the home of science, arts and inspiration

South Kensington in a lunchtime

If you want to spend your lunchtime learning new things, waking up your mind or getting inspired, there's plenty to do in South Kensington. Take a walk through Hyde Park, learn from exhibitions at the Natural History Museum or Science Museum, or wander through galleries at the V&A, Design Museum or Serpentine Galleries.

Energy: Sparks from the Collection

Until 18th May 2025
10am - 6pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

This display shines a light on the diverse kinds of energy in photography, from the hidden processes intrinsic to creating a picture, to the subjects in front of the camera.

Young V&A

Opens 1st July
10am-5:30pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

Get ready to spark your creativity at Young V&A – the museum where children, young people and families can imagine, play and design. From 1 July 2023, be inspired by spaces, explore our collection and get creative. Right now, keep in touch on social.

Image credit: Caiman Crunch © Ian Ford, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Wildlife Photographer of the Year

11th Oct - 19th June 2025
10am - 5.50pm
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Experience the wonder of life on Earth through the world’s best wildlife photography. The exhibition is back for its sixtieth year to reveal more of nature’s stories.

Energy Revolution: The Adani Green Energy Gallery

Daily
10am - 6pm
Science Museum
Map
Visit Website

Discover how the world can generate and use energy more sustainably to limit climate change in the Science Museum’s new, free gallery. Energy Revolution looks at the past, present and future of sustainable energy and how we can achieve a low carbon world.

Image credit: Historic Royal Palaces / Alex Rory Jacobs

The Orangery Restaurant

Daily
10am - 6pm
Kensington Palace
Map
Visit Website

After major conservation work, the 18th-century Orangery at Kensington Palace has reopened its doors. Visit the iconic restaurant in a stunning setting for an elegant lunch or an indulgent afternoon tea.

The Great Mughals: Art, Architecture and Opulence

on til 4 May 2025
10am - 5.45pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

This major exhibition celebrates the extraordinary creative output and internationalist culture of the Golden Age of the Mughal Court (about 1560 – 1660) during the reigns of its most famous emperors: Akbar, Jahangir and Shah Jahan.

The Natural History Museum Gardens

Daily
10am - 5.50pm
Natural History Museum
Map
Visit Website

Say hello to a full-size Diplodocus grazing in a Jurassic garden, come face-to-face with the earliest mammals and walk in the footsteps of our earliest ancestors. As you explore the grassland, wetland and woodland habitats, experience how nature can thrive in urban spaces. Booking not necessary.

Cromwell Place Café

Daily
Cromwell Place
Map
Visit Website

The Café serves breakfast, lunch, and aperitivo, alongside tea, coffee, and drinks. Open to all visitors it provides a space to meet, relax and eat.

Image credit: My English Heart, Vicky Lindo, 2019

British Studio Pottery and the V&A

Until 28 September 2025
10am-6pm
V&A South Kensington
Map
Visit Website

This display explores the V&A's collecting and exhibiting of studio pottery from the movement's beginnings to the present day.