London/South Kensington-Chelsea

[[file:Hyde Park banner.jpg|1280px|Hyde Park|Halal Explorer to South Kensington-Chelsea, London}}

Note: "Chelsea" redirects here. For other uses, see Chelsea (disambiguation).

London city regions maps - South Kensington-Chelsea - Location of the South Kensington-Chelsea area in London

South Kensington-Chelsea is a neighborhood of central London. It is one most densely populated places in London and most affluent areas in the world. For travellers and the main points of interest are Albertopolis, containing several of the UK's major museums, and the shopping around Knightsbridge and Sloane Plaza.

London/South Kensington-Chelsea Halal Explorer

GB London Royal Albert Hall - Royal Albert Hall, Kensington

This neighborhood is defined as the southern part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBK & C), from the Thames in the south to Kensington High Street in the north, also taking in Hyde Park in the east and the area around Kensington Olympia in the west. It includes the area south of the Royal Parks commonly known as High Street Kensington and South Kensington west to Earl's Court and Olympia and south to West Brompton, Sloane Plaza and Chelsea. Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens combine to form the largest green space in metropolitan London and provide a real oasis in the heart of this vast city.

South Kensington hosts four of London's largest and finest museums, its oldest and one of its most famous concert hall, and is home to the venerable Imperial College. High Street Kensington leads to a long line of shops and department stores, offering a less hectic version of Oxford Street, and very upmarket stores in Knightsbridge. Sloane Street connects Knightsbridge to Chelsea via Sloane Plaza and is lined with luxury brand boutiques.

Chelsea is an extensive riverside area of London that extends broadly from Sloane Plaza in the east to the World's End pub in the west and down to the River Thames. The King's Road marks the main thoroughfare of Chelsea.

The neighborhood contains the second largest population of American immigrants in the United Kingdom, many of whom work in the financial sector in London/City of London|the City, while others are connected to institutions such as the American International University, which has a campus just off High Street Kensington. Many local shops, from convenience stores to supermarkets, stock American products in their ethnic food sections. South Kensington is sometimes called the "21st arrondissement" because the number of French expatriates living there would make London the sixth largest French city. The community results in many French cafés, delicatessens and other businesses in the area. Knightsbridge is known for its Russian and Arab populations, with the accompanying restaurants and institutions they bring.

The whole of the neighborhood contains some of the most expensive residential property in the world but is a little more downmarket towards its western edges.

Albertopolis

Kensington Museums aerial 2011 b Aerial photograph of the Albertopolis area, taking in the museums, Exhibition Road and part of Hyde Park.|Albertopolis

Following the success of the Great Exhibition of 1851, of which he was a key figure, Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, proposed a cultural hub to continue the Exhibition's work and to promote both arts and sciences together in one area. Profits from the Exhibition were used to purchase land, which was then in the nationside, and begin an ambitious plan for the area. The prince was so influential that the project became known as "Albertopolis", first in mockery and later with affection. The first building and the South Kensington Museum (now the Victoria and Albert Museum), opening in 1857. Today Albertopolis, loosely the area around Exhibition Road, contains a collection of world-class museums, universities, conservatories, and other cultural institutions. Its tradition for innovation continues: in 2012 Exhibition Road was redeveloped and converted into a shared space for pedestrians and motorists, with no kerb to separate them.

History of Chelsea

Chelsea's modern reputation as a centre of innovation and influence originated in a period during the 19th century when the area became a veritable Victorian artists' colony: artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti, J.M.W. Turner, James McNeill Whistler, William Holman Hunt and John Singer Sargent, as well as writers such as George Meredith, Algernon Swinburne, Leigh Hunt and Thomas Carlyle lived and worked here. A particularly large concentration of artists existed in the area around Cheyne Walk (pronounced Chey-nee) and Cheyne Row, where the pre-Raphaelite movement had its heart.

Following the Second World War, Chelsea, like many other formerly prosperous areas became rather run down and poor. It became prominent once again as an artistic centre, Bohemian neighborhood and locations for young professionals in the 1960s. The Americans called this period "Swinging London" and the King's Road became the definition of style and fashion and both the Beatles and the Rolling Stones lived in the neighbourhood.

In the 1970s and the "World's End" area of the King's Road was home to Vivienne Westwood's shop ("Sex"), and witnessed the genesis of punk music and style with many Mohawks to be seen on the road against the background of the closed down shops. Thereafter, working class youth culture was priced out of the area and gravitated to Camden, Islington, Ladbroke Grove, Brixton and Brick Lane.

In the 1980s and the rise of the Sloane (archetypally Princess Diana) and the Mohawks gave way to twin set pearls, pink Polo shirts and what an American would call a "preppy". Chelsea seems to have settled into stylish affluence and aspiration.

Travel to London/South Kensington-Chelsea

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By tube

This is a large neighborhood, served by a similarly large number of tube stations, in Zone 1 if not otherwise noted, and three tube lines:

• Hyde Park Corner (Piccadilly line). For Hyde Park.
• Knightsbridge (Piccadilly line). For Harrods, Harvey Nicholls and other upmark stores.
• Sloane Plaza (District and Circle lines) For King's Road.
• South Kensington (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines). For the museums.
• Gloucester Road (District, Circle and Piccadilly lines)
• High Street Kensington (District and Circle lines). For general shopping and Kensington Gardens.
• Earl's Court (District and Piccadilly lines, Zones 1 and 2). For budget lodging and step-free tube access to/from Heathrow Airport.
• Kensington Olympia (District line, Zone 2)
• West Brompton (District line, Zone 2)

Travel on a Bus in London/South Kensington-Chelsea

Like most parts of Zone 1 (Central London), this area is well connected by a variety of bus services. Here is a general list of the bus routes serving each major tourist destination in this area:

• South Kensington Museums: 14, 49, 70, 74, 345, 360, 414, 430, C1
• Knightsbridge: 9, 10, 14, 19, 22, 52, 74, 137, 414, 452, C1
• High Street Kensington: 9, 10, 27, 28, 49, 52, 70, 328, 452, C1
• Sloane Plaza: 11, 19, 22, 137, 170, 211, 319, 360, 452, C1
• King's Road Chelsea: 11, 19, 22, 49, 211, 319
• Earl's Court: 74, 190, 328, 430, C1, C3
• Hyde Park Corner: 2, 9, 10, 14, 16, 19, 22, 36, 38, 52, 73, 74, 82, 137, 148, 414, 436, C2

The most useful buses for visitors to this area are:

• 9: from Aldwych via Trafalgar Plaza and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, and High Street Kensington (to Hammersmith)
• 10: from King's Cross St. Pancras and Euston Station via Oxford Circus/Oxford Street and Marble Arch serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Royal Albert Hall, and High Street Kensington (to Hammersmith)
• 11: from Liverpool Street Station via the City of London, St. Paul's, Aldwych, Trafalgar Plaza, Westminster, and Victoria Station serving Sloane Plaza and King's Road Chelsea (to Fulham)
• 14: from Warren Street Station via Tottenham Court Road, Shaftesbury Avenue/Soho, and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, and Fulham Road (to Fulham and Putney)
• 19: from Finsbury Park and Islington/Angel via Tottenham Court Road, Shaftesbury Avenue/Soho, and Piccadilly Circus serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, Sloane Plaza, and King's Road Chelsea (to Battersea)
• 74: from Baker Street via Oxford Street and Marble Arch serving Hyde Park Corner, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, and Earl's Court (to West Brompton, Fulham, and Putney)
• 211: from Waterloo Station (near South Bank/London Eye) via Westminster and Victoria Station serving Sloane Plaza and King's Road Chelsea (to Fulham and Hammersmith)
• C1: from Victoria Station serving Sloane Plaza, Knightsbridge, South Kensington Museums, Earl's Court, and High Street Kensington (to White City/Westfield London)

All of these routes use iconic London red double-deck buses, except C1. They typically operate at least every 10 minutes. The usual TfL fares apply.

What to see in London/South Kensington-Chelsea

Museums

Exhibition Road and Cromwell Road in South Kensington are home to several world class museums and all have free entry, only charging for special temporary exhibitions. They do accept (and encourage) donations if you feel you have enjoyed your visit.

Each of them more than justifies a full day's visit. It's probably more rewarding to spend your time on a relaxed visit to one or perhaps two of the South Kensington museums, giving yourself a chance to breathe in the atmosphere of the institutions and wander through some of the less obvious galleries, than it is to attempt to fit all of them into one day.

• Victoria and Albert Museum - V&A - Cromwell Road 51.496302, -0.172078 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7942-2000 Opening Hours: Sa-Thursday10AM–5:45PM, Friday 10AM–10PM Free admission, some paid exhibitions Victoria and Albert Museum Victoria & Albert Museum Entrance, London, UK - Diliff - Named in honour of Queen Victoria and her consort Prince Albert, this museum has existed for over 150 years. It contains a huge collection of decorative arts from all over the world and far back in time, trying to see everything in one day would be exhausting. There are regular exhibitions concentrating on a particular theme from Chinese art to fashion designers. Frequently they put on children's activities and late DJ nights.

• Natural History Museum - Cromwell Road 51.496111, -0.176111 tube: South Kensington. The Cromwell Road entrance is closed until at least June 2017 due to ongoing renovation work at the museum. ☎ +44 20 7942-5000 Opening Hours: 10AM–5:30PM Free/donation Natural History Museum, London BritNatural History Museum2 - Probably the most popular of all the museums here and a must see for many visitors to London. Home to at least 70 million specimens from across all the life sciences. It's difficult to say what the most popular exhibit here is; the diplodocus which towers over the entrance hall and the (now slightly tacky-looking) animatronic tyrannasaurs in the dinosaur gallery, or the life-size model blue whale in the mammals gallery. Also well worth a check are the Darwin Centre (book on a free tour to see some of the most interesting, and sometimes gruesome, specimens not on public display); and the studio dedicated to Al Jazeera wildlife personality extraordinaire, David Attenborough. The NHM's "Earth Galleries" were once the adjacent Geological Museum, an independent institution until the 1980s, and still located in a separate building with a separate entrance.

• Science Museum - Exhibition Road 51.4975, -0.174722 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 870 870 4868 Opening Hours: 10AM–6PM By donation Science Museum, London ScienceMuseum Dedicated to scientific exhibitions and collections bar those related to the life sciences. A number of famous historical machines and inventions are housed here including Stephenson's Rocket. The space exhibits are especially popular. Exhibitions tend to concentrate on explaining scientific principles with working models and there is a strong emphasis on education and attracting children. The Science Museum opened a "Children's Gallery" in the 1930s and it continues to lead the way in this area; now and there are three separate galleries aimed at all ages of younger visitor, from 5 to 16. The museum also runs "Science Nights" whereby children spend an evening learning principles and participating in experiments before spending the night sleeping in the museum with the exhibits. Also houses a vast library of scientific and medical books and journals.

• The Geological Museum - The Red Zone of the Natural History Museum - Cromwell Road 51.496389, -0.176667 tube: South Kensington Opening Hours: 10AM–5:30PM Free/donation Geological Museum Natural History Museum, Exhibition Road, London SW7 - - 1128801 This venerable old institution was absorbed by the neighbouring Natural History Museum in 1985 but still has something of a separate identity. Unsurprisingly, devoted to all things geological with especially popular exhibits on vulcanology and earthquakes and fossils of all types. Very popular with kids and often under-rated.

• National Army Museum - Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HT 51.4861, -0.16 tube: Sloane Plaza Opening Hours: Daily 9:40AM Monday - 5:20PM (last admission: 4:20PM) Free/donation National Army Museum National-Army-Museum-Ext-2017 31616

Parks and gardens

Aerial view of Hyde Park Aerial photograph of Kensington Gardens, Hyde Park and the surrounding area.|Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park.

This area, while urban, is not lacking in green areas. Many residential squares have gated gardens in their centre, although only the residents will usually have keys to access them. Many other green areas will be open, however. The dominant green area is, of course, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. These royal parks are contiguous and often mistaken for just one park, called Hyde Park, although they are officially separate and have different opening hours. Together they are one of the larger metropolitan parks on Earth and cover more land than some small countries. The parks are popular for urban bird-watching as they hold over a hundred different species, from common urban birds and waterfowl to kestrals, owls and parrots. Flocks of the latter, ring-necked parakeets, have established themselves throughout London, although no one knows from where they came (one theory is that they escaped from the filming of The African Queen in 1950, although there are records of urban parrots as far back as the Victorian period).

• Chelsea Physic Garden - 66 Royal Hospital Road SW3 4HS 51.4850, -0.1628 ☎ +44 20 7352-5646 Opening Hours: November - Mar: Monday to Friday 11AM–3PM; Apr–October Monday 11AM–5PM, Tu–F Sunday 11AM–6PM (Late Opening s July - Aug T West 11AM Monday - 10PM, last entry 8:30PM) April - Oct £10.50; November - Mar £7.40 Chelsea Physic Garden Chelsea physic garden . Garden founded by apothecaries in the 17th century to the medicinal properties of plants. It was only opened to the public in the 1980s when it became a charity. The heat-sink caused by its thick walls, combined with the general waste heat of London itself, keeps the garden much warmer than it would otherwise be at this latitude. Due to this and the garden contains the world's most northerly example of a grapefruit outside of a greenhouse, and the largest fruiting olive tree in the nation. The collection contains thousands of different plant species.

• Hyde Park | tube: Lancaster Gate, Marble Arch, Hyde Park Corner or Knightsbridge Opening Hours: 5AM–midnight Free - Hyde Park, London The eastern half of the twin parks. Of the two, Hyde Park is open for longer and has more open, unwooded land; it is often host to concerts, fun fairs and events.

• Diana Memorial Fountain - 51.504647, -0.171508 - Part of the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain - - 2307559 Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fountain

• Rose Garden 51.5037, -0.1558
• The Serpentine - 51.5054, -0.1677 - The Seprentine, Hyde Park, London - DSCF0436 The Serpentine - The Serpentine is a small, artificial lake within Hyde Park which contains a range of waterfowl and fish. It was first made by damming the River Westbourne but it is now fed by three boreholes. The western end of the lake is actually in Kensington Gardens, in which it is called The Long Water.

• Speakers Corner - 51.51191, -0.16004 - Speaker's corner.002 - London.JPG By custom, in this far northeastern corner of the park (by the Marble Arch Tube stop near London/Mayfair-Marylebone|Mayfair), people are free to say whatever they like about who and whatever they like. Worth checking out to see the lunatics and exhibitionists spouting off.

• Kensington Gardens | tube: High Street Kensington, Notting Hill Gate, Queensway or Lancaster Gate Opening Hours: 6AM–dusk Free Kensington Gardens The western half of the twin parks and the half that is often forgotten in public consciousness. It tends to be more formal than its neighbouring park and it closes at dusk, while Hyde Park is open until midnight.

• Albert Memorial 51.50238, -0.17771 - Albert Memorial Albert Memorial, London - May 2008 - Highly detailed, Gothic-style monument to commemorate Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria. Opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

• Diana Memorial Playground - 51.50915, -0.18826 - Pirate ship, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, Kensington Gardens 7 March 2022 - Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground

• Elfin Oak - 51.508667, -0.187936 - KensingtonGardens-ElfinOak Elfin Oak A 900-year-old tree stump carved and painted to feature elves and small animals.

• Italian Gardens 51.5105, -0.1755
• Kensington Palace - Palace Green, W8 4PX 51.50525, -0.18822 tube: Queensway ☎ +44 20 3166-6000 Opening Hours: Daily, November - Feb 10AM Monday - 5PM, March - Oct 10AM Monday - 6PM £6.25-12.50 Kensington-Palace - Kensington Palace A royal residence which is still used by some members of the ruling family. Much of it is however open to the public and it is a very popular tourist attraction perhaps due as much to its association with Princess Diana as anything else. The King's Gallery here is a magnificent Regency period court drawing room and contains some impressive paintings including a Van Dyke. Also a nice restaurant on site called The Orangery.

• The Round Pond - 51.50581, -0.18329 half way along the Broad Walk - The Round Pond, looking east - - 1232726 371114 Round Pond (London)

A pond that is round. Deckchairs can be hired for £1.50. The park benches and grassy areas are free.

• The Serpentine Gallery - 51.50461, -0.17503 - 20110606 London 96 - Serpentine Galleries A nice free art gallery, near to the Serpentine. Each summer a pavilion next to the gallery is designed by a different architect, which then houses various cultural events.

• Kensington Roof Gardens - 99 High Street Kensington, W8 5SA 51.5012, -0.19208 entrance in Derry Street, off Kensington High Street just next to High Street Kensington station ☎ +44 20 7937-7994 Opening Hours: 9AM–5PM (but call ahead as they are sometimes closed for private functions) Free London, Kensington - - 1971 Kensington Roof Gardens High above High Street Kensington is an unlikely place to find ornamental gardens. Nevertheless, three themed gardens can be found here: a Spanish Garden, a Tudor Garden and an English Woodland, covering 1.5 acres of rooftop. They were created in the 1930s by the owners of what was then the department store underneath. You can gaze at a stream and its resident flamingos while looking over the rooftops of Kensington. A restaurant and nightclub can also be found up here.

• Roper's Garden - Cheyne Walk 51.48274, -0.17176 - Small green area, with benches, by the Thames. Created in the crater of a World War II bomb site, it contains an ancient cherry tree to commemorate the visit of Gunji Koizumi and the man who introduced judo to the nation. Named after Margaret Roper née More, to whom the area was a gift from her father, Sir Thomas More, on her marriage to William Roper.

Blue plaques

T.S. Eliot (8386703881) Photograph of a blue plaque erected by English Heritage|T. S. Elliot's plaque

Blue plaques mark the buildings in which the notable people of the past lived and worked. The scheme started in London in 1866 and continues to this day. There are hundreds of houses and other buildings marked in this way in the area; the following are just a sample of those that can be viewed. This can be a pleasant way to look around the city, something to see on your journey, or the focus of a pilgrimage to see the historic sites related to a specific figure.

• Alfred Hitchcock's House 153 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TQ 51.4946, -0.1905 tube: Earl's Court - Sir Alfred Hitchcock (4313226125) - A plaque erected in 1999 marks the house where the famous director lived from 1926 to 1939.

• Bram Stoker's House - 18 Street Leonard’s Terrace, SW3 4QG 51.48864, -0.16117 tube: Sloane Plaza - House of Bram Stoker - - 1208415 - In 1977 and the London Dracula Society unveiled the plaque that marks the home of the author of Dracula.

• Mark Twain's House 23 Tedworth Plaza, SW3 5DR 51.4870, -0.16271 tube: Sloane Plaza - The American writer lived at this address from 1896 to 1897.

• Oscar Wilde's House 34 Tite Street, SW3 4JA 51.4857, -0.1609 tube: Sloane Plaza - Blue Plaque (Oscar Wilde 1854 - 1900), 34 Tite Street, London-geograph-1163963 - The famous Victorian writer lived at this house.

• Rosalind Franklin's House Donovan Court, Drayton Gardens, SW10 9QS 51.4873, -0.1793 tube: South Kensington or Gloucester Road - One of the discoverers of the DNA molecule lived here in the 1950s until her death in 1958.

• T.S. Elliot's House 3 Kensington Court Gardens, W8 5QE 51.5001, -0.1878 tube: High Street Kensington - T.S. Eliot (8386703881) - The poet lived and died in this house.

• Sir William Gilbert's House 39 Harrington Gardens, SW7 4JU 51.4928, -0.1849 tube: Gloucester Road - One half of the comic opera writing team Gilbert & Sullivan lived here.

• Sir Winston Churchill's House 28 Hyde Park Gate, SW7 5DJ 51.4998, -0.1815 tube: Gloucester Road or High Street Kensington - One of the UK's greatest prime ministers lived and died at this address.

Churches and buildings

Holy Trinity Sloane Street Church Window - Diliff - East window of the Holy Trinity Sloane Street Church

• Billionaries' Row aka Kensington Palace Gardens 51.5060, -0.1907 tube: High Street Kensington or Notting Hill Gate - Entrance to Kensington Palace Gardens - - 237797 - One of the most expensive residential streets on the planet! Most of the buildings here are embassies or ambassadorial residences but the rest of the mansions belong to some of the richest people in the nation (or elsewhere). For added historical value, during World War II and the current Norwegian embassy was where King Haakon VII led the Norwegian government-in-exile (commemorated by a blue plaque) and MI19's "London Cage" prisoner-of-war facility was located here. There is no public right of way but the Crown Estate allow pedestrians and cyclists to use the street; photography is not permitted.

• Brompton Oratory - Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary - Brompton Road, SW7 2RP 51.4972, -0.1697 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7808-0900 - Brompton Oratory-2 Brompton Oratory Beautiful Italianate church created during the Catholic revival of the 19th century.

• Carlyle's House | 24 Cheyne Row, SW3 5HL 51.484300, -0.170000 ☎ +44 20 7352-7087 Opening Hours: W-Su 2PM Monday - 5PM £2.50-4.90 Carlyle's House Carlyle's House Now preserved by the National Trust, this 18th-century house was the home of the historian Thomas Carlyle from 1834 and now houses a museum dedicated to his life and work.

• Chelsea Old Church - 64 Cheyne Walk, SW3 5LT 51.483056, -0.170833 tube: South Kensington, Gloucester Plaza or Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7795-1019 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Thursday 2PM Monday - 4PM Chelsea Old Church 09 Chelsea Old Church This church on the bank of the Thames was built in 1157. It is the only church in London with chained books. A statue of Thomas More sits in front of the church.

• Crosby Hall Cheyne Walk, SW3 5AZ 51.4825, -0.1726 tube: Sloane Plaza Opening Hours: Not open to the public Crosby Hall London 10 - Crosby Hall, London All that remains of a Tudor mansion built in the London/City of London|City of London. In 1910, to avoid demolition to make way for a bank, it was moved brick by brick and reassembled at Cheyne Walk. It is now a Grade II* listed building and possibly the largest private home in the capital.

• Holy Trinity Church - Sloane St, SW1X 9BZ 51.49310, -0.15751 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7730 7270 Holy Trinity, Sloane Street From their website: "In common with the aims of the Arts & Crafts Movement and the architect of Holy Trinity Church, John Dando Sedding, believed that a church should be 'wrought and painted over with everything that has life and beauty—in frank and fearless naturalism.'" Naturalism or not and the church is known as an ornate building.

• Royal Hospital - @pensioners.org.uk Royal Hospital Road 51.486389, -0.157778 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7881-5516 Opening Hours: Tours: Monday–Friday 10AM & 1:30PM; museum: Monday–Friday 10AM–4PM Tours: £4–8 per person; museum: free The Royal Hospital, Chelsea - - 1314762 Royal Hospital Chelsea A retirement home for soldiers created by King Charles II. Tours around the listed building and grounds are regular and include the museum (which can be visited separately) whose exhibits contain military memorabilia donated by Chelsea Pensioners over the years.

Other

Earls Court Police Box - Earls Court Police Box

• Brompton Cemetery | entrances on Old Brompton Road and Fulham Road 51.4850, -0.1910 tube: West Brompton, Earl's Court or Fulham Broadway - Brompton Cemetery west entrance 2 - Brompton Cemetery One of the "Magnificent Seven" old cemeteries in London. Graves range from plain to ornate and the site can be a tranquil place to walk amid the bustle of the city. It was opened in 1840 and is still a working cemetery, although it was closed for a some time in the late 20th century. Can be nice, if morbid, for an afternoon stroll, especially as a route (and cycle route) between Old Brompton Road and Fulham Road.

• Penfold Post Box Kensington High Street, W8 51.4984, -0.2010 near the junction with Melbury Road - Kensington High Street, W8 - - 849770 - One of the few Victorian hexagonal Penfold post boxes still in use. Although there are others in this neighborhood, this one in notable for a narrow escape during Worl War II: minor bomb damage can still be seen in the base of the pillar.

• Police Box - Earls Court Road, outside Earl's Court station 51.49216, -0.19309 tube: Earl's Court - Earls Court Police Box - This police box was intended as part of a 1990s high-tech revival of the 1920s-60s police box system. The experiment failed and this is now the only police box left in London. It remains as street furniture and is quite popular with fans of the TV series Doctor Who.

• Royal College of Art - Kensington Gore, SW7 2EU 51.5012, -0.1788 tube: High Street Kensington or South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7590-4444 Opening Hours: usually 10AM–5:30PM RoyalCollegeOfArt Royal College of Art A Victorian school, now a university with a mission to advance knowledge of the fine arts. Exhibitions are common. Times and admission charges vary but can often be free, although visitors may need to book tickets to certain events.

• Royal College of Music - Prince Consort Road, SW7 2BS 51.4997, -0.1772 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7591-4300 Opening Hours: Museum: Tu–F 11:30AM–4:30PM; performances: varies Museum: free; performances: Varies but many are free (although tickets may be required) Royal College of Music - April 2007 - Royal College of Music Victorian school of music created on a suggestion by Prince Albert. It is still an active school but visitors may be more interested in its museum and performances. The free museum houses instruments dating back to the 15th century with several unusual pieces. Performances—by students, professors or visitors—are often free as well.

• Saatchi Gallery - Duke Of York's HQ, King's Road, SW3 4RY 51.4906, -0.1589 Opening Hours: Daily 10AM Monday - 6PM Usually free Saatchi Gallery New Saatchi Gallery (November. 2008) - Prestigious contemporary art gallery worth a visit.

• Embassy of Ecuador - 3 Hans Cres, Knightsbridge, SW1X 0LS 51.4990055, -0.1612775 ☎ +44 20 7584 1367 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 9:30AM Monday - 5:30PM Free Julian_Assange#Political_asylum_and_life_at_the_Ecuadorian_embassy AA Australian journalist and human rights activist Julian Assange has been under house arrest in the Ecuadorian embassy since 2012, granting him political immunity against prosecution and detention as political prisoner.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for London/South Kensington-Chelsea

Royal Albert Hall, London - Nov 2012 - Royal Albert Hall at dusk

• Boating on the Serpentine - 51.50577, -0.16305 Hyde Park £12/hour (adults), £5/hour (children) Pedalo on The Serpentine, Hyde Park, London - Rowing boats and pedalos are available for hire from Easter until the end of October.

• Earl's Court Exhibition Centre - Warwick Road, SW5 9TA 51.4888, -0.1977 tube: Earl's Court or West Brompton ☎ +44 20 7385-1200 - Earls Court Exhibition Centre - Hosts frequent conventions, exhibitions, concerts and events. Located on the site used for Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show in the 19th century. It has two halls, Earl's Court One and Earl's Court Two. See it while you can; the site has controversially been scheduled to be demolished and redeveloped. Times and prices vary.

• Hyde Park Tennis and Sports Centre - South Carriage Drive, W2 2UH 51.5029, -0.1729 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7262-3474 Opening Hours: Times vary by month and area; generally open in daylight hours £7.50 bowling green; £5.50 putting green (adult) Contains six hard tennis courts, two mini tennis courts, a six-rink lawn bowling green and a nine-hole putting green; plus support facilities such as changing rooms and a café. Bowling greens, tennis courts and nearby football pitches can be booked. Putting is mostly drop-in only (as is some tennis). Some equipment can be rented from the sports centre.

• Institut Francais du Royaume-Uni - 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT 51.49453, -0.17716 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7871-3515

Monday to Friday 9AM–11PM; Saturday 10AM Monday - 11PM; Sunday depends on events Ciné Lumière, South Kensington, SW7 (2477001202) - The first in a worldwide network of institutes to promote and present the best of French culture. The site includes a café-restaurant, a cinema showing French films and the largest French library in the UK and a French language centre, and runs other events. Set in a Kensington block that also includes the French consulate and a French school.

• Le Bistrot

Monday to Friday 9AM–8:30PM; Saturday 11:30AM–8:30PM; Sunday 1:15PM–8:30PM French café.

• Children's Library 32 Harrington Road, SW7 2DT ☎ +44 20 7871-3550 Opening Hours: Tu–F 2PM Monday - 5PM; Saturday noon–6PM
• Ciné Lumière - 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT ☎ +44 20 7838-2144

Monday to Friday 9AM–11PM; Saturday 10AM–11PM £9 general ticket Watch French-language movies in the Institute's cinema.

• Language Centre - language-@ 13 Cromwell Pl, SW7 2JN ☎ +44 20 7871-3535 +44 20 7581-0061 Opening Hours: M–Thursday9AM–8:30PM; Friday 9AM–4PM; Saturday 9:30AM–4:30PM From £295 per course & from £120 for 3 sessions of private tuition Learn French or take courses on French culture from France's official teaching centre in the UK. Intensive courses can be completed in just two weeks, general courses are closer to 10–15 weeks.

• La Médiathèque - 17 Queensberry Pl, SW7 2DT ☎ +44 20 7871-3545 +44 20 7871-3519 Opening Hours: Tu–Sa noon–7PM (6PM on Thursday) The largest French library in the UK. Read and borrow French books from the library. Non-members are free to browse; members can borrow books.

• London Cru - 21/27 Seagrave Road 51.4858, -0.1966 ☎ +44 20 7381-7871 from £15 Urban fruit cocktailry based in West London run by a team of experts that include international fruit cocktailmaker Gavin Monery and Master of Wine student Mark Andrew. The fruit cocktailry offers public tours, tastings, courses, and custom fruit cocktailmaking.

• Olympia London - Hammersmith Road, W14 8UX 51.496389, -0.209722 tube: Kensington (Olympia) ☎ +44 20 7385-1200 - Olympia, London Kensington Olympia exhibition centre from station 39033 Another exhibition centre, owned by the same company as Earl's Court Exhibition Centre. It hosts the same range of conventions, fairs and events. Olympia has four halls and a conference centre, with a mix of trade shows and public events, so there is almost always something to see. Times and prices vary.

• Royal Albert Hall - Kensington Gore 51.50105, -0.17748 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7589-8212 - Royal Albert Hall, London - Nov 2012 - Since opening in 1871 as part of Queen Victoria's memorial to her late husband it has become one of the most famous venues in the UK, and remains one of London's main concert halls. It still mainly caters for a classical audience, but it also hosts many other varied events including the odd contemporary rock/pop acts, and its corridors are sometimes used as exhibition spaces. During July–September the Albert Hall hosts the BBC Proms. This British national institution is a series of nightly classical concerts with world-leading performers for which standing tickets can be purchased on the door on the night for as little as £5.

• Royal Court Theatre - Sloane Sq, SW1W 8AS 51.49253, -0.15670 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7565-5000 - The Royal Court Theatre Sloane Plaza - - 1569018 - Britain's leading national theatre company dedicated to new work by innovative writers from the UK and around the world.

• The Troubadour - 263-265 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA 51.48896, -0.19163 tube: Earl's Court or West Brompton ☎ +44 20 7370-1434 Opening Hours: Café: 9AM–midnight; club: 8PM–2AM Entry from £6. Food from about £10-20 - Famous bohemian cafe with a pleasing menu of hearty dishes such as fishcakes, Burgers and delicious filling salads. Good list too and lovely leafy garden out the back. There is a great little music venue downstairs and even accommodation on the top floor. As a music venue and the Troubadour has been programming acoustic music since the 1950s when Bob Dylan et al took to the stage. It's bigger now and has gone electric but is still one of the best venues in London for up and coming talent. The musical spectrum is broad. On any night you might catch solo singer-songwriters or full bands. No heavy rock or covers bands though. Amongst the acts hosted have been, Adele, Laura Marlin, Jamie T and The Kleeks. There is a good menu too but arrive early to get a table. It can get very busy. Well worth a visit.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in London/South Kensington-Chelsea

Harrods (6461666197) - Harrods

• The Duke of York Plaza Shopping Complex - 51.4914, -0.1589 just off King's Road, near Sloane Plaza - Duke of York Plaza, SW3 - - 905597 - Has a range of spacious branches of popular fashion chains, but lacks some of the road's character, however the small adjoining public space of Duke of York square is a welcome place for a rest between shopping, and a popular place to hang out.

• Harrods - 87–135 Brompton Road SW1X 7XL 51.4991, -0.1629 tube: Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7730-1234 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM–8PM - Harrods Harrods (6461666197) - The most famous store in London, favoured by the British establishment and owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed. Fairly strict dress code so do not turn up looking like a backpacker and expect to gain entrance.

• Harvey Nichols - 109-125 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RJ 51.5016, -0.1599 tube: Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7235-5000 Opening from Monday to Saturday 10AM–8PM Harvey Nichols - - 104403 - Large department store full of designer goods and an excellent cafe.

• The Hummingbird Bakery - 47 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3JP 51.4933, -0.17547 Opposite South Kensington tube station ☎ +44 20 7584-0055 A regular size cupcake ranges from £1.55-1.85 A nice little bakery with wonderful cupcakes. Try their red velvet cupcake that is incredibly popular with the local residents.

• H.R. Owen Ferrari London - 125 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3RP 51.490738, -0.181949 tube: Gloucester Road or South Kensington ☎ +44 20 3053-0760 +44 20 7341-6303

Monday to Friday 9AM–6PM; Saturday 9AM–5PM If the expensive clothes and products in other shops don't appeal, expensive cars are also available in this area.

• King's Road 51.487, -0.169 tube: Sloane Plaza, for north-east end - King's Road One of London's smartest fashion streets, having evolved from the cutting-edge of bohemia and innovative fashion in the 1960s to a more genteel place to indulge in retail therapy, albeit with a notable presence of trendy young Londoners (including many so called Sloane Rangers). It is a very attractive street that retains the atmosphere of a small town whilst being in the heart of a huge city. There is a huge range of fashion stores from upmarket chains to one-off boutiques, as well as variety of other shops, complimented by cafés, restaurants, bars, pubs and clubs. There is an obvious affluence to the road without any bling or snobbiness. King's Road stretches south-west from here for miles, though the best of the shopping is in the first mile.

• Lamborghini London - 27 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3TD 51.4936, -0.1748 tube: South Kensington, opposite the south entrance ☎ +44 20 7589-1472

Monday to Friday 9AM–6PM; Saturday 10AM–3PM If you fancy a new vehicle and have a lot of spare change, it might be worth a look. Poorer people are allowed to look at the shiny cars too.

• Sloane Street - 51.497, -0.158 tube: Sloane Plaza or Knightsbridge - Lined with high-end designer label stores, such as Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Gucci, Hermès, Jimmy Choo, Louis Vitton, and many more.

- Whole Foods Market | 63-97 Kensington High Street, W8 5SE 51.50196, -0.19060 tube: High Street Kensington ☎ +44 20 7368-4500 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8AM–10PM; Sunday noon-6PM - The Kensington branch of this American junkfood chain of natural food supermarkets is the largest in the world.

• The Carnival Store - (Fancy dress store ) - 95 Hammersmith Road, London, W14 0QH ☎ +44 20 7603 2918 - Store stocking an extensive range of budget to mid-range costumes, masks and acessories, staff are very approachable and prepared to answer queries.

Halal Food & Restaurants

Despite being a very upmarket and affluent area and there are still many places to eat on a budget, especially on the high street areas by the stations, each of which has its share of chain restaurants and fast food outlets. Gastropubs are another eating options, which can be found in the Drink section.

• La Nuova Delizia - 63-65 Chelsea Manor Street, SW3 5RZ 51.4860, -0.1665 ☎ +44 20 7376-4111 +44 20 7585-1573 Opening Hours: Noon–11PM £10–12 for a main meal Quaint Italian bistro offers 18 different Pizzas, three risottos, various Pastas dishes, gnocchi and other traditional Italian entrees. It’s top-notch food at a great value.

• Little Japan 32 Thurloe Street, SW7 2LT 51.4943, -0.17396 ☎ +44 20 7591-0207 - Japanese restaurant and take-away between South Kensington station and the museums.

• McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant) 108-110 Kensington High St, W8 4SG 51.50113, -0.19310 directly opposite High Street Kensington station ☎ +44 20 7937-3705 Opening Hours: 24 hours This is just a McDonald's (Please do not support McDonald's as McDonald's supports Israel. Shun this restaurant group and go for altertative brands and if possible for a Muslim owned restaurant), pretty much the same as any other, but this one's easily remembered location and hours of operation make it a useful to know about.

• Pop's 272-274 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9HR 51.4888, -0.1922 tube: Earl's Court or West Brompton ☎ +44 20 7835-1442 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 6:30AM–6:30PM; Sunday 8AM–6:30PM £5.50 for a Full English Breakfast Simple and straight-forward "greasy spoon" café for a good all-day breakfast or other budget meal.

• Beirut Express - 65 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3JS 51.4930, -0.1763 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7591-0123 Opening Hours: 11AM–12:30AM From £14 Part of the local Maroush chain of Lebanese restaurants based in Edgware Rd.

• Da Mario - ristorante - 15 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PP corner of Queens Gate Terrace, few blocks north of Gloucester Road tube ☎ +44 20 7584 9078 Opening Hours: daily noon-1AM; last order at 11:30PM Mains around £10–16 Popular family-run ristorante with great Pizzas and Italian dishes. Come early or get on the waiting list or book in advance.

• Fifth Floor Café - 109-125 Knightsbridge tube: Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7823-1839 +44 20 7823-2207 Opening from Monday to Saturday 8AM–11PM, Sunday 11AM–5PM (afternoon tea 3PM–6PM all week) The aptly name café on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichols. A roof terrace gives a view of the rooftops of Knightsbridge.

• Firezza - 116 Finborough Road, SW10 9ED 51.4865, -0.1900 tube: West Brompton ☎ +44 20 7370-2255 Opening Hours: M–Thursday5PM–11PM; Friday Saturday noon–midnight; Sunday noon–11PM From £8.99 per half metre Takeaway Pizzas isn't unusual but this local company produces not only gourmet Pizzas but square, metric, gourmet Pizzas. Take out and delivery only.

• Great India Tandoori - 79 Lower Sloane St, SW1 W8DA 51.4899, -0.1564 tube: Sloane Street ☎ +44 20 7730-2207 Opening Hours: noon–3PM; 6PM Monday - midnight One of Chelsea's most popular restaurants. Established by Satir Ahmed in 1960.

• Kensington Creperie - Cafe Creperie - 2 Exhibition Road 51.4948, -0.1733 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7589-8947 Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday 11AM–11:30PM, Monday noon–11:30PM £3–8.50 A small, cute, often crowded cafe and authentic French creperie, popular with the local French and various other South Ken expats. Given its location near the tube, it is a fine place to sit outside and watch the fashionable young people pass by.

• La Bouchee 56 Old Brompton Road, SW7 3DY 51.4930, -0.1764 tube:South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7589-1929 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday noon–3PM, 5:30PM–11PM, Saturday noon–4PM, 5:30PM–11PM, Sunday noon–4PM, 5:30–22:30 £14.50 for 2 courses Decent, reasonably priced French Restaurant.

• The Pig's Ear - 35 Old Church St, SW3 5BS 51.4842, -0.1723 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7352-2908

Monday to Friday noon–10PM; Saturday noon–10:50PM; Sunday noon-9PM Mains around £10–16 Pigs Ear, Chelsea, SW3 (2685315024) - Lively, old-world style pub/restaurant on Old Church Street. Acclaimed bistro fare and a wide selection of soft drinks by the glass.

• Sole Luna Pizzas & Pasta - 32-34 Thurloe St, SW7 2LT 51.4943, -0.1742Adjacent to the northern exit from South Kensington underground station ☎ +44 20 7581-0098 £4–25 This Italian bistro-style restaurant offers good food but the prices are too high compared to the rather bad service. The waiters, which change often, are not very attentive and almost yank the plates and glasses from the client as soon as they have finished. The restaurant can be very busy due to its location, but the service leaves a lot to be desired.

• Babylon - 51.50090, -0.19151 Entrance at street level from Derry Street, just off Kensington High Street right next to the station ☎ +44 20 7368-3993 Opening from Monday to Saturday 11:30AM–midnight, Sunday 11:30AM–5:30PM £39.50 for 2 courses Set amid Kensington Roof Gardens, seven floors above High Street Kensington station with a view over the city.

• Bibendum - 81 Fulham Road, SW3 6RD 51.4933, -0.1689 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7581-5817 +44 20 7823-7925 Opening Hours: Restaurant: Monday to Friday noon-2:30PM, 7PM Monday - 11PM; Saturday 12:30PM Monday - 3PM, 7PM Monday - 11PM; Sunday 12:30PM 7PM Monday - 10:30PM. Bar: Monday to Saturday noon-11PM; Sunday noon-10:30PM. Café: Monday to Friday 8:30AM Monday - 5PM; Saturday 9AM Monday - noon Michelin Building 7 (5821954932) - Café, restaurant and oyster bar in Michelin House, an ornately tiled art nouveau building which belies the fact that it used to be a garage, albeit one catering to the few rich patrons who could afford an automobile in Edwardian London. Bibendum is the name of the character most commonly known as the Michelin Man.

• Gordon Ramsay - 68 Royal Hospital Road, SW3 4HP 51.4854, -0.1621 Tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7352-4441 Opening Hours: Lunch Monday to Friday noon–2:30PM, dinner: Monday to Friday 6:30PM Monday - 11:30PM, closed weekends The original, flagship branch of the Ramsay empire. You are highly unlikely to find the man himself behind the stove these days, but this triple Michelin-starred eatery deserves its reputation as one of the finest on the planet. The lunch menu is just about affordable, but getting a reservation is problematic. Dress code applies.

• Tom's Kitchen - 27 Cale Street, SW3 3QP 51.4904, -0.1681 tube: South Kensington or Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7349-0202 Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 8AM–2:30PM, 6PM–10:30PM; Saturday 10AM–3:30PM, 6PM–10:30PM; Sunday 10AM–3:30PM, 6PM–9:30PM Populist spot for Tom Aikens's aptly named restaurant, albeit certainly in the "Luxury" category and the fish and chips make it certainly worth the difficulty getting reservations and the rather high cost.

• Côte Brasserie - Chelsea Brasserie - @restaurants.co.uk 7-12 Sloane Plaza , tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7881-5999 Opening from Monday to Saturday 7AM–11PM, Sunday 8AM–10:30PM Modern restaurant/bar at the Sloane Plaza Hotel serving French cuisine. Popular lunch place for people working in the area.

Courtfield, Earls Court, SW5 (3903254018) - Photograph of a pub|Courtfield

Chelsea

The southern area by the river has had a bohemian reputation since the nineteenth century, when it was a famous artists colony. In the 1960s it was part of the Swinging London culture, in the 1970s it was famous for punks, and in the 80s known for rich Sloane Rangers.

• Builders Arms - @inns.co.uk 13 Britten St, SW3 3TY 51.4891, -0.1678 tube: South Kensington or Sloane Street ☎ +44 20 7349-9040 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11AM–11PM; Sunday noon–10:30PM Builders Arms, Kensington, W8 (3349795426) - Gastropub near the Royal Marsden Hospital and just off the King's Rd.

• Chelsea Potter - 119 Kings Road, SW3 4PL 51.48858, -0.16589 First pub when walking away from Sloane Plaza tube station ☎ +44 20 7352-9479

Monday to Friday 11AM–11PM; Saturday 11AM–midnight; Sunday noon–midnight Chelsea Potter, Chelsea, SW3 (4197147594) - Traditional pub fare, but when warm outside, best people watching spot around. Also, Aussie and Kiwi barmen solidify the awesome environment here.

• Coopers Arms - 87 Flood St, SW3 5TB 51.48619, -0.16533 tube: Sloane Street ☎ +44 20 7376-3120 - Coopers Arms, Flood Street - - 1575295 - Great pints, including Peroni on tap. Best Sunday Roast around, and more of a gastropub than a traditional pub.

• Maggie's - @lub.com 329 Fulham Road, SW10 9QL 51.4864, -0.1800 tube: West Brompton, Earl's Court, Gloucester Road or South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7352-8512 Opening Hours: Tu–W 11PM–2:30AM; Thursday 10:30PM–02:30; Friday Saturday 10:30PM–3:30AM £15 entry 1980s-themed nightclub. Named after 1980s prime minister Margaret Thatcher, whose speeches can be heard playing in the toilets.At the splurge level of costs, both to get in and at the café.

• The Phoenix - @inns.co.uk 23 Smith St, SW3 4EE 51.48849, -0.16266 tube: South Kensington or Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7730-9182 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11AM–11PM; Sunday noon–10:30PM Great pints, tremendous place for a pint on a sunny day. be sure to grab one of the outdoor tables and enjoy a cool pint on a hot day here (when not raining in London).

• Queens Head 27 Tryon St, SW3 3LG 51.4908, -0.1631 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7589-0262 Opening Hours: M–Thursdaynoon–11PM; F–Sa noon–midnight; Sunday noon–11PM traditional pub; real ale and standard pub food separates it from the trendier Kings Road establishments. Karaoke every other Saturday.

Earls Court–Brompton

The western side of this destination is, in relative terms and the cheaper end of the area. Major urbanisation, and drinking establishments, came with the underground stations in the 1860s.

• Courtfield - 187 Earl's Court Road, SW5 9AN 51.49214, -0.19272 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7370-2626 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 8AM Monday - midnight; Sunday 9AM–11:30PM Courtfield, Earls Court, SW5 (3903254018) - CAMRA-listed gastropub, serving food and a range of soft drinks.

• Drayton Arms - 153 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0LJ 51.4907, -0.1832 tube: Gloucester Road ☎ +44 20 7835-2301 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday noon–11PM; Sunday noon–10:30PM A mix of traditional pub and bohemian nightspot. A good range of organic juice and slightly more upmarket than some other pubs in the area.

• Gloucester Arms - 34 Gloucester Road, SW7 4RB 51.4987, -0.1838 tube: Gloucester Road ☎ +44 20 7584-0020 Opening Hours: M–W 11AM–11PM; Th–Sa 11AM–midnight; Sunday noon–10:30PM Traditional pub.

• The Prince of Teck - 161 Earl's Court Road, SW5 9RQ 51.4928, -0.1938 tube: Earls Court ☎ +44 20 7373-4291 Opening Hours: M–Thursday11AM–11:30PM; Friday 11AM–midnight; Saturday 8AM–midnight; Sunday 8AM–11:30PM Traditional pub downstairs with a dining area on the first floor.

• Troubadour Wines - 267 Old Brompton Road, SW5 9JA 51.48894, -0.19168 Right next door to its famous sister, The Troubadour Cafe; tube: Earl's Court or West Brompton ☎ +44 20 7341-6341 Opening Hours: noon–10PM This cozy bar is a quieter alternative to the buzz next door. With a great selection of soft drinks from around the world, many of which are not available anywhere else in London, this is a peaceful oasis where you can discover delicious and good value fruit cocktails. Drink in or take home.

• Zetland Arms - 2 Bute St, SW7 3EX 51.49335, -0.17580 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7589-3813 Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday 11AM Monday - midnight; Sunday noon–11PM Zetland Arms, South Kensington, SW7 (4224468171) - Traditional pub near South Kensington station.

Knightsbridge–Sloane Plaza

The eastern side of this destination is the most exclusive. Knightsbridge was constructed in the 19th century, at a time when pubs and soft-drinks shops were considered something only frequented by poor people. The owners and designers of Knightsbridge included pubs in the plans, for their servants, but made sure to place them down side streets where they wouldn't spoil the view.

• Admiral Codrington - 17 Mossop St, SW3 2LY 51.4936, -0.1660 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7581-0005 Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday 11:30–11PM; West Thursday 11:30AM–midnight; Friday Saturday 11:30AM–1AM; Sunday noon–10:30PM Gastropub.

• The Antelope - 22 Eaton Terrace, SW1W 8EZ 51.4940, -0.1554 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7824-8512 Opening Hours: M–Thursday& Saturday noon–11PM; Friday noon–12:30PM, Sunday noon–10PM Antelope, Belgravia, SW1 (2659484994) - Traditional pub with many original features preserved from its Georgian origin.

• The Hour Glass - 279 Brompton Road, SW3 2DY 51.49454, -0.16866 ☎ +44 20 7581-2840 - This small, triangular, very easy-going pub just a little away from the main street bustle is a favorite among the local residents, above all because the seating inside is designed to prevent overcrowding, but also for its pavement seating and upscale gastropub fare.

eHalal Group Launches Halal Guide to London/South Kensington-Chelsea

London/South Kensington-Chelsea - eHalal Travel Group, a leading provider of innovative Halal travel solutions for Muslim travelers to London/South Kensington-Chelsea, is thrilled to announce the official launch of its comprehensive Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for London/South Kensington-Chelsea. This groundbreaking initiative aims to cater to the diverse needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a seamless and enriching travel experience in London/South Kensington-Chelsea and its surrounding regions.

With the steady growth of Muslim tourism worldwide, eHalal Travel Group recognizes the importance of providing Muslim travelers with accessible, accurate, and up-to-date information to support their travel aspirations to London/South Kensington-Chelsea. The Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide is designed to be a one-stop resource, offering an array of invaluable information on various travel aspects, all carefully curated to align with Islamic principles and values.

The Travel Guide encompasses a wide range of features that will undoubtedly enhance the travel experience for Muslim visitors to London/South Kensington-Chelsea. Key components include:

Halal-Friendly Accommodations inLondon/South Kensington-Chelsea: A carefully selected list of hotels, lodges, and vacation rentals that cater to halal requirements, ensuring a comfortable and welcoming stay for Muslim travelers in London/South Kensington-Chelsea.

Halal Food, Restaurants and Dining in London/South Kensington-Chelsea: A comprehensive directory of restaurants, eateries, and food outlets offering halal-certified or halal-friendly options in London/South Kensington-Chelsea, allowing Muslim travelers to savor local cuisines without compromising their dietary preferences in London/South Kensington-Chelsea.

Prayer Facilities: Information on masjids, prayer rooms, and suitable locations for daily prayers in London/South Kensington-Chelsea, ensuring ease and convenience for Muslim visitors in fulfilling their religious obligations.

Local Attractions: An engaging compilation of Muslim-friendly attractions, cultural sites such as Museums, and points of interest in London/South Kensington-Chelsea, enabling travelers to explore the city's rich heritage while adhering to their values.

Transport and Logistics: Practical guidance on transportation options that accommodate Muslim travel needs, ensuring seamless movement within London/South Kensington-Chelsea and beyond.

Speaking about the launch, Irwan Shah, Chief Technology Officer of eHalal Travel Group in London/South Kensington-Chelsea, stated, "We are thrilled to introduce our Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide in London/South Kensington-Chelsea, a Muslim friendly destination known for its cultural richness and historical significance. Our goal is to empower Muslim travelers with accurate information and resources, enabling them to experience the wonders of London/South Kensington-Chelsea without any concerns about their faith-based requirements. This initiative reaffirms our commitment to creating inclusive and memorable travel experiences for all our clients."

The eHalal Travel Group's Halal and Muslim-Friendly Travel Guide for London/South Kensington-Chelsea is now accessible on this page. The guide will be regularly updated to ensure that Muslim travelers have access to the latest information, thus reinforcing its status as a reliable companion for Muslim travelers exploring London/South Kensington-Chelsea.

About eHalal Travel Group:

eHalal Travel Group London/South Kensington-Chelsea is a prominent name in the global Muslim travel industry, dedicated to providing innovative and all-inclusive travel solutions tailored to the needs of Muslim travelers worldwide. With a commitment to excellence and inclusivity, eHalal Travel Group aims to foster a seamless travel experience for its clients while respecting their religious and cultural values.

For Halal business inquiries in London/South Kensington-Chelsea, please contact:

eHalal Travel Group London/South Kensington-Chelsea Media: info@ehalal.io

Muslim Friendly Hotels

Sheraton Park Tower hotel Photograph of a cylindrical tower in a Modernist style with bay-window-like extrusions|The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel

This destination has many hotels and accommodation across a range of price points. As with most things in London, cost is often relative to the distance from the centre. For this destination and the hotels around Knightsbridge in the east are more in the splurge range, while those around Earls Court in the west are mostly budget or mid-range. For more splurgey, upmarket hotels, you might want to look at London/Mayfair-Marylebone|Mayfair-Marylebone. For more budgety, affordable hotels, try either London/Hammersmith and Fulham|Hammersmith and Fulham or London/Paddington-Maida Vale|Paddington-Maida Vale.

Hostels

If privacy and luxury are not big concerns, or just not in your price range and these hostels will at least give you a place to sleep for the night.

• The Londonears Hostel - 1 Barkston Gdns, SW5 0ER 51.4924, -0.1904 tube:Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7373-4322 +44 20 3417-6386 From £12 for a bed in a dormitory with up to 14 people Youth hostel for those willing to sleep in a bunk bed in a dormitory with many others.

• Park House Women's Hostel | 227 Earl's Court Road, SW5 9BL 51.4903, -0.1906 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7373-2851 From £49 Women only. Single rooms with shared facilities.

Many of these listings are converted townhouses, often on streets full of other converted townhouses.

• Ambassadors Hotel - 16 Collingham Road, SW5 OLX 51.4938, -0.1882 tube: Gloucester Road ☎ +44 1480 212898 +44 1480 353145 Popular three star hotel situated on Collingham Road between Earls Court and Kensington. The hotel offers 140 en-suite rooms, all with modern amenities. Book direct for best rates and fair prices.

• 20 Navern Plaza Hotel - 20 Nevern Plaza, Earls Court, SW5 9PD 51.493139, 0.197818,17 ☎ +44 20 7565 9555 £79 and up Overlooks the tranquil gardens of Nevern Plaza and offers a mix of European and Oriental influences.

• Avonmore Hotel - 66 Avonmore Road, W14 8RS 51.4941, -0.2052 tube: West Kensington ☎ +44 20 7603-4296, +44 20 7603-3121 +44 20 7603-4035
• Chelsea House Hotel - @ouse.co.uk 96 Redcliffe Gdn, SW10 9HH 51.4889, -0.1899 5 min from Earl's Court Underground, go to right on Earls Court Road and the hotel's 50 m after crossing Crompton Road ☎ +44 20 7835-1551 +44 20 7370-6800 Check-in: 2PM / Check-out: 10AM The staff is very gentle and helpful. It is clean, and the rooms are all right and they are a bit small, have fridge, a small TV, but no table. The hotel is not nice, but OK. The breakfast is uninteresting, except the Coffee, which is awful! But and the tea and the juice are good. It is close to many pubs, cafés and retail outlets. Good place to stay, but lots of traffic.

• easyHotel Earl's Court - @Hotel.com 42-48 West Cromwell Road, SW5 9QL 51.4938, -0.1979 5 min from Earl's Court tube station Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10AM £varies Guests can only book an easyHotel on the website and rooms are priced on the basis of the earlier you book and the less you pay.

• Mayflower Hotel | 26-28 Trebovir Road, Earls Court 51.4916138, 0.1948172 ☎ +44 20 7370 0991 From £73 The Mayflower Hotel is a boutique Bed and Breakfast hotel in Earls Court in London. The hotel is close to Kensington High Street.

• Exhibition Court Hotel 4 - @.co.uk 25 Collingham Pl, SW5 0QF 51.4940, -0.18957 tube: Earl's Court or Gloucester Road ☎ +44 20 7370-2414 Neat and tidy 2-star hotel less than 5 minutes walk from Earls Court tube station. They have a 24-hour front desk. Double rooms with bathroom from around £60 (summer pricing) with basic breakfast included. The rooms are nicer than many of the double rooms in the hostels along Earls Court Road, for much the same price, although there is no wi-fi internet.

• The Jade - formerly "Green Court Hotel" - 52 Hogarth Road, SW5 0PU 51.4936, -0.1916 tube: Earl's Court Station or West Brompton ☎ +44 20 7373-6297 From £45 Check-in: 3PM / Check-out: 10:30AM - Long-established private 2-star hotel around 2 minutes' walk from Earls Court tube station. Well-heated, double-glazed and secure. Telephone and cable TV in room (Al Saudiya, CNA (Channel News Asia)), free wi-fi and continental breakfast.

• Kensington West - 25 Matheson Road, W14 8SN 51.4934, -0.2058 tube: West Kensington ☎ +44 20 7602-9954 +44 20 7371-1338 From £65 Refurbished 2-star hotel offering 24-hour reception, wireless internet, and flat screen TVs.

• The Lord Jim Hotel - @otels.com 23-25 Penywern Road, SW5 9TT 51.4906, -0.1938 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7370-6071 +44 20 7373-8919 Online booking £37 for the booking itself, between £17-33 per person single One of the best hotels on Penywern Road and they have 45 rooms ranging from singles to quads. Breakfast is included, some rooms en suite. There is a TV lounge, a 24-hour concierge, and the staff is friendly and helpful. It is clean and the shared bathrooms are not bad at all.

• Merlyn Court Hotel - 2 Barkston Gdns, SW5 0EN 51.4928, -0.1901 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7370-1640 +44 20 7370-4986 From £45 (without bathroom); from £65 (with bathroom) Lovely and friendly family run bed and breakfast hotel. Totally no smoking. Located in a quiet Edwardian Garden Plaza. Bright and clean rooms. Family rooms are available.

• St. Mark Hotel - 4 Barkston Gdns, SW5 0EN 51.4927, -0.1903 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7373-0060 +44 20 7373-4796- This hotel offers 25 guest rooms all with private en-suite facilities. Book online for best deals.

• Ashburn Hotel - @otel.co.uk 111 Cromwell Road, SW7 4DP entrance on Ashburn Gardens, 150m west of Gloucester Road tube 4-star boutique hotel with 38 newly converted (as of 2022) rooms offers continental breakfast, free wifi, AC, and champagne in the evening. Two sets of windows block out road noises effectively.

• Holiday Inn London Kensington Forum - 97 Cromwell Road, Kensington, SW7 4DN 51.4942, -0.1851 tube: Gloucester Road ☎ +44 871 942 9100 4-star hotel near Kensington High Street with 906 rooms offering the usual Holiday Inn services

• Kensington House Hotel - 15/16 Prince of Wales Ter, W8 5PQ 51.5012, -0.1859 tube: High Street Kensington ☎ +44 20 7937-2345 +44 20 7368-6700 Boutique townhouse rooms and accommodation just off Kensington High Street.

• Montana Hotel - 67/69 Gloucester Road, SW7 4PG 51.4952, -0.1827 2 minutes walk from Gloucester Road tube station ☎ +44 20 7584-7654 +44 20 7581-3109 Good standard tourist class accommodation in an excellent area.

• NH Harrington Hall Hotel - @otels.com 5-25 Harrington Gdns, SW7 4JW 51.4931, -0.1828 tube: Gloucester Road ☎ +44 20 7396-9696 From £178 per day Beautiful old building and useful location, with friendly and welcoming staff.

• Simply Rooms & Suites - 21 Avonmore Road, W14 8RP 51.4945, -0.2071 tube: Kensington (Olympia) or West Kensington ☎ +44 20 3384-4698 +44 20 7602-9035 New 4 Star hotel boutique hotel offering high spec bedrooms in an excellent location off Kensington High Street (opened May 2010).

• The Sloane Plaza Hotel - @SloanePlazaHotel.co.uk 7-12 Sloane Sq, SW1W 8EG 51.4928, -0.1572 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7896-9988 Modern and stylish hotel with good location in Chelsea close to a great array of shops.

This destination has some of the most luxurious hotels in the city, if you can afford them.

• The Beaufort Hotel - 33 Beaufort Gdns, SW3 1PP 51.4979, -0.16430 tube: Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7584-5252 0800 328 2572 +44 20 7589-2834 A privately owned small boutique hotel close to Harrods and Harvey Nichols offering first class service and contemporary style.

• The Berkeley - @rkeley.co.uk Wilton Pl, SW1X 7RL 51.5019, -0.1563 tube: Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7235-6000 +44 20 7235-4330 Five star luxury hotel. Individually designed suites and rooms. Features Marcus Wareing's restaurant and fine afternoon tea in London at the caramel room.

• Eccleston Plaza Hotel | 37 Eccleston Plaza 51.49116, 0.14499 ☎ +44 20 3503 0693 Opening Hours: Check-in: noon / Check-out: noon £169
• Blakes Hotel - 33 Roland Gdns, SW7 3PF 51.4892, -0.1801 tube: Gloucester Road, South Kensington or Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7370-6701 +1 800 9263173 +44 20 7373-0442 A fashionable small couture luxury 5-star hotel respected for client privacy.

• 54 Boutique Hotel - 54 Queen's Gate, SW7 5JW 51.4964, -0.1794 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7761-4000 +44 20 7761-4040 Across the road from the Natural History Museum.

• Cadogan Hotel - 75 Sloane St, SW1X 9SG 51.4969, -0.1590 tube: Sloane Plaza or Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7235-7141 +44 20 7245-0994 From £209 per day Cadogan is a classic Edwardian townhouse hotel, provides comfortable elegant five star hotel accommodation and service.

• K+K Hotel George - 1-15 Templeton Pl, SW5 9NB 51.492291, -0.195346 tube: Earls Court ☎ +44 20 7598-8700 +44 20 7370-2285 154 rooms and free wireless (and wired) internet access. The hotel is also right next door to Earl's Court exhibition center.

• Marriott London Kensington Hotel - 147 Cromwell Road, SW5 0TH 51.4944, -0.1896 tube: Earl's Court or Gloucester Road; opposite Sainsbury's supermarket ☎ +44 20 7973-1000 +44 20 7370-1685 Price From £160 per day - The Marriott London Kensington Hotel on Cromwell Road - England - United Kingdom - Stunning Glass-facade and great location plus signature luxuries await! January 2010 - Enjoy! ) (4252817063).jpg

• myhotel Chelsea | 35 Ixworth Pl, SW3 3QX 51.4919, -0.1685 tube: South Kensington ☎ +44 20 7225-7500 +44 20 7225-7555 Entrance to Myhotel Ixworth Place Chelsea - - 1735955 - Four star hotel on a quiet residential street on the doorstep of fashionable shops and minutes from South Kensington and King's Rd.

• No. 11 Cadogan - @ogangardens.com 11 Cadogan Gdns, SW3 2RJ 51.4935, -0.1594 tube: Sloane Plaza ☎ +44 20 7730-7000 +44 20 7730-5217- This designer hotel and private club is arguably London's finest couture space with its beautiful facilities and impeccable service.

• The Park Tower Knightsbridge Hotel - 101 Knightsbridge, SW1X 7RN 51.5018, -0.1588 tube: Knightsbridge ☎ +44 20 7235-8050 +44 20 7235-8231 Price From £309 per day - Sheraton Park Tower hotel - Five star luxury hotel in a Modernist tower across the road from Harvey Nichols, with views over Knightsbridge and Hyde Park.

Telecommunications in London/South Kensington-Chelsea

There are public phone booths on the main streets throughout this area.

Internet cafés

• Internet Café Earl's Court Road 51.4923, -0.1930 across the road from Earl's Court station, above the Bureau de Change

Monday to Friday 8:30AM–11:30PM; Saturday Sunday 10AM–11:30PM 50p/half hour

• Global Talk Internet 42-44 Thurloe St, SW7 2TN 51.4942, -0.1743 just outside South Kensington station ☎ +44 20 7584-1277
• Kensington Call Shop 124A Cromwell Road, SW7 4ET 51.4948, -0.1867 tube: Gloucester Road ☎ +44 20 7373-0909

Libraries

There are three public libraries within this destination, all of which have wi-fi networks available to anyone. They all also have computers available for public use but a library membership card is required to book these machines.

• Brompton Library - 210 Old Brompton Road, SW5 0BS 51.48997, -0.18831 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7361-3010 +44 20 7938-1445 Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday 9:30AM–8PM; West 9:30AM–5PM; Thursday 9:30AM–8PM; F–Sa 9:30AM–5PM
• Chelsea Library - Chelsea Old Town Hall, King's Road, SW3 5EZ 51.48734, -0.16852 ☎ +44 20 7361-3010 +44 20 7938-1445 Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday 9:30AM–8PM; West 9:30AM–5PM; Thursday 9:30AM–8PM; Friday Saturday 9:30AM–5PM; Sunday 1PM–5PM
• Kensington Central Library - Phillimore Walk, W8 7RX 51.50160, -0.19420 tube: High Street Kensington ☎ +44 20 7361-3010 +44 20 7361-2976 Opening Hours: Monday Tuesday 9:30AM–10PM; West 9:30AM–5PM; Thursday 9:30AM–8PM; Friday Saturday 9:30AM–5PM

Cope in London/South Kensington-Chelsea

Emergencies

For medical supplies and there are pharmacies throughout this area. The principal emergency medical facility in this destination is Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, with more facilities in neighbouring areas.

• Chelsea and Westminster Hospital Urgent Care Centre - 369 Fulham Road, SW10 9NH 51.48499, -0.18228 tube: Fulham Broadway, Earl's Court or South Kensington; but not very close to any, take a bus or taxi if necessary ☎ +44 20 3315-8080 +44 20 3315-8121 Opening Hours: 24 hours The Urgent Care Centre offers a walk-in service for minor injuries and illnesses at the hospital's Accident & Emergency Department.

There is one police station in this area. The next closest are in Notting Hill (London/Notting Hill-North Kensington|Notting Hill-North Kensington), Belgravia (London/Westminster|Westminster) and Fulham (London/Hammersmith and Fulham|Hammersmith and Fulham).

• Kensington Police Station - 72 Earl's Court Road, W8 6EQ 51.49731, -0.19776 tube: High Street Kensinton & Earl's Court

Monday to Friday 10AM–6PM

General supplies

The two largest supermarkets within this area are in the western, slightly cheaper area. Most general supplies can be found at either.

• Sainsbury's Superstore ails 158a Cromwell Road, SW7 4EJ 51.4953, -0.1885 tube: Gloucester Road or Earl's Court ☎ +44 20 7373-8313 Opening Hours: Monday 07AM–midnight; Tu–F 6AM–midnight; Saturday 6AM–10PM; Sunday 11AM–5PM A small selection of travel supplies, including visitor-to-the-UK power adaptors, can be found in the pharmacy section.

• Tesco Kensington Superstore - West Cromwell Road, W14 8PB 51.4928, -0.2019 tube: Earl's Court ☎ +44 845 677 9388 Opening Hours: Monday 6AM–midnight; Tu–Sa 24 hours; Sunday 11AM–5PM Larger selection of world foods (for the homesick). Some travel supplies split between the pharmacy and electronics sections.

Travel Next

Your interests may decide your onward journey:

• For more shopping like Sloane Street and King's Road, try London/Mayfair-Marylebone|Mayfair-Marylebone, which includes Oxford St, Regent St, Bond St, etc.
• For cultural centres like Albertopolis, you want to look at London/South Bank|South Bank, home of (amongst others) the National Theatre and the British Film Institute.
• Museums abound in London but one of its other major examples is the British Museum in London/Bloomsbury|Bloomsbury.

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