Discover South Kensington - Discover South Kensington

the home of science, arts and inspiration

Discover amazing exhibitions, inspiring events and great places to eat

Christmas highlights for all the family in South Kensington.

South Kensington Zero Emissions Nature Positive (ZEN+) Programme is our innovative neighbourhood response to the climate and biodiversity crisis. Visit our dedicated website for more information.

Discover South Kensington via the free Bloomberg Connects digital guide - the free arts and culture app.

Explore South Kensington on foot and discover the history of the area that connects London's home of arts and science.

Welcome to London's home of science, arts and inspiration. Discovery is at the core of what happens here and there is so much to explore every day.

There are plenty of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink here in South Kensington - from cafes, bars, afternoon tea, cocktails, bars or indoor picnic spots

top picks

Christmas at the Royal Albert Hall

Find out what's on at London's most iconic music venue this Christmas! A feast of entertainment with all the trimmings!

Royal Albert Hall

Victoria's Childhood Christmas

Step into the home of Princess Victoria and experience the magical atmosphere of a Regency Christmas, brought back to life at Kensington Palace.

Kensington Palace

4th Dec-5th Jan 2025

Image credit: Japan Sumo Association

The Grand Sumo Tournament

Just announced! Step into a world of ancient rituals, extraordinary strength, and rich tradition as Sumo wrestling, one of the world’s oldest sports, returns to the Royal Albert Hall.

Royal Albert Hall

15th - 19th Oct 2025

2:00pm & 7:30pm

Versailles: Science and Splendour

Discover how the Palace of Versailles used science as a tool of power in this illuminating new exhibition.

12th Dec- 21st April 2025

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Great Exhibitions

See an exhibition in our cultural & educational venues covering art, photography, design, music, history, science and so much more.

Free Events in South Kensington

From guided tours through the galleries, self-led walks, free displays and galleries covering art, science, design and more.

Christmas in South Kensington

Bring your family and friends to South Kensington for a magical festive experience. From Christmas carols, seasonal movies, Hyde Park Winter Wonderland, fantastic exhibitions, and so much more.

Christmas Shopping in South Kensington

South Kensington's cultural online & onsite shops are full of imaginative ideas for gifts including the gift of an annual membership. Support these fantastic charities helping them make the year ahead merry and bright.

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A South Kensington Christmas Story

From the popularisation of the Christmas tree to the first Christmas card ever sent, our South Kensington neighbourhood has had links to the festive season since the 1800s!

Last-Minute Gift Ideas from South Kensington

A day out is more than a gift – it’s a chance to make memories, spend some quality time together, and enjoy the festive season in one of London’s most exciting neighborhoods.

Your chance to win 2x tickets for the premiere of Cirque du Soleil's CORTEO at the Royal Albert Hall

To celebrate 40 years of dreaming the impossible, Cirque du Soleil returns to London in January 2025, with one of their most joyous and jubilant shows, CORTEO.

South Ken's Christmas Highlights

Embark on a festive journey in South Kensington and discover some standout highlights of the season with our list of festive favourites!

eat, meet & stay

Places to eat

There are plenty of delicious places to eat or enjoy a drink here in South Kensington - from cafes, bars, afternoon tea, cocktails bars, indoor picnic spots to a weekly Farmer's market.

Places to meet

If you are looking to hire somewhere in South Kensington, whether it is for a conference, private party, meeting room, film location or wedding, there are some unique venues to consider.

Places to stay

Our cluster of world-leading cultural & educational organisations makes this a unique place to stay - with the Science Museum, Natural History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, & the Royal Albert Hall all within walking distance of each other.

Our Story

South Ken ZEN+

South Ken ZEN+ is our collective response to the climate and biodiversity crisis. With the parallel aims of becoming a zero emissions (ZE) and nature positive (N+) neighbourhood, South Ken ZEN+ is an ambitious programme to accelerate action in response to the greatest challenge of our age.

The Great Exhibition Road Festival

If you joined us at the Great Exhibition Road Festival 2024, we would love to know what you thought via a short survey. Save the date for next year's Festival which is 7th & 8th June 2025.

Working Together

We work together to promote and develop innovation and learning in arts and science and make this a great place to visit, work, live and study today and for generations to come.

find your way on foot

Explore a network of quiet walking routes to and around South Kensington

South Kensington Trails

To help you plan a great day out in South Kensington, we have created some trails for you to explore – from days out with the kids, discovering hidden gems, strolling through the parks, delving into the extraordinary museum collections and so much more.

Our members

Natural History Museum

V&A South Kensington

Royal Albert Hall

Imperial College London

Royal College of Music

Goethe-Institut

Institut français

Kensington Palace

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

The Ismaili Centre

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea

Westminster City Council

Royal Commission for the Exhibition 1851

South Kensington Estates

The Royal Society of Sculptors

Japan House London

Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum

Royal College of Art

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