Top Activities Near Kensington Palace

Uncover the best activities and attractions near Kensington Palace.

Published: March 20, 2025
Kensington Palace

Welcome to Kensington Palace, a regal residence nestled in the heart of London. While the palace itself is a captivating attraction with a rich history and beautiful gardens, the surrounding area offers plenty more to explore. From stunning parks and world-class museums to exquisite dining and vibrant shopping, there’s something for everyone. 

Kensington Gardens 

Right next to the palace lies Kensington Gardens, offering a peaceful escape with expansive lawns and beautiful flower beds. Stroll along the Serpentine, admire the Italian Gardens, or relax by the Round Pond. The tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a perfect spot for a leisurely walk or a peaceful picnic. 

The Albert Memorial 

Within the gardens, the Albert Memorial stands as a striking tribute to Prince Albert. Its ornate design and intricate details offer a fascinating glimpse into Victorian artistry. The majestic structure provides a striking focal point, making it an ideal stop for history enthusiasts and photographers alike. 

The Serpentine Galleries 

Art lovers will enjoy the Serpentine Galleries, showcasing contemporary art in a unique setting. Located in the heart of Kensington Gardens, these galleries offer an inspiring rotation of thought-provoking exhibitions. The innovative displays and tranquil surroundings create a delightful blend of culture and nature. 

Hyde Park

Hyde Park

Next to Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park offers vast open spaces, serene lakes, and lively events. Whether you're renting a paddleboat on the Serpentine or attending a concert, the park promises endless fun. Its vibrant atmosphere and variety of activities make it a favourite spot for visitors and locals. 

Royal Albert Hall 

Experience world-class performances at the Royal Albert Hall, a stunning venue known for its exceptional acoustics and architecture. From concerts to ballets, there’s always something exciting happening. The grand setting and diverse program guarantee a memorable cultural experience for all music and art lovers. 

The Victoria and Albert Museum 

The Victoria and Albert Museum offers an enchanting journey through art, design, and history. Explore vast collections ranging from fashion to sculptures, all under one roof. The museum’s impressive architecture and interactive exhibits make it an inspiring destination for curious minds. 

Science Museum 

Discover the wonders of science at the Science Museum, with hands-on exhibits and thought-provoking displays. Whether exploring space technology or human biology, the museum offers engaging experiences for all ages. It’s a perfect place for families and curious minds to explore and learn. 

Natural History Museum 

Natural History Museum 

Marvel at the wonders of the natural world at the Natural History Museum. From dinosaur skeletons to precious gemstones, the exhibits captivate and educate. The stunning architecture and immersive displays offer a journey through time and nature that fascinates visitors of all ages. 

The Orangery at Kensington Palace 

Dine in elegance at The Orangery, where delectable treats meet stunning ambiance. Enjoy a classic afternoon tea amidst exquisite surroundings. The combination of delicious pastries, fragrant teas, and sophisticated decor offers a charming culinary experience fit for royalty. 

Portobello Road Market 

For a taste of local culture, visit Portobello Road Market. Explore vibrant stalls filled with antiques, fashion, and unique finds. The lively atmosphere and diverse offerings make it a delightful destination for shoppers and explorers. It’s a colourful adventure in one of London’s most famous markets. 

Holland Park 

Nearby you'll find Holland Park, known for its Kyoto Garden and peacock inhabitants. The park’s peaceful atmosphere and beautiful landscaping create a serene escape. Explore nature trails, enjoy artistic sculptures, and unwind in this hidden gem of greenery. 

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Notting Hill 

Explore the charming neighbourhood of Notting Hill, famous for its colourful houses, eclectic vibe, and annual carnival. Wander down cobblestone streets, browse unique boutiques, or savour local flavours at chic cafes. The area’s artistic spirit and vibrant community offer endless exploration opportunities. 

Leighton House Museum 

Step into the artistic world of Leighton House Museum, once home to Victorian artist Frederic Leighton. The museum showcases stunning art and exquisite interiors, offering a glimpse into the artist's life. The blend of art and architecture creates a captivating cultural experience. 

Kensington High Street

Kensington High Street

Shop to your heart’s content on Kensington High Street. From high-end fashion to stylish home goods, this bustling street offers a variety of shopping options. The energetic vibe and diverse selection make it a prime destination for fashionistas and shoppers. 

The Churchill Arms 

Enjoy a hearty meal at The Churchill Arms, a unique pub known for its floral façade. Savor traditional English dishes or try their authentic Thai cuisine. The lively atmosphere and quirky decor make it a memorable dining spot full of character. 

Electric Cinema 

For a unique movie experience, visit Electric Cinema in Notting Hill. Enjoy plush seating, art deco interiors, and a curated selection of films. The blend of classic charm and modern comfort makes it a cinema experience like no other. 

Kensington Roof Gardens 

Experience stunning views at Kensington Roof Gardens, a lush oasis amidst the city skyline. This unique venue offers vibrant gardens and a stylish atmosphere. Enjoy the panoramic vistas and sophisticated setting for a delightful outdoor experience. 

Princess Diana Memorial Playground 

Princess Diana Memorial Playground 

Perfect for families, the Princess Diana Memorial Playground offers imaginative play areas inspired by Peter Pan. Children can explore the pirate ship, teepees, and sensory trails in a safe and creative environment. The playful setting and engaging activities make it a favourite for young adventurers. 

With so much to see and do around Kensington Palace, your London adventure promises to be filled with exploration and joy. Whether you're diving into history, savouring culinary treats, or enjoying the vibrant local culture, there’s something special for everyone. Enjoy your exploration in this royal neighbourhood! 

Craving more? Check out our guide to London’s myriad cultural tours, or hit up the many churches and Cathedrals that call the city home. 

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St David’s Day in London: What’s On

St David’s Day is the feast day of Saint David, patron saint of Wales. It’s been celebrated on March 1, the presumed date of David’s death in 589 AD, since his canonisation in the 12th century. Today, the day and surrounding weeks serve as a time to celebrate Wales, Welshness and the Welsh, inside Wales and across the UK. So how can you celebrate St David’s Day in London? Well, with Wales Week bringing a wealth of Welsh-themed events to London between 22nd February and 8th March 2020, there’s plenty to do. From official events to pop-ups, there’s a varied set of ways to celebrate St David’s Day in London, including... A concert by The Welsh Guards A Welsh history walk around the City of London Some great St David's Day foodie tips And much, much more The Band of The Welsh Guards in The Guards’ Chapel See The Band of The Welsh Guards in their annual concert celebrating St David’s Day in London. Get swept away on a musical journey celebrating Wales’s patron saint as the esteemed Welsh Guards section of The Queen’s Household Division fill The Guards’ Chapel in the Wellington Barracks with sound. It’s free to enter, but you need to register to get in. Be sure to get there early to get the best seats! Friday 6th March 2020, 18.30 - 20.00. The Guards’ Chapel, Wellington Barracks, Birdcage Walk, London SW1E 6HQ. For more information and to book, head HERE. St David's Day Concert in Aid of The Passage Hear the wonderful tones and timbres and harmonies of the London Welsh Male Voice Choir at a special St David’s Day concert. Held at the Methodist Central Hall Westminster, the concert celebrates Welsh music and popular classical tunes through this most Welsh of choral setups. The evening, hosted by broadcaster, writer and political adviser Guto Harri, is held in aid of The Passage’s homelessness services. You can pay for general admission to the concert, which starts at 19.00. Alternatively, you can choose to add on a ticket for the pre-concert reception from 17.30. Drinks and canapés are served as you await the beginning of the concert. Friday 28th February 2020, 19.00 - 21.30. Methodist Central Hall Westminster, Storey’s Gate, London SW1H 9NH. For more information and to book, head HERE. Annual St David’s Day Walk with Caroline James Now in its 17th year, the Annual St David’s Day Walk takes you on a tour of Welsh history in London. It’s the ideal way to celebrate St David’s Day in London, learning about the contributions made to the city by famous Welsh residents and groups, including Sir Hugh Myddelton, Royal Jeweller under King James I, and various 18th Century Welsh societies. The walk starts at 11am, with all guests asked to meet outside The Blackfriar Pub on Queen Victoria Street. From there, you’ll pass through the famous streets of this storied area, picking up fascinating facts and interesting tales about Welsh culture and heritage in the capital. The walk ends at Bank Junction and lasts approximately two hours. Handily, the tour takes place on two consecutive Saturdays, the 29th February and 7th March 2020. Saturday 29th February and Saturday 7th March 2020, 11.00 at The Blackfriar Pub, 174 Queen Victoria St, London EC4V 4EG. For more information and to book, head HERE. Welsh Whiskey Masterclass and Food Pairing Celebrate St David’s Day in London with five whiskeys from the Penderyn distillery and food pairings to match. It’s a Welsh-themed whiskey tasting, with all five tipples award-winning creations of the Penderyn distillery, Wales’s oldest whiskey producer. Hosted by Forbes whisky writer and World Whisky Awards judge Felipe Schrieberg, the evening event will teach you techniques to train your nose and palate. Schrieberg will also take you through the fascinating history of Welsh whisky and the Penderyn distillery. The food pairings mix the classical with the creative. Signature whisky Welsh rarebit. Cheese and leek sausage bits. Cawl, in both traditional and veggie versions. The menu comes courtesy of The Ingredientist, a catering company who run the kitchen at Milroy’s, England’s largest whisky bar. Put simply, they know what they’re doing. Half price early bird tickets are on sale now. Tuesday 25th February, Wednesday 26th February, Tuesday 10th March and Wednesday 11th March 2020, 19.00-21.00. Factory Coffee, 96A Leather Lane, London EC1N 7TX. For more information and to book, head HERE. Novello & Son A new play by Welsh writer Arnold Evans, Novello & Son will be performed twice at the London Welsh Centre on 25th February 2020. The piece focuses on Clara Novello Davies, mother of Ivor Novello, famed Welsh songwriter, composer, dramatist and actor. An eccentric and proud character, Clara was a musical star in her own right, a leading light of Welsh choral singing as a choir mistress, teacher and singer. But her son’s fame came to eclipse hers, as he became a star of silent movies and the West End stage. The play finds Clara struggling with her son’s newfound superstardom, their relationship and her own place in Welsh musical history. Expect performances of Ivor’s best loved tunes, lashings of humour and poignant moments that interrogate the relationship between mother and son. Two performances on Tuesday 25th February 2020, 13.00 matinee and 19.30 evening performance. The London Welsh Centre, 157-163 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8UE. For more info and to book, head HERE. Annual St David’s Day Celebration at Guildhall The longest-running event celebrating St David’s Day in London. Each year since 1904, the Welsh community in London has held a St. David’s Day dinner. This year’s takes place on Wednesday 26th February 2020 at Guildhall in the City of London. Hosted by Huw Edwards, with speakers including poet Mereid Hopwood-Bard and former Labour government minister Lord Davies of Abersoch. The champagne reception starts at 18.15, with dinner in the Great Hall from 19.15. Music comes from choir, Only Boys Aloud. Guildhall, Basinghall St, City of London, London EC2V 7HH. For more information and ticket enquiries, head HERE. Dominique Ansel Bakery They always make something to celebrate St David’s Day at Dominique Ansel Bakery. Well, they do something to celebrate all British patron saint days, and plenty of other special events besides. And if you thought that such celebratory creativity might be a push for most bakeries and patisseries, you probably need introducing to Dominique Ansel. He’s the guy who came up with the cronut. You know, the super calorific croissant-donut hybrid that everyone was talking about, regardless of whether they’d tried it or not. Yep, that guy. And here at Dominique Ansel Bakery in London, they do a welsh rarebit croissant every year to celebrate St David’s Day. It is as decadent as you’d expect from one of the most daring minds in contemporary baking. Dominique Ansel Bakery, 17-21 Elizabeth St, Belgravia, London SW1W 9RP. A Double Dose of Chef Bryn Williams1. St David's Day Breakfast Welsh celebrity chef Bryn Williams is putting on two events to celebrate St David’s Day in London. First off, there’s the St David’s Day Breakfast, held at Bryn Williams at Somerset House. Williams and his team will be serving a range of delectable Welsh breakfast canapes, including leek and potato soup, deep fried oysters, black pudding and apple, Welsh rarebit and sausage rolls. The event starts at 9.30, so there’ll be freshly-brewed coffee, fruit juices and teas. The event ends at 11.30, so there’ll be a selection of Welsh sparkling wines and beers brought out as soon as it’s appropriate. The St David’s Day Breakfast takes place on Friday 28th February 2020, 09.30-11.30 at Bryn Williams at Somerset House, Strand, London WC2R 1LA. To find out more and book, head HERE. 2. St David's Day Sunday Lunch Next up, Williams’ popular Primrose Hill restaurant, Odette will be offering a special St David’s Day Sunday lunch on March 1st. The celebratory meal features three courses for £40, with plenty of choices to make for each of the three stages. For starters, there’s a Welsh beef tartare with mushroom ketchup and rosemary cracker, up against, among others, leek and potato soup with a slow cooked egg and warm Caerphilly scone. In the mains, choose from Cornish turbot, shin of beef and cockles with sea herbs (a Great British Menu Winner in 2006); roast beef with all the trimmings; and a white onion risotto with pickled trompette mushies and pecorino for the veggie people or the veggie-inclined. The cheese and dessert course is pretty astounding too. Bara brith panna cotta served with a warm Welsh cake, a blackberry souffle and Welsh rarebit are all vying for your attention. The St David’s Day Sunday Lunch takes place on Sunday 1st March 2020 at Odette’s Restaurant, 130 Regents Park Road, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8XL. For more information and to book, head HERE. Watch Some Rugby Rugby is a big deal in Wales. Is it Wales’s national sport? Some might contest that it’s football these days. But whatever, it’s still a big deal. Can’t people like both? Surely you can have two national sports? Can’t we all get on all the time? It’s the Six Nations, so two big Wales rugby games are taking place around St David’s Day. First off, you’ve got Wales vs France on Saturday 22nd February. Then you’ve got England vs Wales on Saturday 7th March. Get along to your local, or find a packed out sports bar or Welsh supporters event. They’re a bit before and after the day itself. But there are few more appropriate and enjoyable ways of celebrating St David’s Day in London than singing a few songs and watching the big guys in red. So, that's it for our St David's Day in London. As ever, if you have anything to add, let us know in the comments below. For information on how you can see London's best attractions with one pass, click the button below.
Matthew Pearson
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London Date Ideas: Activity Edition

Let’s go out. What do you want to do? Pub? No, let’s do something. Dinner? No, let’s do do something. Can’t we do dinner? No, something more active. Like do doing something? Yes, that’s what I said. I don’t have any London Date Ideas which involve doing things active. We need a list, a list of London Date Ideas which skews towards activities. A list of London Date Ideas which skews towards activities, including... The pick of the London activity bars best designed to impress Our favourite London immersive experiences, just waiting for a dating A smattering of evergreen London date ideas And much, much more London Date Ideas: Activity Bars Swingers The first of the big hitter activity bars on the list, Swingers is an adult-oriented rejig of crazy golf. As with all the activity bars on this list, it depends how competitive you feel like being on your first, second, or five hundred and fifty third date. It’s very pretty in there, with wooden course decorations, low lighting and fake grass. It certainly isn’t as gaudy as your traditional seaside town crazy golf. It’s like if Amelie was commissioned to design a crazy golf course. And the holes are well-designed, created to be open to all, letting everyone’s competitive streak flourish. But they require some nouse and, if you want to take it seriously, the pair of you could have quite the game on your hands. West End and City locations. For more information and to book, head HERE.  Flight Club Next up on the activity bar rundown, Flight Club is doing for darts what Swingers is doing for crazy golf: making it a night out activity and a game that feels like an event. Where Swingers is rescuing crazy golf from seaside town, broken windmill kiddydom, Flight Club are taking darts out of the you’re-kind-of-getting-in-everyone’s-way, only-one-dart-board nature of the pub dart setup. They call it ‘social darts’ and it’s helping make darts a more than acceptable date night activity. It looks the business in each of the Flight Club venues. That kind of curated look and atmosphere that seems delightfully thrown together, but definitely isn’t. Their cocktail menu features inventive ice slushies and plenty of classics given a thoughtful twist or two. Food-wise, the most popular items they offer are sharing board pizzas, along with international mix and match small plates, such as salmon ceviche tacos and veggie gyoza. They’ve got a good policy when it comes to walk-ins too. So, as long as you’re not rocking up at peak time on a Friday or Saturday, you should be able to get a board in a couple drinks’ time. They’ve also made the below high energy video showing just what social darts is all about. Bloomsbury, Islington, Victoria and Shoreditch locations. For more information and to book, head HERE. Bounce Table tennis. Ping-pong. Whiff-whaff. Whatever you want to call it, the fast-paced mini-tennis game finds its after-hours home at Bounce. The atmospheric basement venues have become popular for work-dos, birthdays and dates in the years since they opened. The music is loud, the lighting is right, there are balls flying everywhere. Sure, it’s pretty chaotic with all the dinging of the hollow balls on the tables, the clinking of hollow balls on the hard floor, the hollow balls now trampled under your feet. But they’ve made these spaces well, so you never feel like you’re in anyone’s way or like you’re playing on Centre Court, assembled masses surrounding you, critiquing your every shot, questioning your thin grip on the rules of the game. You’ve got space to focus on your game and, in between sets, your opponent/date. McEnroe and Borg might have had a better relationship were they to have played out their rivalry in a place such as Bounce. Farringdon and Old Street locations. For more information and to book, head HERE.  All Star Lanes The ultimate in date night activities, bowling has been given the London revamp at All Star Lanes. That is to say, it’s not a bowling alley on an industrial park beside an A-road with an Ikea on its left and a KFC on its right. And it looks the business inside. No sticky floors, too-loud arcade or too-bright lighting here. Nope, it’s all thoroughly retro-looking, drawing from a shared nostalgia for a 1950s American bowling scene we never knew, but we want desperately to return to. We’ve been plenty of times, and each visit there have been plenty of new couples taking to the lanes. All of them working out how seriously to take it. Once the things start falling down and the little animations come up on the screens—mocking you—it’s hard not to be swept up in the atmosphere of All Star Lanes. It’s a blast. Even if the date doesn’t go as planned, it’s a fun way to strike out. Westfield Stratford, Westfield White City, Holborn and Brick Lane locations. For more info and to book, head HERE.  London Date Ideas: Immersive Experiences Secret Cinema Take the pressure out of choosing what to wear, by going somewhere which demands you come in fancy dress. Secret Cinema are behind some of the biggest budget and most beloved immersive experiences London has to offer, themed around your favourite TV and movies. The whole place is made up to look like the setting from Blade Runner or Stranger Things or Star Wars or Romeo + Juliet or whatever nostalgic cultural behemoth they’ve chosen this time. Actors are there, doing their thing all around you. Get involved, follow your individual story for the evening, exploring all there is to explore with your date. At the end of the evening, there’s a screening of the film to enjoy. It really is an experience best shared. And if you pick the right event, you could be exploring a world that means a whole bunch to the pair of you. Check out our review of Secret Cinema Presents Stranger Things HERE. And find out which Secret Cinema event is on next HERE. Pedley Street Station Pedley Street Station provides the setting for the creations of Funicular Productions, who come up with train-set immersive theatre pieces. Well, you would too, if you had a train carriage set like they do at Pedley. Join them for mystery theatre pieces, like The Jewel of the Empire and The Murder Express, which take you back to the age of steam train travel...when anyone who was anyone was getting murdered on a train. Or doing the murdering. Think Agatha Christie, pencil moustaches and genius detectives. Take your date along for the ride and try to solve the mystery together, before it’s too late, before the killer strikes again, before...the food arrives. And the food is pretty special aboard this train. At Pedley, they get guest chefs (usually recent MasterChef finalists) to come up with four course dining experiences that take you on a journey. Pedley Street Station, Arch 63, Pedley St, London E1 5BW. For more details and to book, head HERE. London Date Ideas: Evergreens Portobello Electric Cinema An oldie and a goodie: the cinema trip. But who needs armrest dividers when you’re on a date? Whisk someone off to the Portobello Road Electric Cinema in Notting Hill and you’ll be watching from the comfort of your very own private sofa or bed. The whole place looks stunning, with the cinema tracing its history back to the early 20th century. And they’ve got an impressive cocktail menu too, as well as a diner-style restaurant for before or after the flick. A trip to the Portobello Electric Cinema is as fancy and refined as cinema-going gets. Electric Cinema, 191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED. For more details and to book, head HERE. St. Paul’s Cathedral Whispering Gallery Whisper sweet nothings in one of the most visited London attractions...and have no one but your date hear them. A quirk of Whispering Gallery of St. Paul’s means that a word whispered into one side of the dome will reach a listener on the other side. Remember, you’re trying to impress here, so be mature. No fart noises. Whisper it (actually, just shout it), but entry to St. Paul’s (including the Whispering Gallery) is included with The London Pass. Find out more about The London Pass below. St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8AD. For more info, head HERE. Banya No. 1 Getting thwacked with bunches of twigs and leaves doesn’t sound very pleasant. But do it with someone you’re dating and suddenly it doesn’t sound so bad. Because you’ll be getting violently attacked by bunches of branches together. Head to Banya No. 1 for this authentic Russian spa treatment, entering a sauna that’s kept at about 80 degrees and getting the twig treatment. Then dip into the cold tub for a bracing finale. Relationships are built on shared experiences. Sometimes those experiences involve overcoming challenges together. This is one of those times. It’s meant to be seriously good for you too, heart healthy and replenishing and such. Banya No. 1, 17 Micawber Street, London N1 7TB. For more info and to book, head HERE. Royal Observatory Greenwich Sometimes in a relationship, you just need some space. Head up to the Royal Observatory Greenwich for a dose of the cosmic, taking a look through their ludicrously powerful telescope, touch a 4.5 billion year old asteroid and catch a show at the planetarium. Stars are romantic—it’s a fact. And the view from up here on the hill in Greenwich Park is phenomenal. You can gain entry to the Royal Observatory Greenwich with The London Pass. Find out more about that little shooting star below. Columbia Road Flower Market Pick up a bouquet for your beau or belle at Columbia Road Flower Market. The historic market has an idiosyncratic feel to it, part relaxing, sweet smelling lazy Sunday, part chaotic, salt of the earth East London fun. It’s a combination that works at this Sunday flower market, where you can pick up cut flowers, readymade bouquets, houseplants, bedding plants, pot plants and herbs. Columbia Road is rich in independent businesses too. Family-owned restaurants, cute coffee shops and one-of-a-kind clothing, antique and gift stores. Head there early and make a day of it. Or go later if you’re thrifty. Plenty of stuff comes down to a fiver the closer you get to 4pm. Every Sunday, 8am - 4pm. Columbia Rd, London E2 7RG Kew Gardens There are few dreamier London date locations than Kew Gardens. Superbly beautiful walking routes to explore, wonderful areas of flowers and trees and succulents and water features, inside and out. And special events on throughout the year, highlighting the change in seasons, showcasing flora from across the planet. It’s a well-trodden path, for sure, but what a path. Entry to Kew Gardens comes included with The London Pass. Find out more about The London Pass below... That’s your lot, when it comes to activity-based London date ideas. That’s a wrap. Finito. Done and dusted. Got some active London date ideas to add to the mix? Let us know in the comments below. As ever, we’d love to hear from you. And, as ever, we’d love for you to check out what else we’ve been writing about recently. So here's our article, London Date Ideas: Drinks and Eats edition.
Matthew Pearson
Madame Tussauds London
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