Guide to living in South Kensington

South Kensington is one of the most famous areas of London. It is well known for its many attractions, including the Victoria & Albert Museum, Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, Kensington Gardens, Science Museum, and Hyde Park.

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About South Kensington

There is a truly international feel here, with residents from across the globe, each adding to the area’s multicultural identity. There’s an especially prevalent French community due to the Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, a French school based within the borough.

Marvellous historic architecture and an al fresco dining scene give the streets a vibrant community feel, particularly along Thurlow Street. This chic, glamorous neighbourhood also offers fantastic shopping, from designer shops to florists to food and wine.

Things to Do

South Kensington makes for a fantastic day out. Whether exploring the independent shops on Gloucester Road, buying fresh produce at the Bute Street farmers’ market, or watching a show at Royal Albert Hall, there’s fun for all ages and interests. And with Sloane Square, Notting Hill and wider West London on the doorstep, residents have unhindered access to an incredible part of the city, filled with parks, shops, and phenomenal restaurants.

External view of the Natural History Museum, London

Schools

South Kensington is home to some of London’s finest colleges, public schools, and private schools. Its fantastic schooling options, combined with a high level of safety, make it an ideal neighbourhood for families.

Top primary schools nearby

Top secondary schools nearby

Top colleges nearby

Green Spaces

South Kensington is just a short walk from some of London’s premier greenspaces, including Hyde Park, Holland Park, and the beautiful Kensington Palace Gardens.

Transport

Thanks to South Kensington tube station, the neighbourhood is extremely well connected to Central London and areas like Chelsea, Islington, Wapping and Canary Wharf.

Living in South Kensington

“South Ken”, as it’s often referred to, is a destination area and historically one of the most expensive neighbourhoods in London. This makes it an area more resilient to price changes. Residents enjoy the fantastic connections, a wealth of amenities, and a sense of historical importance in the area.

Properties in South Kensington

Occasional white-fronted stucco houses make beautiful grand family homes. Behind these are the more prevalent mews houses, which offer fantastic space with three or four bedrooms over 1,500–2,000 square feet.

Chelsea

73 Sloane Avenue, London, SW3 3DH

020 7584 1771

Office opening hours

Monday to Friday: 8:30am – 6:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am – 4:00pm

Joe Ricketts

Head of Office, Islington

Islington

20 7354 6666

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Living in South Kensington – Frequently Asked Questions

What makes South Ken unique compared to other London neighbourhoods?: Its fun activities, safe feel, and vibrant community life make South Ken stand out as one of London’s best lifestyle offerings.
Are there good restaurants in South Ken?: South Ken is well known for its exquisite dining options, from fine dining restaurants to casual cafes. Local favourites include Dishoom, Ceru, and Daquise.
Is there good shopping in South Ken?: South Ken offers some of London’s best shopping, especially where clothing, homeware, and whole foods are concerned. There is a large mix of boutique stores, designer shops, and easy access to the major retail centres nearby.
Is there a community vibe in South Ken?: Despite its urban setting, South Ken fosters a strong sense of community through local events, markets, and a close-knit school community.

Property to rent in South Kensington

£808 per week

Frederick Court, Belgravia, London, SW3

£675 per week

Chelsea, London, SW3

£4,950 per week

Brompton Square, South Kensington, London, SW3

£1,205 per week

1 Collingham Road, Earls Court, London, SW5

£1,192 per week

1 Collingham Road, Earls Court, London, SW5

£504 per week

31 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London, SW3

£647 per week

31 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London, SW3

£941 per week

31 Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London, SW3

£570 per week

Draycott Avenue, Chelsea, London, SW3

£1,050 per week

145 Fulham Road, South Kensington, London, SW3

£760 per week

145 Fulham Road, South Kensington, London, SW3

£750 per week

Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW3

£1,800 per week

11-13 Young Street, Kensington, London, W8

£1,385 per week

161 Fulham Road, South Kensington, London, SW3

£900 per week

Fulham Road, Chelsea, London, SW3

£1,148 per week

Stanhope Gardens, London, SW7

Property for sale near South Kensington

£1,775,000

Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2

£625,000

Stourcliffe Street, London, W1H

Guide Price £3,195,000

Porchester Place, London, W2

Offers in excess of £460,000

Lancaster Gate, London, W2

£525,000

Westbourne Terrace, London, W2

£950,000

Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2

£7,350,000

Hyde Park Crescent, London, W2

£895,000

Gloucester Terrace, London, W2

£630,000

Wyndham Street, London, W1H

£420,000

Harrowby Street, London, W1H

£550,000

Blandford Street, London, W1U

£675,000

3 Ovington Square, London, SW3

£650,000

Upper Berkeley Street, London, W1H

£500,000

Daventry Street, London, NW1

£680,000

Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W

£2,800,000

Cambridge Square, London, W2

£625,000

Quadrangle Tower, London, W2

£10,000,000

Gloucester Square, London, W2

£1,750,000

Strathearn Place, London, W2

£5,000,000

Connaught Square, London, W2

£515,000

North Rise, London, W2

£405,000

Harrowby Street, London, W1H

offersOver £699,000

Paultons House, London, SW3

Offers in excess of £400,000

Porchester Square, London, W2

Offers in excess of £2,000,000

Craven Hill Gardens, London, W2

£880,000

Wimpole Street, London, W1G

Offers in excess of £2,000,000

Norfolk Crescent, London, W2

£2,500,000

Cleveland Square, London, W2

£3,650,000

Jermyn Street, London, SW1Y

£1,375,000

St. Marys Terrace, London, W2

£795,000

Linden Gardens, London, W2

£950,000

Jubilee Place, London, SW3

£475,000

Edgware Road, London, W2

£399,995

Upper Berkeley Street, London, W1H

£715,000

Ovington Square, London, SW3

£3,000,000

Ebury Street, London, SW1W

£700,000

Harrington Gardens, London, SW7

£525,000

Cheyne Place, London, SW3

£999,999

De Vere Mews, London, W8

£425,000

Seymour Street, London, W1H

Guide Price £460,000

Monmouth Road, London, W2

£899,950

The Quadrangle, London, W2

£3,200,000

Inglethorpe Street, London, SW6

£625,000

Strathearn Place, London, W2

£735,000

Porchester Square, London, W2

£1,499,999

Sheldon Square, London, W2

£295,000

Edgware Road, London, W2

£575,000

Southwick Street, London, W2

£770,000

Devonport, London, W2

£1,525,000

The Water Gardens, London, W2

£850,000

Porchester Square, London, W2

£575,000

Edgware Road, London, W2

£2,500,000

Palace Court, London, W2

£735,000

Devonport, London, W2

£2,095,000

Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2

offersOver £700,000

Clifton Place, London, W2

£762,500

Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W

Offers in excess of £1,050,000

Clifton Place, London, W2

£575,000

Quadrangle Tower, London, W2

£800,000

Westgate Terrace, London, SW10

£2,999,950

Hyde Park Gardens, London, W2

£765,000

Southwell House 34-36 Egerton Gardens, London, SW3

£625,000

Porchester Place, London, W2

£650,000

Harrow Road, London, W9

£1,700,000

Mansfield Street, London, W1G

£489,000

Forset Court, London, W2

£895,000

St. Luke’s Street, London, SW3

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