Museums, markets and garden squares
South Kensington is London's museum quarter. The Victoria and Albert Museum, the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum stand side by side on Exhibition Road, close to the Royal Albert Hall. To the north, Notting Hill has its colourful terraces and Portobello Road market, and the Notting Hill Carnival takes over the streets every August bank holiday weekend.
To the south, Chelsea is known for the King's Road, the Royal Hospital Chelsea – home of the Chelsea Pensioners and the Chelsea Flower Show each May – and quiet garden squares. Holland Park, Leighton House and Knightsbridge add to the mix.
Places worth knowing
- South Kensington museums – free world-class collections.
- Royal Albert Hall – concerts, including the BBC Proms each summer.
- Portobello Road – the antiques market is busiest on Saturdays.
- Holland Park and the Kyoto Garden – a calm Japanese garden.
Getting in and out
South Kensington, Gloucester Road, Earl's Court and Notting Hill Gate are served by the District, Circle, Piccadilly and Central lines. The A4 Cromwell Road is the main route west towards Heathrow.
Airport transfers from Kensington and Chelsea
Heathrow is the most convenient airport, usually via the A4 and M4. Gatwick is reached across the river via the A3 or A23, and London City via the Embankment and Docklands. Many hotels in the borough have small forecourts or none at all, so we plan the stop carefully.
See our Heathrow Airport transfers and chauffeur service pages.
Pickup tips for this borough
Notting Hill Carnival, the Chelsea Flower Show and big concerts at the Royal Albert Hall all bring road closures and heavy traffic. We plan around them. Residential streets have strict parking controls, so a precise pickup point outside the door is important.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is best for Kensington?
Heathrow is usually the quickest, along the A4 and M4.
Do events like Notting Hill Carnival affect transfers?
Yes. Large areas of Notting Hill are closed to traffic, so we agree pickup points outside the closure.
Can you pick up from South Kensington museums?
Yes. Tell us the museum and entrance, and we will confirm the nearest practical stopping place.