A guide to living in Kensington, London
- Whereshome
- Jan 9, 2022
- 4 min read
What's It Like to Live in Kensington, London?
Known as one of London’s most prestigious and beautiful neighbourhoods, Kensington is an area where elegance, heritage, and lifestyle collide. It’s a haven of pristine garden squares, listed townhouses, and refined shops — all wrapped up in a community spirit that continues to charm its residents, old and new.
It may be easy to assume that Kensington’s grandeur means it's all form and no function — but in truth, this is an area buzzing with culture, family life, and a healthy dose of individuality. From world-famous museums to tucked-away wine bars, Kensington is never short on substance.
With its strong royal ties, most notably as home to Kensington Palace, the neighbourhood has long been synonymous with grace and grandeur. You’ll find some of London’s most sought-after homes, including the stately mansions of Kensington Palace Gardens and the elegant mansion blocks that line tree-filled avenues.
And yet, despite all the pomp, it still feels human. It has a subtle, village-like charm, nurtured by a truly international community. Residents span Europe, the Middle East, North America, and Asia — with a cultural mix that is proudly evident in its food, fashion, and friendships.
From the wide open spaces of Holland Park and Kensington Gardens to the buzz of the High Street, this is a corner of London where everything feels within reach — and beautifully curated.
At Whereshome, we understand how complex a relocation decision can be. Our hope is that this guide offers a grounded and local perspective on what living in Kensington is really like.
Sites of Interest
Culture is the beating heart of Kensington — and the neighbourhood remains a cornerstone of London’s artistic and educational life.
The Victoria & Albert Museum, Natural History Museum, and Science Museum are still the crown jewels of Exhibition Road, and 2025 has seen major upgrades to their interactive exhibits and event spaces. New installations include the V&A’s Future Fashion showcase and the Science Museum’s AI Lab, an immersive experience on artificial intelligence and robotics.
The Royal Albert Hall continues to host a dazzling programme, from film-in-concert classics like Interstellar with a live orchestra to sold-out nights with artists like Adele and Hans Zimmer.
Kensington Gardens is still a beloved gem, and this year sees the return of the Serpentine Summer Pavilion — an architectural commission that draws global crowds. Holland Park’s Kyoto Garden remains one of West London’s most serene escapes, and this spring welcomed a new sculpture trail featuring work by local artists.
Schooling
Kensington continues to attract families thanks to its strong educational offerings.
Highly-rated public schools such as Fox Primary School and St Barnabas & St Philip CofE School remain popular, with consistent performance in recent Ofsted reports.
Independent schools are a major draw, especially Pembridge Hall, Thomas’s Kensington, and Notting Hill Prep, all of which offer outstanding academics with strong pastoral care.
International families continue to favour The Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle in South Kensington, and La Petite Ecole Bilingue, which both offer French-English bilingual curriculums.
Transport
Kensington’s connectivity remains a major perk. With five Underground stations — High Street Kensington (Circle & District Lines), Gloucester Road (Circle, District & Piccadilly), South Kensington (Circle, District & Piccadilly), Earl’s Court (District & Piccadilly) and Kensington (Olympia) (Overground & limited District Line service) — getting around London is effortless.
From these stations, you can easily reach:
The City (Monument, Bank) in under 25 minutes
Westminster and the South Bank for museums and government buildings
King’s Cross St. Pancras for Eurostar connections
Heathrow Airport in around 45 minutes via the Piccadilly Line
London Overground service from Kensington (Olympia) provides direct links to Shepherd’s Bush, Clapham Junction, and beyond, while an extensive bus network covers every corner of the city.
New Cycle Superhighways and e-bike docks have made cycling safer and more popular than ever, ideal for commuting or leisure rides through Hyde Park and beyond.
For international travel, Heathrow remains under 30 minutes by car via the A4/M4.
Property
Unsurprisingly, Kensington continues to command some of the highest property prices in London.
Prices as of 2025:
One-bedroom flats start around £900,000
Three-bedroom flats in mansion blocks average £2.8 million
Family townhouses begin at £5 million, with standout properties on Phillimore Gardens and Holland Villas Road commanding £12 million+
New luxury apartments, such as those at Lancer Square or 21 Young Street, are selling from £3.5 million upwards, with premium concierge services and wellness amenities.
