolate room is is a MUST visit so be sure to give it a look.
While we are not luxury shoppers by any means, we still found this place fascinating and could have walked around for hours. Below the food halls, there is a luxury wine, spirits and cigar section that is beautiful and worth a look.
Dinner
If you didn’t eat dinner at Harrods and you’re still in the mood for something fancy, head across the street to Cicchetti by San Carlo for dinner. This elegant Italian restaurant offers medium-sized portions, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes. We highly recommend the lasagna and the Bolognese – both are simply divine. The stylish setting and exquisite food make it the perfect place to end your day on a high note.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, head to Honest Burgers. Known for their juicy, flavorful burgers made from British beef, Honest Burgers offers a menu that features both classic and creative options. Pair your burger with their signature rosemary-salted chips for a truly memorable dining experience.
Dinner
If you didn’t eat dinner at Harrods and you’re still in the mood for something fancy, head across the street to Cicchetti by San Carlo for dinner. This elegant Italian restaurant offers medium-sized portions, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes. We highly recommend the lasagna and the Bolognese.
If you’re looking for something more affordable, head to Honest Burgers. Known for their juicy, flavorful burgers made from British beef, Honest Burgers offers a menu that features both classic and creative options.
We hope we’ve inspired to you have an incredible day exploring Kensington! From the royal splendor of Kensington Palace and Gardens to the vibrant energy of Kensington High Street, there's no shortage of things to do in this iconic London neighborhood. Whether you're strolling through lush gardens or immersing yourself in captivating history, Kensington promises an unforgettable experience.
