South Kensington and Chelsea are two central districts of London.
To know
This is the most densely populated district in London and the area with the highest number of tourists in the world. For travelers the main point of interest is "Albertopolis" which contains the main museums in the UK, and the area of Knightsbridge and Sloane Square, where to shop.
It is part of the southern area of the Royal Town Hall of Kensington and Chelsea, from the Thames in the south to Kensington High Street in the north. It also includes Hyde Park to the east and the area around Kensington Olympia to the west. It also includes the area around the royal parks, commonly known as High Street Kensington is South Kensington, west of Earl's Court is Olympia, south of West Brompton, Sloane Square is Chelsea. The parks of Hyde Park is Kensington Gardens form the largest green area in London providing true oases within the metropolis.
South Kensington it houses four main museums in the city as well as the oldest and most famous Albert Hall concert hall. The Imperial College is also located here High Street Kensington is inhabited by a long line of shops and malls, quieter than Oxford Street, with also prestigious shops in the area of Knightsbridge. Sloane Street connects Knightsbridge to Chelsea via Sloane Square, and this too has many luxury shops.
Chelsea is a large area of London that stretches from Sloane Square in the east to the "World's End" pub in the west and down to the River Thames. King's Road it is the main artery of Chelsea.
This district is home to the largest number of American immigrants in the whole of the UK, many of whom work in the UK's financial district City of Londonwhile others are connected with institutions such as American International University with its campus just off High Street Kensington. Many local shops in fact also sell American products. South Kensington is sometimes called the "21st arrondissement" due to the large number of French expatriates who live there, enough to make London the sixth largest French city. This community ensures that there are many French cafes, groceries and other shops here. Knightsbridge is known for the large presence of Arabs and Russians resulting in restaurants and institutions.
This district contains some of the most expensive real estate in the world.
Albertopolis
Albertopolis
Following the success of the Great Exhibition of 1851, of which Prince Albert was a key figure, they proposed a cultural center to continue the work of the Exhibition in which to promote both the arts and sciences within the same area. The earnings from the Exposition were used to buy land that was open countryside here at the time, and to begin this ambitious project. The Prince was so influential that the project was known as "Albertopolis", at first as a joke but then as a sign of affection. The first building was opened in 1857 with the name of "South Kensington Museum" which today is called Victoria and Albert Museum. Today this area contains a collection of world-class museums, universities, conservatories and other cultural institutions. Its tradition of innovation continues: in 2012 Exhibition Road was redeveloped and converted into a shared space between pedestrians and motorists, without a sidewalk that shares its limits.
Background
Chelsea
Chelsea's current reputation as a center of innovation and influence originates in the 19th century when for a time this area became a colony of Victorian artists who lived here, such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, J.M.W. Turner, James McNeill Whistler, William Holman Hunt and John Singer Sargent, as well as writers such as George Meredith, Algernon Swinburne, Leigh Hunt and Thomas Carlyle. The greatest concentration was in the area around Cheyne Walk and Cheyne Row which served as a hub for the pre-Raphaelite movement.
After World War II, like other prosperous areas, Chelsea became rather poor and decadent, regaining its artistic and Bohemian vigor in the 60s of the last century. The Americans then renamed this period "Swinging London" and King's Road became synonymous with style and fashion and both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones lived in these neighborhoods.
In the 1970s, the King's Road area where the "World's End" is located was the fertile ground for the birth of the punk movement and housed Vivienne Westwood's "Sex" shop. Later, as prices rose, the youth culture of the working class was undermined, moving to Camden, Islington, Ladbroke Grove, Brixton and Brick Lane.
In the 80s of the last century there was the birth of the "Sloane" (whose archetype is Princess Diana) and the crested heads gave way to pearl necklaces and pink polo shirts, what Americans would call "preppy", in which style Chelsea still seems to have remained today.
How to orient yourself
South Kensington and Chelsea: full screen map.How to get
By subway
This is a rather large district, served by a large number of metro stations, almost all in zone 1 and three different lines.
1 Hyde Park Corner (line: Piccadilly). You use this stop for Hyde Park.- 2 Knightsbridge (line: Piccadilly). For Harrods, Harvey Nicholls and other luxury shops.
- 3 Sloane Square (lines: District and Circle). For King's Road.
- 4 South Kensington (lines: District, Circle and Piccadilly). For museums.
- 5 Gloucester Road (lines: District, Circle and Piccadilly).
- 6 High Street Kensington (lines: District and Circle). For shopping and Kensington Gardens.
- 7 Earl's Court (lines: District and Piccadilly, zones 1 and 2). For budget hotels and wheelchair access to the tube to and from Heathrow Airport.
- 8 Kensington Olympia (line: District, Zone 2).
- 9 West Brompton (line: District, Zone 2).
| Underground lines passing through South Kensington and Chelsea |
| Mayfair and Marylebone ← Notting Hill and North Kensington ← | No.  IS | → Westminster → City of London |
| Wimbledon ← Hammersmith and Fulham ← Wimbledon - Edgware Road ← | S.  No. | → Wimbledon-Edgware Road → Notting Hill and North Kensington → Mayfair and Marylebone |
| Wimbledon ← Hammersmith and Fulham ← Wimbledon - Tower Hill ← | S. IS | → Wimbledon - Tower Hill → Westminster → City of London |
| West London ← Hammersmith and Fulham ← Richmond / Ealing-Upminster ← | OR IS | → Richmond / Ealing - Upminster → Westminster → City of London |
| West London ← Hammersmith and Fulham ← | OR  IS | → Westminster - Mayfair and Marylebone → Bloomsbury |
| North London ← Hammersmith ← | No.  S. | → Fulham → Wandsworth Town Hall |
By bus
Like much of zone 1, this area is well connected with a large variety of bus lines. In general, the following areas have the following paths:
- South Kensington Museums:
14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1 - Knightsbridge: 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452, C1
- High Street Kensington: 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, 452, C1
- Sloane Square: 11, 19, 22, 137, 170, 211, 319, 360, 452, C1
- King's Road Chelsea: 11, 19, 22, 49, 211, 319
- Earl's Court: 74, 190, 328, 430, C1, C3
- Hyde Park Corner: 2, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 22, 36, 38, 52, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 414, 436, C2
14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1The most useful buses for visitors are:
- 9: from Aldwych through Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus. It serves Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, and High Street Kensington (towards Hammersmith).
- 10: From King's Cross St. Pancras and Euston Station via Oxford Circus / Oxford Street and Marble Arch. Serves Hyde Park Corner Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, and High Street Kensington (towards Hammersmith).
- 11: from Liverpool Street Station passes the City of London, St. Paul, Aldwych, Trafalgar Square, Westminster, and Victoria Station. Serves Sloane Square and King's Road Chelsea (towards Fulham).
- 14: from Warren Street Station passes Tottenham Court Road, Shaftesbury Avenue / Soho, and Piccadilly Circus. It serves Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington and Fulham Road museums (towards Fulham and Putney).
- 19: from Finsbury Park and Islington / Angel via Tottenham Court Road, Shaftesbury Avenue / Soho, and Piccadilly Circus. It serves Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Sloane Square, and King's Road Chelsea (towards Battersea).
- 74: from Baker Street passes Oxford Street and Marble Arch. Serves Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington and Earl's Court museums (towards West Brompton, Fulham, and Putney).
- 211: from Waterloo station (near South Bank / London Eye) passes Westminster and Victoria Station. Serves Sloane Square and King's Road Chelsea (towards Fulham and Hammersmith).
- C1: Victoria Station serves Sloane Square, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, Earl's Court and High Street Kensington (towards White City / Westfield London).
All of these routes use the iconic double-decker buses, except the C1. They typically run every 10 minutes.
How to get around
What see
Museums
"Dippy" the skeleton of the dinosaur that stood at the natural history entrance, now replaced by the skeleton of a whale
Exhibition Road and Cromwell Road in South Kensington contain various world-class museums, all of which are free to enter except for temporary exhibitions. They accept and encourage donations if we enjoyed the visit. Each of these justify a full day inside. It is advisable not to try to see them all together but to dedicate yourself only to one or two with tranquility, enjoying the atmosphere.
- 1 Victoria and Albert Museum (IT GOES), Cromwell Road (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7942 2000, @[email protected].
Free. Special paid exhibitions. 
Sat-Thu 10: 00–17: 45, Fri 10: 00–22: 00. It is named in honor of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert and has been open for over 150 years. Contains a huge collection of decorative arts from around the world of all time. Trying to see it all in one day is an exhausting activity. There are special exhibits on specific themes of all sorts. They often organize activities for children or evenings with DJs. 
- 2 natural History Museum (Natural History Museum), Cromwell Road (Tube station: South Kensington.), ☎ 44 20 7942 5000, @[email protected]. Free. They accept offers. 10:00–17:30. Probably the most famous museum of the various in the area and certainly not to be missed. Contains no less than 70 million samples from every natural science. It is difficult to say what the most famous object is. It is worth visiting the Darwin Center, for which you can book a guided tour to see some of the most beautiful and sometimes chilling samples, not available to the public; there is also the study dedicated to the character of David Attenborough. NHM's "Earth Galleries" were once a separate museum called the "Geological Museum", which is still housed in a separate building with its own entrance.
- 3 science Museum (Science Museum), Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 870 870 4868, @[email protected]. Free. They accept offers. 10:00–18:00. Dedicated to scientific exhibitions. Inside are historic machines and inventions, including Stephenson's rocket. Space-related exhibits are generally very popular and exhibits generally tend to be focused on explaining science principles with working models and there is a heavy emphasis on education to attract children. This museum first opened as a "Children's Gallery" in the 1930s and continues to be an example of its kind today. Today there are three separate galleries dedicated to all ages of young visitors, from 5 to 16 years old. The museum also organizes "Science Nights" in which children spend the evening learning the principles and participating in experiments before spending the night sleeping in the museum. Inside there is also a large library specializing in books and journals on science and medicine.
- 4 The Geological Museum (The red zone of the Natural History Museum), Cromwell Road, SW7 5BD (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 020 7942 5000. Free. They accept offers. 10:00–17:30. This old venerable institution was absorbed by the nearby Natural History Museum in 1985 although it still maintains a separate identity to this day. Dedicated to everything related to geology with very popular exhibitions on volcanology, earthquakes and fossils. Much loved by children and very often mistakenly snubbed.
- 5 National Army Museum, Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT (Tube station: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 020 7730 0717. Free. They accept offers. Mon-Sun 09.40 - 17.20 (Last admission: 16.20).
- 6 Watchmakers Museum (Clockmaker's Museum), Exhibition Road, SW7 2DD (on the 2nd floor of the Science Museum), ☎ 44 20 7998 8120, @[email protected]. Free. Mon-Sun 10: 00-18: 00. Trace the history of watchmaking with a priceless collection of antique pieces.
Free. Special paid exhibitions. 
Sat-Thu 10: 00–17: 45, Fri 10: 00–22: 00. It is named in honor of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert and has been open for over 150 years. Contains a huge collection of decorative arts from around the world of all time. Trying to see it all in one day is an exhausting activity. There are special exhibits on specific themes of all sorts. They often organize activities for children or evenings with DJs.
Parks and gardens
Aerial photo of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and surrounding areas
Although this area is very urban, it does not lack green areas. Many residential squares contain walled gardens to which only residents have access. The dominant green areas are obviously Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These royal parks are contiguous and are often mistaken for the same park even though they are officially separate and have different opening hours. Together they make up one of the largest metropolitan parks in the world. They are popular for "bird-watching" as they welcome more than 100 different species of birds.
- 7 Chelsea Physic Garden, 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS, ☎ 44 20 7352 5646. Apr-Oct £ 10.50; Nov-Mar £ 7.40. Nov-Mar: Mon-Fri 11: 00-15: 00pm; Apr-Oct: Mon 11: 00-17: 00, Tue-Fri and Sun Su 11: 00-18: 00 (Open late Jul-Aug Tue-Wed 11: 00-22: 00, last admission 20.30). Garden founded by apothecaries in the seventeenth century for the properties of medicinal plants. Opened to the public only in the 1980s when it became a charitable institution. The heat absorption of its thick walls and the heat loss typically created by the city keeps this garden much warmer than it could be at this latitude. Thanks to this the garden contains the unique example of a grape plant that manages to grow this far north, outside a greenhouse, as well as the largest fruiting olive tree in the country. The collection contains thousands of different plants.
- 8 Hyde Park (Tube station: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge). Free. 05:00–00:00. The eastern half of the twin parks. Between the two, Hyde Park stays open longer and has wider lawns. It often hosts concerts, fairs and events.
- 9 Fountain in memory of Diana (Diana Memorial Fountain).
- 10 Rose garden (Rose Garden).
- 11 The Serpentine. The Serpentine is a small man-made lake within Hyde Park which contains various species of ducks, water hens and fish. It was originally created with a dam on the Westbourne River but is now fed by three wells. The western part of the lake is actually located in Kensington Gardens, where it is called The Long Water.
- 12 Speakers Corner. In this corner on the northeastern part of the park (on the side of the Marble Arch tube station), by habit everyone can say anything about any person and any topic that springs to mind. It is worth a visit to listen to the various lunatics and exhibitionists who have their say.
- 13 Kensington Gardens (Kensington Gardens) (Tube station: High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Queensway or Lancaster Gate). Free. 06: 00 – sunset. The western part of the twin gardens is the part that is often forgotten by the public consciousness. It tends to be more formal than its neighbor and closes at dusk while Hyde Park closes at midnight.
- 14 Memorial of Prince Albert (Albert Memorial). Richly detailed Gothic-style monument to commemorate Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. It is located in front of the Royal Albert Hall.
- 15 Playground in memory of Diana (Diana Memorial Playground). Playground in memory of Diana, the Princess of Wales.
- 16 Oak of the elves (Elfin Oak). A 900 year old tree carved and painted with representations of elves and small animals.
- 17 Italian Gardens (Italian Gardens).
- 18 Kensington Palace (Kensington Palace), Palace Green, W8 4PX (Tube station: Queensway), ☎ 44 20 3166 6000. £6.25-12.50. Nov-Feb, Mon-Sun 10: 00-17: 00, Mar-Oct 10: 00-18: 00. Royal residence still used by some of the family members. Much of the palace is still open to the public and is a very popular tourist destination, especially because it is associated with the figure of Princess Diana. King's Gallery contains some beautiful paintings, including a Van Dyke. There is also a good restaurant called The Orangery.
- 19 The round pond (The Round Pond). A round pond around which you can sit with deckchairs which can be rented for £ 1.50. The park benches and the lawn are free.
- 20 The Serpentine Gallery. A nice gallery with free admission. Each summer a pavilion near the gallery is designed by a different architect, hosting various cultural events.
- 21 Kensington Roof Gardens, 99 High Street Kensington, W8 5SA (entrance from Derry Street, just off Kensington High Street, next to High Street Kensington station), ☎ 44 20 7937 7994. Free. 09: 00-17: 00 (it is recommended to call, as they often host private functions). Above High Street Kensington is an unusual place to find ornamental gardens and here are three themed gardens: a Spanish garden, a Tudor garden and an English wood covering a 1.5 acre roof. Created in the 1930s by the owners of the department store below. You can enjoy the view of a small river and flamingos accompanied by a view of the rooftops of Kensington. There is also a restaurant and a nightclub.
- 22 Roper garden (Roper's Garden), Cheyne Walk. Small green area near the River Thames, with benches. Created in the crater of a WWII bomb, it contains an ancient cherry tree commemorating the visit of Gunji Koizumi, the man who introduced judo to the country. It bears the name of Margaret Roper who received the area as a gift from her father, Sir Thomas More, when she married William Roper.
Blue plates
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The blue plate of T. S. Elliot
The blue plates mark the buildings in which prominent people have lived or worked. The scheme began in London in 1866 and continues today. In this area there are hundreds of houses and other buildings reported. The following list are just a few examples of what can be seen. This is a pleasant way to get around the city, and a further way to organize your trip by visiting the places of your favorite favorites.
- 23 Alfred Hitchcock's house, 153 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TQ (Tube station: Earl's Court). The plaque was placed in 1999 to indicate the house where the famous director lived from 1926 to 1939.
- 24 Bram Stoker's house, 18 St Leonard's Terrace, SW3 4QG (Tube station: Sloane Square). In 1977, the Dracula Society christened the plaque marking the home of the author of the hugely popular novel.
- 25 Mark Twain's house, 23 Tedworth Square, SW3 5DR (Tube station: Sloane Square). The American author lived at this address from 1896 to 1897.
- 26 Oscar Wilde's house, 34 Tite Street, SW3 4JA (Tube station: Sloane Square). The famous Victorian-era writer lived here.
- 27 Rosalind Franklin House, Donovan Court, Drayton Gardens, SW10 9QS (Tube station: South Kensington or Gloucester Road). One of the discoverers of DNA molecules lived here in the 1950s until her death in 1958.
- 28 House of T. S. Elliot, 3 Kensington Court Gardens, W8 5QE (Tube station: High Street Kensington). The poet lived and died in this house.
- 29 Home of Sir William Gilbert, 39 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JU (Tube station: Gloucester Road). One half of the humorous opera writing duo Gilbert & Sullivan lived here.
- 30 Sir Winston Churchill's home, 28 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5DJ (Tube station: Gloucester Road or High Street Kensington). One of the UK's most prominent Prime Ministers lived and died at this address.
Churches and buildings
The East window of Holy Trinity Sloane Street church
- 31 The road of billionaires, Kensington Palace Gardens (Tube station: High Street Kensington or Notting Hill Gate). One of the most expensive residential streets on the planet. Much of the buildings here are embassies or ambassadorial residences, and the remaining homes belong to some of the richest people in the country (and the world). To add historical value, during World War II the current Norwegian embassy was the location from which King Haakon VII led Norway's government-in-exile (commemorated by a blue plaque) and the MI19 prisoner-of-war infrastructure, the "London Cage" was located here. Only pedestrians and cyclists are allowed to enter and no photographs are allowed.
- 32 Brompton Oratory (Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary), Brompton Road, SW7 2RP (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7808 0900, @[email protected]. Beautiful Italian church created during the Catholic Renaissance of the 19th century.
- 33 Carlyle's house, 24 Cheyne Row, SW3 5HL, ☎ 44 20 7352-7087, @[email protected]. £2.50-4.90. Mon-Sun 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm. House of the eighteenth century, maintained by the National Trust, from 1834 was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle and today is a museum dedicated to his life and work.
- 34 Old Chelsea Church (Chelsea Old Church), 64 Cheyne Walk, SW3 5LT (Tube station: South Kensington, Gloucester Square or Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7795 1019, @[email protected]. Tue-Thu 14: 00-16: 00. Church from 1157 on the bank of the River Thames. Opposite is a statue of Thomas More.
- 35 Crosby Hall, Cheyne Walk, SW3 5AZ (Tube station: Sloane Square). Not open to the public. What remains of a Tudor style mansion that originally stood in the City of London. To avoid demolition to make room for a bank, in 1910 it was moved brick by brick and reassembled here. Today the building is part of the list of historic buildings with grade II. Probably the largest private house in the capital.
- 36 Church of the Stanta Trinità (Holy Trinity Church), Sloane Street, SW1X 9BZ (Tube station: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7730 7270. From their website: "The architect John Dando Sedding, in accordance with the proposal of the Movement of Arts and Crafts, believed that the church should be worked and painted with all that has life and beauty with frank and intrepid naturalness.".
- 37 Royal Hospital (Royal Hospital), Royal Hospital Road (Tube station: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7881 5516, @[email protected]. Guided tours: £ 4–8 per person. Museum: Free. Guided tours: Mon-Fri 10:00 & 13.30. Museum: Mon-Fri 10: 00-16: 00. Military retirement home created by King Charles II. Guided tours include the museum, which can be visited separately, which exhibits military objects donated over the years by the residents.
- 38 Chelsea Old Church (All Saints), 64 Cheyne Walk, Chelsea, SW3 5LT.
Other
Earls Court Police Booth
- 39 Brompton Cemetery (Brompton Cemetery), Entrance fees on Old Brompton Road and Fulham Road (Tube station: West Brompton, Earl's Court or Fulham Broadway). One of London's "Magnificent Seven" cemeteries. A wide variety of tombs, from simple to ornate and is a quiet place to walk away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Opened in 1840 and still running today, it offers a nice (albeit macabre) walk on the route between Old Brompton and Fulham Road.
- 40 Penfold's mailbox (Penfold Post Box), Kensington High Street, W8 (Near the intersection with Melbury Road). One of the few remaining Victorian hexagonal mailboxes. Although there are others in this district, this one is notable for having saved itself from the bombings of the Second World War. Bombing damage can still be seen on the base today.
- 41 Police booth, Earls Court Road, outside Earl's Court Station (Tube station: Earl's Court). This cabin was installed here as part of the proposal to re-install, in the 90s of the last century, the police booths of the 1920s-60s. The experiment failed and this is the only cabin left in London, left here as street furniture and very popular among TV series lovers Doctor Who.
- 42 Royal College of Art, Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU (Tube station: High Street Kensington or South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7590 4444, @[email protected]. 10:00–17:30. Victorian school, now a university, with the mission of improving knowledge of the fine arts. There are usually exhibitions. Tickets and entry times vary.
- 43 Royal College of Music, Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7591 4300, @[email protected]. Museum: Free. Concerts: Variable price although they are generally free, even if they still require a ticket. Museum: Tue-Fri 11: 30–16: 30; Concerts: variable. Victorian music school created at the suggestion of Prince Albert. Still active school. The free museum has ancient and rare musical instruments on display. Concerts by students and teachers are often free.
- 44 Saatchi Gallery (Saatchi Gallery), Duke Of York's HQ, King's Road, SW3 4RY. Free. 10:00-18:00. Prestigious gallery of contemporary art.
What to do
The Royal Albert Hall at sunset
- 1 Take a boat ride to the Serpentine (Hyde Park). £ 12 / hour (adults), £ 5 / hour (children). Rowing boats and pedal boats can be rented from Easter until the end of October.
- 2 Earl's Court Exhibition Center, Oarwick Road, SW5 9TA (Tube station: Earl's Court or West Brompton), ☎ 44 20 7385 1200, @[email protected]. It hosts congresses, exhibitions, concerts and events. Located in the area where "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show" was staged in the 19th century. It has two halls and is worth seeing before it is demolished.
- 3 Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Center, South Carriage Drive, W2 2UH (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7262 3474, @[email protected]. Opening hours vary. It contains 6 hard-court tennis courts, two mini-tennis courts, a 9-lane bowling alley and a 9-hole mini golf course (all bookable). There are supporting facilities such as a dressing room and a cafeteria. Some equipment can be rented on site.
- 4 Institut Francais du Royaume-Uni, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7871 3515. Mon-Fri 09: 00-23: 00; Sat 10: 00–23: 00; Sun depending on the events. The nerve center of the network of institutes promoting French culture around the world. There is also a café, a cinema showing French films, the UK's largest French bookshop and a language center. They also organize events. In the same block there is the French consulate and a school.
- 5 London Cru, 21/27 Seagrave Road, ☎ 44 20 7381-7871, @[email protected]. from £ 15. Urban tavern run by a group of experts including producer Gavin Monery. The winery offers guided tours, tastings, courses, in-house production.
- Le Bistrot. Mon-Fri 09: 00-20: 30; Sat 11: 30–20: 30; Sun 13: 15–20: 30. French cafe.
- Children's library of the French institute (Institute Français Children's Library), 12-32 Harrington Road, SW7 2DT, ☎ 44 20 7871 3550. Thu-Fri 14: 00-17: 00; Sat 12: 00-18: 00.
- 6 Ciné Lumière, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT, ☎ 44 20 7838 2144, @[email protected]. £9. Mon-Fri 09: 00-23: 00; Sat 10: 00-23: 00. Cinema of the institute, shows only films in French.
- Language Center, 13 Cromwell Place, SW7 2JN, ☎ 44 20 7871 3535, fax: 44 20 7581 0061, @[email protected]. From £ 295 per course & from £ 120 for 3 private sessions. Mon-Thu 09: 00–20: 30; Fri 09: 00-16: 00; Sat 09: 30-16: 30. Learn French or take courses on French culture in the official teaching center. Intensive courses can be completed in two weeks while general courses last 10-15 weeks.
- The Médiathèque, 17 Queensberry Place, SW7 2DT, ☎ 44 20 7871 3545, fax: 44 20 7871 3519, @[email protected]. Tue-Sat 12: 00-19: 00 (18:00 on Thursday). The largest French book library in the UK. The books can be read and rented.
- 7 Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX (Tube station: Kensington (Olympia)), ☎ 44 20 7385 1200. Another event center owned by the same company that operates Earl's Court Exhibition Center. It hosts the same variety of congresses, trade shows and events. here are 4 halls and a congress center. There is always something to see and prices vary.
- 8 Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore (Tube station: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7589 8212. Since its opening in 1871 and forming part of Queen Victoria's memorial to her last husband, it has become the UK's most famous concert venue. Even today classical, pop, rock concerts are played and the corridors are often used to set up exhibitions. Between July and September the BBC Proms the most important English event for classical music for everyone. Now an institution, it consists of a series of evening concerts by very important names. Standing tickets can also be bought at the entrance and the prices can be very low.
- 9 Royal Court Theater (Royal Court Theater), Sloane Square, SW1W 8AS (Tube station: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7565 5000. National theater dedicated to the new works of innovative English and foreign writers.
- 10 The Troubadour, 263-265 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA (Tube station: Earl's Court or West Brompton), ☎ 44 20 7370 1434, @[email protected]. Admission from £ 6. Cafeteria: 09: 00–00: 00; club: 20: 00–02: 00. Famous bohemian café with a pleasant menu of hearty recipes such as fish croquettes, burgers and salads. A good wine list and a very nice back garden. There is a small concert hall downstairs and they rent rooms upstairs. The concert hall has been playing acoustically since the 1950s. Nowadays it has expanded and has a PA system and is still one of the best places for new musical promises of all genres even if no heavy rock or cover bands. Here they played Adele, Laura Marlin, Jamie T and The Kleeks. A good menu but get there early if you want a table.
Shopping
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Harrods
- 1 The Duke of York Square (The Duke of York Square Shopping Complex) (Just off King's Road, near Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7823 5577. Mon-Wed & Fri 10: 00-18: 00; Thu 10: 00_20: 00; Sat 10: 00-18: 00; Sun 12: 00-18: 00. It has a variety of big-name stores, but lacks the character that street shops have. The nearby Duke of York Square is a good place to rest and is very busy.
- 2 Harrods, 87–135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL (Tube station: Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7730 1234. Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. The most famous department store in London very popular with the English upper class and owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed. It is advisable not to show up dressed too much like tourists so as not to be rejected.
- 3 Harvey Nichols, 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ (Tube station: Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7235 5000. Mon-Sat 10:00 am - 8:00 pm. Department store full of fashion shops and cafes.
- 4 The Hummingbird Bakery (The Hummingbird Bakery), 47 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3JP (Opposite South Kensington tube station), ☎ 44 20 7584 0055. A bakery with excellent cupcakes. Try the "velvet cupcake", very popular with the locals.
- 5 H.R. Owen Ferrari London, 125 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3RP (Tube station: Gloucester Road or South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 3053 0760, fax: 44 20 7341-6303. Mon-Fri 09: 00-18: 00; Sat 09: 00-17: 00. If you are not happy with the clothes shops in the area, you can buy Ferraris.
- 6 King's Road (Tube station: Sloane Square, for the north-east area). One of London's most interesting streets for fashion that has changed from a nerve center for innovative and avant-garde fashion to a quieter place of shops not unlike other streets in the city. However, there is a good presence of trendy young people. Very interesting street to visit which maintains the village atmosphere despite being in the middle of the city. Here you will find all kinds of shops, bars and discos. It flows for several kilometers even if the most interesting part are the first two.
- 7 Lamborghini London, 27 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3TD (Stazione tube: South Kensington, di fronte all'ingresso sud), ☎ 44 20 7589 1472. Lun-Ven 09:00–18:00; Sab 10:00–15:00. Se avanzano dei soldi e si desidera un'auto, val bene una visita.
- 8 Sloane Street (Stazione tube: Sloane Square o Knightsbridge). Una fila di negozi di sarti e marche famose come Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, ecc.
- 9 Whole Foods Market, 63-97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE (tube: High Street Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7368 4500. Lun-Sab 08:00–22:00; Dom 12:00–18:00. La sede di Kensington di questa catena americana di cibo naturale, è la più grande al mondo.
- 10 The Carnival Store, 95 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 0QH, ☎ 44 20 7603 2918, @[email protected]. Negozio che offre un'ampia varietà di vestiti da carnevale, costumi, maschere ed accessori. Il personale è molto gentile e pronto a risolvere le esigenze.
How to have fun
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Courtfield
Chelsea
La zona sud vicino al fiume ha una reputazione bohemienne sin dal XIX secolo quando era una colonia per artisti. Negli anni '60 del secolo scorso faceva parte della cultura della "swinging London". Negli anni '70 era famosa per i punk e negli '80 per i ricchi Sloan Rangers.
- 1 Builders Arms, 13 Britten Street, SW3 3TY (Stazione tube: South Kensington o Sloane Street), ☎ 44 20 7349 9040, @[email protected]. Lun-Sab 11:00–23:00; Dom 12:00–22:30. Gastropub vicino all'ospedale Royal Marsden, appena fuori King's Road.
- 2 Chelsea Potter, 119 Kings Road, SW3 4PL (È il primo pub che si trova uscendo dalla stazione Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7352 9479. Lun-Ven 11:00–23:00; Sab 11:00–00:00; Dom 12:00–00:00. Pub tradizionale molto frequentato da australiani e neozelandesi.
- 3 Coopers Arms, 87 Flood Street, SW3 5TB (Stazione tube: Sloane Street), ☎ 44 20 7376 3120, @[email protected]. Buone birre alla mescita, compresa la Peroni. Ottimo arrosto della domenica.
- 4 Maggie's, 329 Fulham Road, SW10 9QL (Stazione tube: West Brompton, Earl's Court, Gloucester Road o South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7352 8512, @[email protected]. ingresso £15. Mar-Mer 23:00–02:30; Gio 22:30–02:30; Ven-Sab 22:30–03:30. Discoteca a tema anni '80. Porta il nome del primo ministro Margaret Thatcher la quale voce risuona nei bagni.
- 5 The Phoenix, 23 Smith Street, SW3 4EE (Stazione tube: South Kensington o Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7730 9182, @[email protected]. Lun-Sab 11:00–23:00; Dom 12:00–22:30. Ottimo posto dove bere durante le belle giornate se si riesce a prendere uno dei tavoli esterni.
Earls Court–Brompton
La zona ovest è quella un po' più economica.
- 6 Courtfield, 187 Earl's Court Road, SW5 9AN (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7370 2626. Lun-Sab 08:00-00:00; Dom 09:00–23:30. Gastropub facente parte della lista CAMRA, che serve cibo e buone birre.
- 7 Drayton Arms, 153 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0LJ (Tube station: Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7835 2301. Lun-Sab 12:00–23:00; Dom 12:00–22:30. Un misto tra gastropub e locale bohemienne. Buona varietà di birre e costa un po' di più degli altri pub di zona.
- 8 Gloucester Arms, 34 Gloucester Road, SW7 4RB (Tube station: Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7584 0020. Lun-Mer 11:00–23:00; Gio-Sab 11:00–00:00; Dom 12:00–22:30. Pub tradizionale.
- 9 The Prince of Teck, 161 Earl's Court Road, SW5 9RQ (Stazione tube: Earls Court), ☎ 44 20 7373 4291, @[email protected]. Lun-Gio 11:00–23:30; Ven 11:00–00:00; Sab 08:00–00:00; Dom 08:00–23:30. Pub tradizionale al piano sottostante con un ristorante al primo piano.
- 10 Zetland Arms, 2 Bute Street, SW7 3EX (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7589 3813. Lun-Sab 11:00-00:00; Dom 12:00–23:00. Pub tradizionale vicino alla stazione di South Kensignton.
Knightsbridge–Sloane Square
La zona est è la più esclusiva. Knightsbridge fu costruita nel XIX secolo quando i pub e le birrerie erano considerati posti da poveri. I pub costruiti qui erano quindi pensati originariamente per la servitù e posizionati lontani dalla vista.
- 11 Admiral Codrington, 17 Mossop Street, SW3 2LY (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7581 0005. Lun-Mar 11:30–23:00; Mer-Gio 11:30–00:00; Ven-Sab 11:30–01:00; Dom 12:00–22:30. Gastropub.
- 12 The Antelope, 22 Eaton Terrace, SW1W 8EZ (Stazione tube: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7824 8512, @[email protected]. Lun-Gio & Sab 12:00–23:00; Ven 12:00–23:30, Dom 12:00–22:00. Pub tradizionale con molte caratteristiche preservate dall'originale di periodo giorgiano.
- 13 The Hour Glass, 279 Brompton Road, SW3 2DY, ☎ 44 20 7581 2840. Lun-Sab 12:00-23:00; Dom 12:00-21:00. Piccolo e triangolare, lontano dalla strada principale e molto frequentato dalla gente del posto.
Where to eat
Moderate prices
Nonostante sia una zona ricca e molto frequentata, ci sono molti posti nei quali mangiare con poco specialmente vicino alle stazioni. I "gastropub" sono un'altra opzione.
- 1 La Nuova Delizia, 63-65 Chelsea Manor Street, SW3 5RZ, ☎ 44 20 7376 4111, fax: 44 20 7585-1573, @[email protected]. £10–12 per le portate principali. 12:00–23:00. Ristorantino italiano che offre 18 pizze diverse, tre risotti e vari piatti di pasta, gnocchi. Good quality / price ratio.
- 2 Little Japan, 32 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LT, ☎ 44 20 7591 0207. Ristorante giapponese che prepara anche a portar via. Si trova tra la stazione di South Kensington e i musei.
- 3 McDonald's, 108-110 Kensington High Street, W8 4SG (di fronte alla stazione di High Street Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7937 3705. always open. Un McDonald's come gli altri.
- 4 Pop's, 272-274 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9HR (Stazione tube: Earl's Court or West Brompton), ☎ 44 20 7835 1442. £5.50 per una colazione Full English Breakfast. Lun-Sab 06:30–18:30; Dom 08:00–18:30. Ristorante e caffetteria "greasy spoon" per spendere poco con buon cibo di dubbia qualità.
Average prices
- 5 Beirut Express, 65 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3JS (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7591 0123. Da £14. 11:00–00:30. Fa parte della catena di ristoranti di zona Maroush.
- 6 Da Mario, 15 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PP (all'angolo di Queens Gate Terrace, a pochi isolati a nord della stazione di Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7584 9078, @[email protected]. piatti principali £10–16. Lun-Dom 12:00-01:00; ultimo ordine alle 23.30. Ristorante a gestione familiare con buone pizze e piatti italiani. Si deve arrivare presto per entrare nella lista d'attesa oppure si deve prenotare in anticipo.
- 7 Fifth Floor Café, 109-125 Knightsbridge (Stazione tube: Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7823 1839, fax: 44 20 7823-2207. Lun-Sab 08:00–23:00, Dom 11:00–17:00 (té del pomeriggio 15:00–18:00). Caffetteria al quinto piano di Harvey Nichols. Una terrazza sul tetto offre la vista sui tetti di Knightsbridge.
- 8 Firezza, 116 Finborough Road, SW10 9ED (Stazione tube: West Brompton), ☎ 44 20 7370 2255. Da £8.99 per mezzo metro. Lun-Gio 17:00–23:00; Ven-Sab 12:00–00:00; Dom 12:00–23:00. Pizza a portar via, pizza gourmet, quadrata, al metro.
- 9 Great India Tandoori, 79 Lower Sloane Street, SW1 W8DA (Stazione tube: Sloane Street), ☎ 44 20 7730 2207. 12:00–15:00; 18:00-00:00. Uno dei ristoranti più famosi di Chelsea. Aperto da Satir Ahmed nel 1960.
- 10 Kensington Creperie (Cafe Creperie), 2 Exhibition Road (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7589 8947, @[email protected]. £3–8.50. Mar-DOm 11:00–23:30, Lun 12:00–23:30. Piccola creperia e caffetteria molto frequentata dai francesi che vivono nella zona. Vicino alla stazione della metro, è un buon posto dove sedere a guardare la gente che passa.
High prices
- 11 Babylon (L'ingresso su strada è su Derry Street, appena fuori dalla stazione della tube Kensington High Street), ☎ 44 20 7368 3993, @[email protected]. £39.50 per due portate. Lun-Sab 11:30–00:00, Dom 11:30–17:30. Situato all'interno dei Kensington Roof Gardens, sette piani sopra alla stazione High Street Kensington con una vista sulla città.
- 12 Bibendum, 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7581 5817, fax: 44 20 7823 7925, @[email protected]. Ristorante: Lun-Ven 12:00-14:30 / 19:00-23:00; Sab 12:30-15:00 / 19:00-23:00; Dom 12:30-15:00 / 19:00-22:30. Bar: Lun-Sab 12:00-23:00; Dom 12:00-22:30. Caffetteria: Lun-Ven 08:30-17:00; Sab 09:00-12:00. Caffetteria, ristorante e ostricheria all'interno della Michelin House, un edificio adornato con piatrelle in art nouveau. Una volta era un garage che serviva i pochi ricchi che si potevano permettere un'auto. Bibendum è il nome del personaggio della Michelin.
- 13 Gordon Ramsay, 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP (Stazione tube: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7352 4441, @[email protected]. Lun-Ven 12:00–14:30, 18:30-23:30, chiuso il fine settimana. Il negozio originario della catena di Gordon Ramsay. Mangeria con stelle Michelin. Difficile trovare posto e osservano delle regole per i vestiti.
- 14 Côte Brasserie (Chelsea Brasserie), 7-12 Sloane Square (Stazione tube: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7881 5999, @[email protected]. Lun-Sab 07:00–23:00, Dom 08:00–22:30. Ristorante e bar all'interno dell'albergo Sloane Square Hotel che serve cucina francese. Molto frequentato a pranzo.
Where stay
L'albergo Park Tower Knightsbridge
Qui si trovano molti alberghi e posti dove dormire per ogni tasca. Come gran parte dei posti di Londra, il prezzo dipende dalla distanza dal centro. In questa zona gli alberghi ad est, attorno a Knightbridge, sono sulla fascia alta, mentre quelli ad ovest, attorno Earl's Court sono sulla fascia economica e media. Per alberghi di alto livello si deve cercare su Mayfair and Marylebone. Per alberghi più economici si può provare Hammersmith and Fulham or Paddington and Maida Vale.
Moderate prices
Hostels
Se la lussuria e la riservatezza non sono una preoccupazione o costano troppo, questi ostelli aiuteranno ad avere un letto per la notte.
- 1 The Londonears Hostel, 1 Barkston Gardens, SW5 0ER (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7373 4322, fax: 44 20 3417 6386. Da £12 per un letto in un dormitorio con 14 persone. Per coloro che possono dormire in un letto a castello assieme ad altre persone.
- 2 Park House Women's Hostel, 227 Earl's Court Road, SW5 9BL (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7373 2851, @[email protected]. Da £49. Solo per donne. Stanze condivise con bagni condivisi.
Alberghi
Molti degli alberghi in quest lista sono case convertite, spesso su strade piene di altre case convertite.
- 3 [link not working]Ambassadors Hotel, 16 Collingham Road, SW5 OLX (Tube station: Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 1480 212898, fax: 44 1480 353145. Albergo a tre stelle molto frequentato situato su Collingham Road tra Earl's Court e Kensington. Offre 140 stanze con bagno e servizi moderni. Si consiglia di prenotare direttamente per avere il miglior prezzo.
- 4 Avonmore Hotel, 66 Avonmore Road, W14 8RS (Stazione tube: West Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7603 4296, 44 20 7603 3121, fax: 44 20 7603 4035.
- 5 Chelsea House Hotel, 96 Redcliffe Garden, SW10 9HH (a 5 minuti dalla stazione di Earl's Court. Quando si esce di svolta a destra su Earl's Court Road, l'albergo è a 50 metri, dopo Crompton Road), ☎ 44 20 7835 1551, fax: 44 20 7370 6800, @[email protected]. Check in: 14:00, check-out: 10:00. Il personale è molto gentile e di aiuto. È pulito e le stanze sono buone anche se un po' piccole. Hanno un frigorifero, una TV ma nessun tavolo. L'albergo non è poi così bello. La colazione non è interessante e il caffè è terribile, mentre il tè e i succhi di frutta sono buoni. È vicino a molti pub, caffetterie e negozi. Buon posto dove soggiornare anche se c'è molto traffico.
- 6 easyHotel Earl's Court, 42-48 West Cromwell Road, SW5 9QL (a 5 minuti dalla stazione di Earl's Court), @[email protected]. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 10:00. Gli ospiti possono prenotare solo dal sito web e il prezzo delle stanze aumenta man mano che ci si avvicina al giorno, quindi prima si prenota meno costano.
- 7 Eccleston Square Hotel, 37 Eccleston Square, ☎ 44 20 3503 0693, @[email protected]. £40. Check in: 12:00, check-out: 12:00.
- 8 Exhibition Court Hotel 4, 25 Collingham Place, SW5 0QF (Stazione tube: Earl's Court o Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7370 2414, @[email protected]. Albergo a 2 stelle pulito e ordinato a meno di 5 minuti dalla stazione di Earls Court. La reception è aperta 24h. Le stanze doppie con bagno costano circa £60 (prezzo estivo) con colazione semplice inclusa. Le stanze sono più carine rispetto a quelle di pari prezzo in altri ostelli lungo Earl's Court Road. Non c'è internet Wi-Fi.
- 9 The Jade, 52 Hogarth Road, SW5 0PU (Stazione tube: Earl's Court o West Brompton), ☎ 44 20 7373 6297. Da £45. Check in: 15:00, check-out: 10:30. Albergo a 2 stelle a circa 2 minuti dalla stazione di Earls Court. Ben riscaldato con finestre a doppi vetri e sicuro. In stanza si trova il telefono e TV satellitare, connessione Wi-Fi gratuita e colazione continentale.
- 10 Kensington West, 25 Matheson Road, W14 8SN (Stazione tube: West Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7602 9954, fax: 44 20 7371 1338, @[email protected]. From £ 65. Albergo a 2 stelle ristrutturato. Reception aperta 24 ore, connessione internet Wi-Fi e TV a schermo piatto.
- 11 The Lord Jim Hotel, 23-25 Penywern Road, SW5 9TT (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7370 6071, fax: 44 20 7373 8919, @[email protected]. Uno dei migliori alberghi su Penywrn Road. 45 stanze tra singole, doppie e familiari, alcune delle quali hanno il bagno interno. Colazione inclusa, sala TV, reception 24h con personale gentile e d'aiuto. Pulito ed anche i bagni condivisi non sono male.
- 12 Merlyn Court Hotel, 2 Barkston Gardens, SW5 0EN (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7370 1640, fax: 44 20 7370 4986, @[email protected]. Da £45 (senza bagno); da £65 (con bagno). B&B a gestione familiare molto carino per non fumatori. Situato in una piazzatta eduardiana molto silenziosa. Le stanze sono luminose e pulite. Disponibilità di stanze familiari.
- 13 St. Mark Hotel, 4 Barkston Gardens, SW5 0EN (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7373 0060, fax: 44 20 7373 4796. 25 stanze con bagno en-suite. I migliori prezzi si hanno prenotando sul sito web.
Average prices
- 14 Ashburn Hotel, 111 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DP (ingresso su Ashburn Gardens, a 150 mt ad ovest della stazione di Gloucester Road), @[email protected]. Piccolo albergo a 4 stelle con 38 stanze con colazione continentale inclusa, connessione internet Wi-Fi gratuita, aria condizionata e la sera anche champagne. Due finestre tengono lontano il rumore della strada.
- 15 Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum, 97 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DN (Tube station: Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 871 942 9100. Albergo a 4 stelle vicino a Kensington High Street con 906 stanze e i servizi offerti da tutti gli Holiday Inn.
- 16 Kensington House Hotel, 15/16 Prince of Wales Terrace, W8 5PQ (Stazione tube: High Street Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7937 2345, fax: 44 20 7368 6700, @[email protected]. Casa convertita appena fuori da Kensington High Street.
- 17 Montana Hotel, 67/69 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PG (a 2 minuti a piedi dalla stazione di Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7584 7654, fax: 44 20 7581 3109, @[email protected]. Buon posto in una zona eccellente.
- 18 NH Harrington Hall Hotel, 5-25 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JW (Tube station: Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7396 9696, @[email protected]. Da £178 a notte. Un bell'edificio antico in una zona comoda. Personale gentile e di aiuto.
- 19 Simply Rooms & Suites, 21 Avonmore Road, W14 8RP (Stazione tube: Kensington (Olympia) o West Kensington), ☎ 44 20 3384 4698, fax: 44 20 7602 9035, @[email protected]. Piccolo albergo a 4 stelle con ottime stanze in una posizione eccellente appena fuori da Kensington High Street.
- 20 The Sloane Square Hotel, 7-12 Sloane Square, SW1W 8EG (Stazione tube: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7896 9988, @[email protected]. Albergo moderno e in stile in una buona posizione a Chelsea, vicino a molti negozi.
High prices
In quest'area ci sono alcuni degli alberghi più lussuosi della città.
- 21 The Beaufort Hotel, 33 Beaufort Gardens, SW3 1PP (Stazione tube: Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7584 5252, ☎800 328 2572, fax: 44 20 7589 2834, @[email protected]. Piccolo albergo in stile contemporaneo vicino ad Harrods e Harvey Nichols che offre un servizio di prima classe.
- 22 The Berkeley, Oilton Place, SW1X 7RL (Stazione tube: Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7235 6000, fax: 44 20 7235 4330, @[email protected]. Albergo di lusso a 5 stelle. Ogni stanza è progettata e arredata individualmente. Al suo interno si trova il ristorante Marcus Wareing e la caramel room, nella quale si può gustare del buon tè pomeridiano.
- 23 Blakes Hotel, 33 Roland Gardens, SW7 3PF (Stazione tube: Gloucester Road, South Kensington o Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7370 6701, fax: 44 20 7373 0442, @[email protected]. Albergo a 5 stelle di lusso che rispetta per la privacy dei clienti.
- 24 54 Boutique Hotel, 54 Queen's Gate, SW7 5JW (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7761 4000, fax: 44 20 7761 4040, @[email protected]. Dall'altra parte della strada rispetto al Museo di Storia Naturale.
- 25 Cadogan Hotel, 75 Sloane Street, SW1X 9SG (Stazione tube: Sloane Square o Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7235 7141, fax: 44 20 7245 0994, @[email protected]. From £ 209. Casa eduardiana convertita che offre una comoda sistemazione a 5 stelle con realtivi servizi.
- 26 K K Hotel George, 1-15 Templeton Place, SW5 9NB (Stazione tube: Earls Court), ☎ 44 20 7598 8700, fax: 44 20 7370 2285, @[email protected]. 154 stanze e connessione Wi-Fi gratuita. Molto vicino al centro esposizioni di Earls Court.
- 27 Marriott London Kensington Hotel, 147 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TH (Stazione tube: Earl's Court or Gloucester Road; opposite Sainsbury's supermarket), ☎ 44 20 7973 1000, fax: 44 20 7370 1685. Da £160.
- 28 myhotel Chelsea, 35 Ixworth Place, SW3 3QX (Stazione tube: South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7225 7500, fax: 44 20 7225 7555, @[email protected]. Albergo a 4 stelle in una strada residenziale silenziosa vicino a negozi di moda e a pochi minuti da South Kensington e King's Road.
- 29 No. 11 Cadogan, 11 Cadogan Gardens, SW3 2RJ (Stazione tube: Sloane Square), ☎ 44 20 7730 7000, fax: 44 20 7730 5217, @[email protected]. Ottimo albergo e club privato con ottimi servizi.
- 30 The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel, 101 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RN (Stazione tube: Knightsbridge), ☎ 44 20 7235 8050, fax: 44 20 7235 8231, @[email protected]. Da £309. Albergo a 5 stelle di lusso in una torre moderna di fronte ad Harvey Nichols, con vista su Knightsbridge e Hyde Park.
How to keep in touch
Telefonia
Ci sono cabine telefoniche pubbliche sulle strade principali.
Internet
- 10 Internet Café, Earl's Court Road (dall'altra parte della strada rispetto alla stazione di Earl's Court, sopra il negozio di cambio.). £1/h. Lun-Ven 08:30–23:30; Sab-Dom 10:00–23:30.
- 11 Global Talk Internet, 42-44 Thurloe Street, SW7 2TN (appena fuori dalla stazione di South Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7584 1277.
- 12 Kensington Call Shop, 124A Cromwell Road, SW7 4ET (Tube station: Gloucester Road), ☎ 44 20 7373 0909.
Useful information
Emergenze
Nella zona ci sono varie farmacie. L'ospedale per le emergenze è il Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.
- 13 Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Urgent Care Centre, 369 Fulham Road, SW10 9NH (Stazione tube: Fulham Broadway, Earl's Court o South Kensington; le stazioni non sono molto vicine e si consiglia di prendere un taxi o un autobus), ☎ 44 20 3315 8080, fax: 44 20 3315 8121. 24 hours. Il centro emergenze dell'"Accident & Emergency Department" offre un servizio visite senza bisogno di prenotare per ferite e malattie minori.
C'è una stazione di polizia nella zona. Le altre più vicine sono a Notting Hill, Belgravia e Fulham.
- 14 Kensington Police Station, 72 Earl's Court Road, W8 6EQ (Stazione tube: High Street Kensinton & Earl's Court). Lun-Ven 10:00–18:00.
Supermarkets
I supermercati più grandi si trovano nella zona ovest.
- 15 Sainsbury's Superstore, 158a Cromwell Road, SW7 4EJ (Stazione tube: Gloucester Road o Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7373 8313. Lun 07:00–00:00; Mar-Ven 06:00–00:00; Sab 06:00–22:00; Dom 11:00–17:00. Una piccola selezione di oggetti da viaggio, come gli adattatori di corrente per esempio, si può trovare nella sezione farmacia.
- 16 Tesco Kensington Superstore, West Cromwell Road, W14 8PB (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 845 677 9388. Lun 06:00–00:00; Mar-Sab 24 hours; Dom 11:00–17:00. Una buona selezione di ingredienti da tutto il mondo. Oggettistica da viaggio tra la farmacia e la sezione di elettronica.
Biblioteche
Ci sono biblioteche pubbliche con connessione Wi-Fi disponibile. Hanno anche computer disponibili al pubblico ma si ha bisogno di abbonarsi per poterli utilizzare.
- 17 Brompton Library, 210 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0BS (Stazione tube: Earl's Court), ☎ 44 20 7361 3010, fax: 44 20 7938 1445. Lun-Mar 09:30–20:00; Mer 09:30–17:00; Gio 09:30–20:00; Ven-Sab 09:30–17:00.
- 18 Chelsea Library, Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Road, SW3 5EZ, ☎ 44 20 7361 3010, fax: 44 20 7938 1445, @[email protected]. Lun-Mar 09:30–20:00; Mer 09:30–17:00; Gio 09:30–20:00; Ven-Sab 09:30–17:00; Dom 13:00–17:00.
- 19 Kensington Central Library, Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX (Stazione tube: High Street Kensington), ☎ 44 20 7361 3010, fax: 44 20 7361 2976, @[email protected]. Lun-Mar 09:30–20:00; Mer 09:30–17:00; Gio 09:30–20:00; Ven-Sab 09:30–17:00.
Other projects
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