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

The Planets

Following a sold-out performance in 2022. Join us for a musical journey across the galaxy with Holst’s mesmerizing masterwork which crowns an evening of sublime music performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

Royal Albert Hall

Music Lates

Music Lates is a celebration of Turn It Up: The power of music, a new blockbuster exhibition coming to the museum this autumn.

WAVE: Currents in Japanese Graphic Arts

Explore the vibrant diversity of Japanese graphic arts in this bold exhibition which bridges the worlds of fine art, commercial illustration and counterculture.

Japan House London

6th July- 22nd October

REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion

REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion celebrates the 30th anniversary of the BFC’s NEWGEN programme. The show offers a look at how careers in fashion are forged, and the opportunities London’s fashion scene offers young creatives.

Design Museum Kensington

16th Sept-11th Feb

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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.

Fun for the Kids

Enjoy activities for all the family from music, science, arts, performance, film, parks, playgrounds, simulators & so much more.

The Student's South Kensington Bucket List

South Kensington is the ideal place to head for a low-budget day out, ideal for students. Take a look at our list of the essential events, exhibitions and cafes, and plan your perfect study break!

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Autumn Highlights

Check out some of the top picks to explore in South Kensington this Autumn season...

Open House Festival in South Kensington!

Open House Festival 2023 is a great opportunity to peek behind the walls of South Ken's historic buildings, witness modern marvels, and experience the rich tapestry of design that defines this iconic neighborhood.

Learn a New Skill in South Ken

Discover one day workshops and weekly lectures on a range of topics with leading experts in the heart of London’s cultural district. And if you have little ones, there are many great opportunities for fun, hands-on workshops that will fire up their creativity too!

Students Guide to South Ken

South Kensington is a student's paradise for budget-friendly activities that blend culture, history, and entertainment. Check out some of the budget-friendly tips and highlights you won't want to miss!

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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