Kensington Travel
Kensington, London — home to the South Kensington museum district with the Natural History Museum and V&A Museum, Princess Diana's former residence Kensington Palace, and Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. A 2-day, 1-night classic tour featuring art and culture, royal heritage exploration, and an aristocratic British lifestyle experience.
Kensington Two-Day One-Night Classic Tour
Experience the charm of London's aristocratic and museum capital, stroll through Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, and savour world-class art, design and royal lifestyle.
After checking into your hotel in Kensington, take the tube to South Kensington station and visit the spectacular Natural History Museum — filming location for "Night at the Museum", with the giant blue whale skeleton "Hope" dominating the Central Hall. Then move next door to the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design. Grab a light lunch in the museum district, then walk to Kensington Palace in the afternoon to explore Princess Diana's former home and the birthplace of Queen Victoria. In the evening, enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea at The Orangery beside the palace, and stroll through Kensington Gardens to see the Peter Pan statue.
- The Five Hotel South Kensington
- Kensington Abbey Hotel
- Mercure London Hyde Park
- The Orangery English Afternoon Tea
- Harrods Food Hall Lobster Roll
- Kensington High Street Continental Cafés
- Museum permanent exhibitions are free but require online booking
- Kensington Palace tickets should be purchased online in advance
- V&A Museum occasionally has late-night openings on Fridays
In the morning, walk from Kensington Gardens past the Diana Memorial Fountain to Hyde Park's Serpentine Lake. Rent a deckchair to soak up London's slow pace or go boating on the lake. At midday, walk to Knightsbridge to visit the legendary luxury department store Harrods, and select British tea and desserts from its famous Food Hall. Pass by the Royal Albert Hall for exterior photos, or book an evening concert if available. In the evening, shop for souvenirs on Kensington High Street or head to nearby Notting Hill's Portobello Road Market (weekends) to conclude your journey.
- Tube Piccadilly/Circle/District lines to South Kensington station
- Tube Piccadilly line to Knightsbridge station (Harrods)
- Walk to connect museums — Kensington Palace — Hyde Park
- Natural History Museum / V&A: Free (booking required)
- Kensington Palace: £21-£24
- Hyde Park: Free
- Dress appropriately to enter Harrods
- Hyde Park has open-air concerts in summer
- Visit Notting Hill's Portobello Road Market on Sundays
Must-Try Foods in Kensington
The Orangery English Afternoon Tea
An 18th-century orangery restaurant beside Kensington Palace. A three-tier silver stand presents finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and delicate cakes, served with Darjeeling tea — full royal atmosphere.
Sunday Roast
A traditional British Sunday lunch of roast beef or lamb with Yorkshire pudding, roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables and rich gravy. Authentically served at traditional pubs on Kensington High Street.
Harrods Food Hall Desserts
The Harrods lower ground floor Food Hall brings together cuisines from around the world. Signature English scones, éclairs and handmade chocolates are perfect souvenirs and afternoon tea choices.
Continental Brunch
Boutique cafés along Kensington High Street and Exhibition Road serve avocado toast, eggs benedict and fresh juices — the ideal choice for starting a cultured day.
- Spring/Autumn (Apr-May/Sep-Oct): Fewer crowds at museums, park flowers in bloom
- Summer (Jun-Aug): Open-air concerts in Hyde Park, lush greenery in Kensington Gardens
- Combine with Notting Hill Portobello antique market on weekends
- The Orangery English Afternoon Tea
- Sunday Roast
- Harrods Food Hall Scones & Desserts
- Continental Brunch
- Scones with Devonshire Clotted Cream
- Tickets: approx £21-£24 (Kensington Palace, museums free)
- Accommodation: £110-£200/night
- Dining: £35-£65/day
- Transport: approx £12 (Oyster card daily cap)
- Total: £150-£260
- Are the Natural History Museum and V&A free? → Permanent exhibitions are free, book in advance online
- How long does a Kensington Palace visit take? → State Apartments and exhibitions approx 1.5-2 hours
- Is Harrods worth visiting? → Even without shopping, the Egyptian Hall and Food Hall are recommended
- What is the boating season on the Serpentine? → Usually open from late March to October