The Civic Gallery TEST
This is a platform to showcase local talent.
A platform to showcase local artistic and creative talent, The Civic Gallery is as an opportunity for local artists to exhibit their work to the public in the Civic Reception of Kensington Town Hall.
What to see and do in Kensington and Chelsea
See and do
So much to see and do - visit major museums and galleries, lesser known hidden gems, theatres and other entertainment venues, parks and gardens, places of interest, libraries, sports and recreation, find sculpture on public display, discover the history of the borough, commemorative blue plaques of famous former residents and notable filming locations.
Natural History Museum
The museum’s collections promote the whole of the natural world, but for most visitors it’s about the dinosaurs.
Image © Trustees of the Natural History Museum, London [2018]. All rights. reserved
Leighton House and Sambourne House
Leighton House and Sambourne are two extraordinary artists houses in our borough. Explore its unique interiors, collections and join the events programme for all. Reopening dates will be announced soon!
Saatchi Gallery
Founded in 1985 to bring contemporary art to as wide an audience as possible by providing an innovative platform for emerging artists to show their work. The Gallery has hosted 15 out of the top 20 most visited exhibitions in London over the last five years, and has more followers on social media than any other museum in the world. Entry to all Saatchi Gallery’s exhibitions is free.
Shopping
Shopping
Our shopping centres range from international destinations to smaller, more quirky local centres and street markets.
Eat and drink
Where to Stay
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Japan House
<div class='contentField'><p>A Japanese cultural centre on Kensington High Street, which is part of a global project led by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, offering an exhibition gallery, events space, a Japanese restaurant and thoughtfully curated Japanese products.</p>
<p>Image © Lee Mawdsley</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>101-111 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5SA</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.japanhouselondon.uk/">Read more</a></div>
Royal Hospital Chelsea
<div class='contentField'><p>Home of the Chelsea Pensioners, the famous scarlet-coated veteran soldiers, for over 300 years. The Hospital is a grade I listed heritage site designed by Sir Christopher Wren and is open to visitors.</p>
<p>Image © Royal Hospital Chelsea</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea Bridge Rd, Belgravia, London SW3 4SR</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.chelsea-pensioners.co.uk/visit">Read more</a></div>
Chelsea Old Town Hall
<div class='contentField'><p>Grade II listed late Victorian building now used for a range of events and home to the iconic Chelsea Registry Office.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Rd, Chelsea, London SW3 5EE</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://webtest.rbkc.gov.uk">Read more</a></div>
French Institute
<div class='contentField'><p>Encourages cross-cultural exchange and presents the best of French culture, offering: French courses, film screenings, library collections, kids activities, festivals, talks and concerts.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>17 Queensbery Pl, Kensington, London SW7 2DT</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.institut-francais.org.uk/">Read more</a></div>
Ismaili Centre
<div class='contentField'><p>Home to the UK Ismaili Muslim community. In addition to a central prayer hall the centre also hosts exhibitions.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>1-7 Cromwell Gardens, Kensington, London SW7 2SL</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://the.ismaili/ismailicentres/london/architecture-london">Read more</a></div>
Kensington Town Hall
<div class='contentField'><p>Designed by Sir Basil Spence, the main Council Building is used for conferences and events as well as Council business.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Hornton St, Kensington, London W8 7NX</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://webtest.rbkc.gov.uk/">Read more</a></div>
St Mary Abbots
<div class='contentField'><p>Kensington’s ‘cathedral’ has the tallest church steeple in London, in addition to daily worship there are weekly concerts and regular talks and events.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 4LA</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="http://www.smaw8.org/">Read more</a></div>
The Brompton Oratory
<div class='contentField'><p>Home to the Congregation of the Oratory of St Philip Neri in London, a community of priests founded in the sixteenth century. The Oratory also serves as a parish church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Westminster.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>Brompton Rd, Knightsbridge, London SW7 2RP</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.bromptonoratory.co.uk/#about">Read more</a></div>
Whole Foods Market
<div class='contentField'><p>Their largest store with a food court upstairs, hosts a range of events and tastings.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>63-97 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 5SE</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/o/whole-foods-market-uk-15888761191">Read more</a></div>
Snow and Rock
<div class='contentField'><p>Specialists in outdoor and winter sports clothing and equipment.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>188 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 7RG</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.snowandrock.com/stores/london-kensington.html">Read more</a></div>
Trailfinders
<div class='contentField'><p>The UK’s largest independent travel company has a ‘drop–in’ travel clinic offering travel health advice and vaccinations.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>194 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 7RG</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.trailfinders.com/travel-centre/khs">Read more</a></div>
Cass Art
<div class='contentField'><p><span lang="">Staffed by artists, offering artist’s materials, workshops, events and advice on creative projects.</span></p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>220 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 7RG</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.cassart.co.uk/">Read more</a></div>
Waterstones
<div class='contentField'><p>Literary haven for locals and visitors.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>193 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6SH</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.waterstones.com/bookshops/kensington">Read more</a></div>
Guru Makeup Emporium
<div class='contentField'><p>Run by professional makeup artists supplying the TV, film, fashion and theatre industries and sharing their expertise with the public.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>12 Kensington Church St, Kensington, London W8 4EP</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.gurumakeupemporium.com/">Read more</a></div>
Gail's Bakery Kensington High Street
<div class='contentField'><p>Neighbourhood bakery and café</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>240 - 242 Kensington High St, Kensington, London W8 6ND</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://gailsbread.co.uk/bakeries/high-street-kensington/">Read more</a></div>
Café Lisboa
<div class='contentField'><p>Authentic Portuguese café famous for its custard tarts</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>57 Golborne Rd, London W10 5NR</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/cafe-lisboa" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>
Hummingbird Bakery
<div class='contentField'><p>American cupcake specialist.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>133 Portobello Rd, London W11 2DY</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://hummingbirdbakery.com/pages/our-bakeries">Read more</a></div>
Peggy Porschen
<div class='contentField'><p>Celebrity cake maker's Chelsea parlour.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.peggyporschen.com/pages/the-parlour-in-chelsea">Read more</a></div>
Japan House Creative Crossing
<div class='contentField'><p>This creative crossing is designed by Kenya Hara for Japan House London. It takes inspiration from the character 'one' in Japanese and celebrates a refined subtlety and particular Japanese sense of beauty. It is part of the Council's Creative Kensington High Street project delivered in partnership with the Kensington Business Forum.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="/explore-kensington-and-chelsea/japan-house-creative-crossing" hreflang="en">Read more</a></div>
Chelsea Flower Show
<div class='contentField'><p>The world’s most famous flower show. It’s the fashion show of gardening, an 11-acre display of flowers and show gardens.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><p>The Royal Hospital, Chelsea</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show">Read more</a></div>
Discover South Kensington
<div class='contentField'><p>Find out what's on in all the museums and institutions in Exhibition Road.</p>
</div><div class='contentField'><a href="https://www.discoversouthken.com/">Read more</a></div>