Discover South Kensington - Discover South Kensington

the home of science, arts and inspiration

Discover amazing exhibitions, inspiring events and great places to eat

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

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

South Kensington Zero Emissions Nature Positive (ZEN+) Programme is our innovative neighbourhood response to the climate and biodiversity crisis.

top picks

Samples

An event combining forces between Cromwell Place and the Royal Society of Sculptures, ‘Samples’ features editions of work by members of the Royal Society of Sculptors and are available to buy for Christmas!

Christmas Fête at RCA

The Royal College of Art and Students’ Union presents their annual Christmas Fête. Artists and Designers invite you to view and purchase bespoke ceramics, jewellery, prints, textiles, illustrations and zines!

Royal College of Art

Interplay

The Design Education Trust presents the Award winners of its student INTERPLAY Kinetic Design Competition at the Royal Society of Sculptors, London—an exhibition aiming to influence the future design of everyday things.

The Royal Society of Sculptors

Colour & Form: Sculptures, Fresco Artworks and Drawings.

Colour & Form: Sculptures, Fresco Artworks and Drawings. Two artists (Muirne Kate Dineen and Paul Vanstone) who both work in time-honored mediums - Stone carving and Arayash fresco are exhibiting for a limited time this December with the Royal Geographical Society.

Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)

6th Dec - 19th Dec

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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.

Fill your stockings with treats from 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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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!

Urban Nature Project has been awarded for Sustainable design

Urban Nature Project wins silver award in the European category at the Holcim Foundation Award for Sustainable Construction.

Win tickets to the premiere of Cirque Du Soleil - Alegria in a New Light

Mesmerising acrobatics, surreal costumes and vibrant sets make for an acrobatic extravaganza at the Royal Albert Hall. Win 2x tickets to the premiere of Cirque du Soleil - Alegría: In a New Light at Royal Albert Hall!

Win 4x Tickets to London Community Gospel Choir at Christmas

Win 4 tickets to see the dazzling London Community Gospel Choir at Royal Albert Hall this Christmas.

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, London, whether it is for a conference, private party, meeting room, film location or wedding, there are some unique venues to consider. To make it easier to find, we have compiled a list of venues that are available in the area.

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

The Great Exhibition Road Festival returned on 17-18 June 2023 welcoming a record number of visitors to celebrate a weekend of free events celebrating how awe and wonder can inspire science and arts. Sign up for the latest updates for next year's Festival.

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

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

Leighton House and Sambourne House Museum

Royal College of Art

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