If you’re looking for some summer inspiration, read through our favourite things to do in Kensington and Chelsea.
Visit The Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is located in South Kensington and is one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
This summer, visitors can explore new wildlife gardens, enjoy family-friendly activities, and experience special exhibitions like ‘Space: Could Life Exist Beyond Earth?’.
With free general admission and events for all ages, it’s a must-visit for anyone curious about the natural world.
On TripAdvisor, the Natural History Museum has an average of 4.5 stars.
TripAdvisor user Multiverse Explorer said: “It is a delight to visit this museum. It encompasses pre-history, history, science, anthropology, and palaeontology, offering a wealth of material that both kids and adults can enjoy.”
You can book tickets here.
Visit The Science Museum
The Science Museum is also in South Kensington.
It is free to enter (with ticketed exhibitions) and the museum also hosts adults‑only ‘Lates’ evenings, family-friendly sleepovers ‘Astronights’, workshops and special screenings which makes a visit to the Science Museum an exciting experience for all ages.
Here are some events happening this summer:
- Power Up – This immersive gaming gallery runs daily from 10:30am to 5pm. Visitors can play through 50 years of video games, from Pong to Pac‑Man to Fifa.
- Wonderlab – Enjoy live shows and demonstrations to find out how science and maths shape our everyday lives.
TripAdvisor reviewer Multiverse explorer said: “The Science Museum in London is a right museum for all groups. While K12 children will enjoy the most, their parents and grandparents can enjoy equally.”
You can book tickets here.
The Royal Albert Hall
Since 1871, The Royal Albert Hall has been an important venue in the capital.
The Royal Albert Hall is known for hosting the BBC Proms every year and has done so since 1941. The Proms will start on July 18 and will conclude on September 14.
Here are some of the events happening this summer:
- BBC Proms is running from July 18 to September 13 and features 86 concerts. Standout performances include Simon Rattle, Alison Balsom, Yunchan Lim and Vienna Philharmonic.
- From June 29 to July 4, Ludovico Einaudi will be performing the longest continuous headline run by a pianist in the history of the Royal Albert Hall.
A review on TripAdvisor said: “A real wonder of engineering from the Victorian age, seeing the royal box and chill area a highlight, but overall an amazing experience. Would love now to return to the hall to experience a show.”
You can find out more about the BBC Proms performances here.
Harrods
This quintessentially British department store is a must-visit when in the area. Get a taste of luxury and pop in. You can enjoy afternoon tea at the Tiffany Blue Box Café, tuck into burgers at Gordon Ramsay Burger and sip bubbles at the Moët & Chandon Champagne Bar
A TripAdvisor reviewer said: “Stunningly beautiful and a great day out. You need a lot of time in there to fully enjoy and take in the experience. I’d recommend a full day! Food, treats, lots of great stores. Great day out had by all.”
Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is in Kensington Gardens and is a historic royal residence.
Once home to Queen Victoria and now the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, the palace offers visitors a glimpse into royal life past and present.
Surrounded by beautiful grounds and the serene Sunken Garden, it’s a peaceful and regal retreat in the heart of London. Here are some things to do there this summer:
- Wander through the ‘Dress Codes’ exhibition (ending November 30) which showcases iconic royal fashion including stunning gowns from Princesses Diana and Margaret.
- Don’t miss the long-running ‘Victoria: A Royal Childhood’ display and the sparkling Jewel Room, both included with standard admission.
- Explore the opulent King’s State Apartments, King’s Staircase, and Queen’s State Apartments, each offering a glimpse into court life.
Kensington Palace has an average rating of 3.7, but most people enjoy going there just to have lunch and to walk around the gardens.
Here is one of the reviews: “I regret not having come to see it sooner! The exhibits and the audio guides are very well done, and there was just a lot to see and admire, a lot to learn, all packed into a fairly compact space. Absolutely loved the visit, and would do it again.”
You can book tickets here.
Chelsea Football Club
Chelsea Football Club is one of England’s most successful and globally recognised football teams.
Stamford Bridge stadium has a rich history of domestic and international triumphs, including multiple Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League titles. Here are some ideas for your visit:
- Fans can dive into the club’s world with immersive stadium experiences at Stamford Bridge. Daily guided stadium and museum tours run throughout July and August (10am-4pm), offering behind-the-scenes access to the dressing rooms, player tunnel, press area, pitch‑side and the trophy‑filled museum.
- The classic tour, extended with extra stories, the Legends Tour, featuring a former Chelsea star leading your visit, and the premium VIP Private Tour with exclusive perks like a two‑course meal at Frankie’s Sports Bar & Grill.
Chelsea Football Club is rated at 4.7 on TripAdvisor currently.
Here’s a review to match that: “Tour of the stadium from the press room, to the changing rooms, to the tunnel leading to the pitch and then the whole tour of the stands, all seasoned with stories and anecdotes told by the guide! Highly recommended!”
You can book tickets here.
Kyoto Gardens
In Holland Park, you can visit this serene Japanese-style garden that offers a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
The garden features traditional elements such as a koi pond, cascading waterfalls, stone lanterns, and vibrant maple trees.
In summer, visitors can enjoy the lush greenery, blooming hydrangeas, and the occasional sight of peacocks roaming the grounds.
Kyoto Gardens has a TripAdvisor average of 4.5, and a reviewer said: “The gardens were undeniably very beautiful and well-maintained. Worth a visit to admire the hard work that had gone in. Amazing fish to look at too.”
Victoria and Albert Museum
Located in South Kensington, the V&A showcases everything from fashion, textiles, and jewellery to sculpture, ceramics, and photography.
The museum frequently hosts special exhibitions and events, offering visitors an inspiring glimpse into art, creativity, and craftsmanship across cultures and centuries. Events happening this summer are:
- Until November 16, you can explore more than 350 objects, including historic gemstones, watches, and previously unseen drawings from the Cartier and V&A archives.
- Visit the ‘Design and Disability’ exhibition which displays the contributions of deaf, blind and neurodivergent people have made to contemporary culture which is open until February 15.
A TripAdvisor user said: “This is a magnificent museum. Plenty to see. We went to the Cartier exhibit. Pre-buy tickets since they sell out. One could spend hours seeing all there is. Be sure to stop into the café. It may be the most beautiful café in any museum in the world.”
You can book tickets here.
Photo by Claudio Testa on Unsplash.
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