Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Chelsea and South Kensington
Just west of Central London, and happily toasting to some of the planet's most expensive real
estate, Chelsea and South Kensington combine aristocratic splendor with exclusive shopping
experiences. Forgive the eye-watering prices because a wander through these two boroughs
is like being transported into an elegant costume drama. If you've got money to spend, great.
If not, Chelsea and South Kensington don't necessarily need to be expensive, particularly
with its great collection of free museums.
Travel Essentials
West London has great transport connections. Just take the Underground to South Kensing-
ton or Knightsbridge and you're in the heart of the area, next to all the essential experiences
below.. You can walk between destinations and the public city maps are everywhere and
easy for getting your bearings.
Note that most designers shops, including Knightsbridge and Harrods, will refuse entrance
to anyone who looks too scruffy. You don't need to get suited and booted, but if you're
dressed like a quintessential backpacker you might get labelled as a) someone who can't af-
ford to buy or b) a potential shoplifter. Looking smart or fashionable is a good idea.
Essential Experiences
•
£FREE - Kensington Gardens
are an oasis amongst the noise, a gentle
expanse of greenery that blossoms throughout the year. Perfect for a quick
snooze beneath an old chestnut tree.
•
£FREE
- Marvel at the grand facade of the
Royal Albert Hall
, the elegant
dome and ornate exterior helping elevate the building to one of the UK's
most beautiful. If you're not content with the outside, buy a ticket for a
live
performance,
the
most
famous
being
the
annual
classical
proms.
•
£FREE
- Spend a whole day exploring the interactive exhibits of the
Science
Museum
. There's whole halls covering historical inventions and machines,
great displays revealing far more than they taught you at school, and a
dazzling astrology section that has many people hypnotized for hours.
