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This area guide to Kensington offers a brief overview of the district, including its local shops, attractions, properties, schools, history, council tax and public transport links.
Kensington Overview
Kensington, located within the London Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, is one of the most exclusive areas in London. This fashionable district is particularly popular with wealthy professionals and families, thanks largely to its central location and close proximity to the city centre.
Surrounded by some of the most beautiful buildings and residential streets in London, Kensington is one of the most attractive places to live and work in the capital.
The main postcode in Kensington is W8.
Kensington Shopping
Running through the heart of the area is Kensington High Street, easily one of the most popular shopping streets in London. It features a wide selection of shops, including many designer boutiques, high-street chains and antique dealers.
More shopping facilities are available in South Kensington, particularly at the southern end of Exhibition Road, Sloane Avenue and Fulham Road.
Kensington Attractions
There are plenty of vast green, open spaces in and around Kensington including Kensington Palace and gardens which borders Hyde Park, along with Holland Park.
There are a number of cultural attractions in nearby South Kensington, including the capital’s greatest museums. Exhibition Road holds some of the world's finest institutions, including the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, Victoria and Albert Museum and Royal Albert Hall - all within walking distance of each other.
Kensington Food and Drink
The choices of places to eat and drink in Kensington are endless, with hundreds of stylish bars, pubs and restaurants to choose from,including Kensington Roof Gardens high above Kensington High Street.
Kensington History
Kensington, which first originated from Saxon settlements and has a history that dates back to the Domesday Book, has long been popular with royals. Royalty first moved into the area in 1689 when William III moved into Kensington Palace. Kensington and Chelsea became a ‘Royal Borough’ in 1901, at Queen Victoria's request.
Neighbouring South Kensington is today home to the arts and sciences, following The Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in 1851.
Kensington Property Market
Kensington property prices are among the most expensive in London, reflecting insatiable demand to live in the area.
There is a real mix of property and architecture types in Kensington, from spacious Victorian terraced houses to mansion apartment blocks. Many homes in Kensington date back to the Victorian and Georgian era.
Some of the grandest homes can be found just off Kensington High Street. Houses are in short supply, but an attractive group of Victorian terraces can be found on Camden Hill Square, and its surrounding streets.
Homes located closer to Kensington Gardens and Holland Park, dominated by converted apartments, generally tend to command a premium.
Kensington Council Tax Rates
The annual rate of council tax varies and is dependant on the valuation band, which is determined by the value of the property and the current rates for the local council. Kensington is represented by The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council.
Kensington and Chelsea council tax rate:
| Band Grade | Value | Annual Council Tax Cost |
| Band A | Up to & including £40,000 | £719.42 |
| Band B | £40,001 - £52,000 | £839.31 |
| Band C | £52,001 - £68,000 | £959.22 |
| Band D | £68,001 - £88,000 | £1,079.12 |
| Band E | £88,001 - £120,000 | £1,318.93 |
| Band F | £120,001 - £160,000 | £1,558.73 |
| Band G | £160,001 - £320,000 | £1,798.54 |
| Band H | More than £320,000 | £2,158.24 |
Kensington Education
The schools in and around Kensington generally offer high academic standards, and are governed by the Kensington and Chelsea Local Education Authority. Here is a list of schools and colleges in and around the area:
- Bousfield Primary School
- Christ Church Cof E Primary School
- Marlborough Primary School
- Oratory Roman Catholic Primary School
- Our Lady of Victories RC Primary School
- Park Walk Primary School
- Servite RC Primary School
- St Cuthbert with St Matthias CofE Primary School
- St Joseph RC Primary School
- David Game College
- Duff Miller College
- Mander Portman Woodward School
- Southbank International School
- St James Independent School for Girls
- Tabernacle School
- The Walmer Road School
- Collingham Duff Miller College
- Jamahiriy School
- Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle (Britsh Section)
- Lycee Francais Charles de Gaulle
- Mander Portman Woodward School
- Queen's Gate School
- Saint Thomas More RC School
- Kensington and Chelsea College
- Ashbourne College
Kensington Hospital
The nearest local hospitals are St Charles Hospital on Exmoor Street, W10, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital on Fulham Road, SW10, and Royal Brompton Hospital on Sydney Street, SW3.
Kensington Transport Links
Kensington has superb public transport links, making it the most convenient way to get about town.
In addition to 24-hour buses and taxis operating in the area, Kensington features a good selection of tube stations.
High Street Kensington, Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations are all served by the Central and District Lines, while the Piccadilly Line also operates via the latter two stations. All three stations are in Zone 1.
This area guide is intended to give a general overview of the area, whilst the information contained is believed to be accurate at the time of publication no responsibility is accepted for any errors or subsequent alterations.