South Kensington is the district of grand museums, institutions, and colleges with prestigious names; fairy-tale palaces; some embassy offices and consulates. On the east side of the eponymous gardens nestles Kensington Palace, a splendid 17th-century residence where Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and where you can experience the thrill of visiting a royal residence without straying too far from the heart of London.
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace was also the last home of Princess Diana and Margaret. On the ground floor, visitors can explore the private apartments that the sister of Elizabeth II shared with her husband, the Earl of Snowdon, a photographer and a technology enthusiast. You can also admire a collection of sumptuous ceremonial dresses, 14 of which belonged to Lady Diana. And you can even peek into the palace tailor’s workshop. A beautiful staircase decorated by the court painter of King George I leads to the official apartments, adorned with frescoes and exquisite works of art. Here you’ll find the Private Council Chamber, the King’s Gallery, and the Queen’s Gallery lined with oak panels. From the palace windows, you can admire the harmony of the surrounding gardens, their layout of flowerbeds, lawns, and meticulously maintained avenues. A stroll through so much greenery wouldn’t be complete without visiting the statue of Peter Pan, accompanied by a squadron of squirrels; stopping by the Serpentine Gallery; the Albert Memorial, an opulent monument that Queen Victoria commissioned in honor of her husband after his death; and the Diana Memorial Playground, a modern and fully equipped play area for those traveling with children.
Since 2013, Kensington Palace has been the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, better known as William and Kate, the young royal couple beloved worldwide. The palace underwent significant renovations lasting about two years and costing £12 million for them. On March 26 last year, Queen Elizabeth officially opened it, and everyone agrees that the presence of the new residents will significantly boost visitor numbers.
South of Kensington Gardens
South of Kensington Gardens, stretches a galaxy of museums and institutions embodying centuries of English culture and history. From the Royal Albert Hall, a grand concert hall with over 5,000 seats, inaugurated in 1870, made unmistakable not only by its circular shape but also by its red brick facade and a frieze depicting the history of civilizations and the arts. To the Royal College of Music, a Gothic-style palace hosting the conservatory. The Natural History Museum, featuring a long neo-Romanesque facade adorned with terracotta animals. The Science Museum (40 galleries spread over 7 floors, showcasing the main scientific discoveries of the last 300 years). Up to the vast Victoria and Albert Museum dedicated to all civilizations, eras, and arts.
