At Rickman Properties, we’re pleased to call the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea our home, and we’re sure that with our expert estate agency services you will too. In this two-part series we detail what your new local area has to offer to make your move that bit more irresistible! When you’re not enjoying the inner ambience of your new abode, the local area offers a rich immersion into the best of London’s culture. The more practical bits will come in the next part, but for now, we hope these quick facts and cultural delights on offer right on your doorstep will wet your appetite!
Quick Facts about the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
The second smallest borough in London, Kensington and Chelsea covers an area of around 12km, including the areas of Notting Hill, Central Kensington, South Kensington, Chelsea and Knightsbridge.
The result of a merger of the areas of Kensington and Chelsea in 1965, the borough is east of the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham and west of the City of Westminster. Although the geographical union of Kensington and Chelsea was publicly opposed at the time, the local council’s motto of ‘How good it is to dwell in unity’ speaks volumes about the vast array of cultural wealth held in this area, from art and design, science, horticulture, and everyday enjoyment. Historically home to the famous residents of physicist Isaac Newton, artist J.M.W Turner, and royalty, such as Prince Dianna, Elizabeth I and Queen Victoria, this borough is indeed fit for those seeking the best of the best.
Culture
Home to a wealth of notable museums and galleries, whether science, art or design is for you, you won’t be at a loss in finding ways to satiate any cultural hankerings.
The Natural History Museum in South Kensington displays not only beautiful architecture but a number of free galleries, exhibitions and the famous 25.2-metre-long blue whale skeleton in Hintze Hall. Just a stone’s throw away is the Science Museum, with interactive and object galleries and events, such as the adults-only after-house ‘night at the museum’ with themed talks, workshops and even a silent disco! If science doesn’t tickle your fancy, across the road lays the Victoria & Albert Museum of art and design, with free displays and talks and exhibitions, or the impressive Saatchi Gallery of contemporary art in Duke of York’s Square, Chelsea.
Giving the borough its royal title in 1901, explore the home of royals at Kensington Palace, with some architecture dating back to the 17th Century. For those seeking solitude in the great outdoors in this bustling city, step out into the royal grounds of Kensington Gardens, boasting the Princess Diana Memorial Playground for children to play, and adjoined to Hyde Park to let you stretch your legs. Once a year the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show graces the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea too, perfect for those with an eye for horticulture. For those after the livelier moments of life, the annual summertime Notting Hill Carnival on the streets of Notting Hill showcases Carribean music, dance and food.
Last but not least, the Royal Albert Hall in South Kensington, boasting renowned live music events in a truly impressive historic building.
Conclusion
We hope this information has given you some insight into what we see as the crème de la crème of London. Make sure to keep an eye on our website where in Part 2 we’ll be detailing how our borough will go above and beyond meeting your everyday concerns.
