the home of science, arts and inspiration

Some things to do today

The Earthshot Prize

Online
Ismaili Centre
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The most prestigious global environment prize in history has been launched by Prince William with the Aga Khan Development Network as a Founding Partner. The Earthshot Prize aims to encourage large-scale change over the next 10 years — a critical decade for the Earth.

NHM's Urban Nature Gardens

Natural History Museum
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The Natural History Museum is set to transform five-acres of London gardens into the country’s urban nature ‘epicentre’ as national biodiversity programme is announced. Sir David Attenborough says the Urban Nature Project will allow young people to “fall in love with the nature on their doorsteps.”

V&A trail: Explore as a family

Daily: 10am-5:45pm - Friday: 10am–10pm
V&A South Kensington
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This trail takes you on a journey through V&A galleries, exploring some of the incredible cultures and traditions you can see. You will discover objects that are hundreds of years old, uncover secret meanings behind animals and colour in art, and learn about some of the wonders of the museum, from an emperor's throne to dragons, from plaster casts to wigs!

Get active: New cycle route and walking tour

Online
Footways
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Footways London map highlights quiet and characterful walking routes so you can explore Kensington at a different pace. The paper maps are available at some Central Network Rail stations or plan your quiet route via the new interactive map with geolocation

Image credit: © 3s Architects & Designers

A Taste of Germany

Daily
12 pm - 9 pm last food orders
Stein's Berlin
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Combine a German film, language lesson or a visit to the library at the Goethe-Institut London with a visit to Stein’s Berlin restaurant. The restaurant offers a journey through all of Germany's kitchen in a well-designed contemporary and cosy atmosphere.

Ciné Lumière for under 25's

Institut français
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If you love cinema, and you’re 25 years old or under, Ciné Lumière For A Fiver is for you! Whether you want to see the latest releases or discover French classics, attend special Q&As or explore world cinema, enjoy discounted tickets with no booking fees.

Can you design a colour-changing object?

Online
Design Museum
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Emma-Jayne Parkes uses her design skills and a special type of ‘smart’ material to change the perception of a grey, rainy day. Discover more about her Squid London’s colour changing umbrella!

Image credit: Getty images

Tailor-Made German Courses at the Goethe-Institut

Various
Online & Onsite
Goethe-Institut
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Study German at the Goethe-Institut London with their tailor-made courses. Whether online in their virtual classrooms at your own pace or onsite in South Ken, choose your level from beginner to intermediate to advanced.

Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries

Daily
10-6pm (last entry 5:15pm)
Science Museum
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Showcasing extraordinary medical artefacts including the world’s first MRI scanner, Fleming’s penicillin mould, a professional pianist’s prosthetic arm and even robotic surgery equipment.

The Milestone

Daily
The Milestone
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Discover old world charm, beautiful rich furnishings, exquisite original arts, outstanding cuisine and an experienced and passionate team. This elegant historic hotel is perfectly located opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, and close to the Royal Albert Hall. Enjoy Stable’s Bar and the signature ‘Smoking Old Fashioned’, Afternoon Tea in the Park Lounge or dine in Cheneston’s or The Oratory, the stunning original chapel.

The Egerton House Hotel

Daily
The Egerton Hotel
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In the heart of Knightsbridge, on a quiet street overlooking private gardens, discover this enchanting boutique townhouse. Moments from Harrods and the V&A Museum, a passionate team welcomes each guest like family. With a unique character and beautiful traditional style, enjoy a delicious breakfast, Afternoon Tea by the fire or sip on one of London’s most famous martinis.

Energy Hall

Daily
10am-6pm (last entry 5:15pm)
Science Museum
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Trace the remarkable story of steam and how it shaped the world we live in today. Steam has been the driving force behind British industry for 300 years. Without it, the Industrial Revolution could never have happened. Even now, steam provides 75% of the electricity we use every day.

Hyde Park Self Guided Walks

All Year Round
Hyde Park
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Discover the magic of Hyde Park and head on a self-guided walk. All of the activities are guaranteed to get you walking and discovering interesting things about the history, wildlife and horticulture around you.

Victoria: A Royal Childhood

Daily
10am-6pm
Kensington Palace
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Discover the story of Princess Victoria, the young girl destined to be queen, in the rooms where she was born and raised at Kensington Palace. Explore how an indulged young princess blossomed into the independent and iconic monarch we remember.

The K Bar

Daily
3 pm - 11 pm / 12 am
The Kensington
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From artisan spirits and fine wines to innovative hand-crafted signature cocktails, The K Bar delivers an exceptional drinking experience, where every sip is a testament to the art of mixology and quality flavours

The Kensington: Town House

Daily
7 am - 9 pm
The Kensington
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Town House at The Kensington blends modern luxury with heritage and tradition to deliver a contemporary take on English cuisine. A home away from home, it’s the perfect space for breakfast, brunch, dinner or to while away an afternoon over a decadent afternoon tea.

Knightsbridge Hotel

Knightsbridge Hotel
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Knightsbridge Hotel is located in a tree-lined street just a short walk to Harrods and the V&A Museum, Natural History Museum and Hyde Park. There are 44 individually designed bedrooms and suites, as well as a drawing room and library serving afternoon tea all day long. The hotel provides 24 hour room service.

Number Sixteen

Daily
Number Sixteen
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Number Sixteen forms part of a mid-Victorian white stucco terrace and is situated in the quiet leafy street in South Kensington. The hotel has a beautiful tree-filled garden, which is perfect on a sunny day for dining, drinking, relaxing or entertaining friends. There are 41 individually designed bedrooms, a drawing room and library as well as The Orangery restaurant, which serves delicious seasonal food and Afternoon Tea all day.

Flight Gallery

Daily
10am-6pm
Science Museum
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From mankind's earliest dreams of flying to the wide-body aeroplanes of today, discover the amazing story of flight. Overhead walkways allow you to get up close to planes suspended in the air while you learn about the incredible people who led this innovation in transport.

The Ampersand Hotel

Daily
The Ampersand Hotel
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The Ampersand Hotel is an elegant restored Victorian treasure, a small luxury hotel with a unique concept, uniting guests with the local surrounding area through the five themes of botany, music, geometry, ornithology and astronomy.

Akira

Tue-Sat
Lunch 12 - 3 pm; Afternoon Tea 2.30 - 5 pm; Dinner 6 - 11 pm
Japan House London
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Located on the first floor of Japan House London. Akira presents an authentic Japanese dining experience based on the ‘trinity of cooking’ principles – food, tableware and presentation. Takeaway services offered.

The Kensington

Daily
The Kensington
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Traditional service and Victorian grandeur come together with sleek style and contemporary comfort at the Kensington, in one of London’s most cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. Embrace a sophisticated member’s club vibe, whether over afternoon tea or all day dining in the light, lively drawing rooms, cocktails in the glamorous K Bar.

The Franklin London – Starhotels Collezione

Daily
The Franklin Hotel
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Set in an elegant Victorian building nestling in the lush beauty of the private Egerton Gardens, The Franklin combines the warmth of a private home with the impeccable service of a luxury hotel. The hotel has recently been refurbished by celebrity designer Anouska Hempel, who created a temple to hospitality.

The Pelham London – Starhotels Collezione

Daily
The Pelham
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The Pelham is an elegant boutique hotel in the heart of South Kensington. It has the aristocratic atmosphere of a London townhouse and its interiors are a romantic mix of elegant patterns and rich tones, complemented by the warm welcome and flawless service of a noble residence.