As a hub for the latest trends in fashion, technology and design, it’s no surprise that London has some of the best shopping around, and Kensington High Street is one of the top places to visit for anyone looking to indulge in some serious retail therapy.
With hundreds of shops to choose from around Kensington shopping centre, it can be hard to know where to start. To help you get the best out of shopping in Kensington London, read on for ten of the best stores for fashion, lifestyle, technology and food.
Whole Foods Market
It’s impossible to step into a Whole Foods store and leave without choosing something, and this impressive Kensington branch has plenty of delicious and nourishing items to tempt you.
From delicious, fresh produce and ready to eat items, to a wide range of beauty and wellbeing products, it’s an ideal one-stop destination when you want to find something to improve your wellness. The branch also has its own café where you can enjoy a fresh coffee and tasty pastry or snack after a shopping trip.
Urban Outfitters
If you’re planning to find a stylish new wardrobe for your stay in the city, this popular fashion and lifestyle chain is the ideal destination to help get you started. Choose from the latest in men’s and women’s trends, including a wide selection of leading casual wear brands, as well as plenty of quirky vintage picks to add some novel inspiration to your look.
You’ll also find fun pieces to revamp your home, from unusual accessories and gifts to modern furnishing, rugs and kitchenware. A visit to the store can often take a while to work through it all, so treat yourself to a meal at the Park Grand restaurant beforehand.
Zara & Zara Home
While not situated together, the two branches of Zara cover all the bases when it comes to finding affordable contemporary style for the whole family. The main Zara branch offers a broad selection of clothing for men, women and children. With the brand’s distinctive blend of sleek, modern style, infused with the latest trends, it’s the perfect place to pick up an outfit for any occasion.
At the opposite end of Kensington High Street, you’ll also find Zara Home, the brand’s dedicated lifestyle store. Find beautifully designed furnishing, fabrics and accessories, to help create a stylish haven at home.
Altimus
For fans of outdoor sports, this comprehensive adventure gear shop has everything you need to prepare for a trip to the mountains or slopes. Specialising in ski wear in particular, you’ll find all you need for men’s, women’s and children’s ski clothing, including essential accessories such as helmets and eyewear.
They also stock a wide range of hiking and other sporting gear, making it a great place to visit if you’re planning on an adventure activity anywhere in the world.
Decathlon
Fitness fans will be familiar with the renowned French brand, Decathlon, which offers a wide range of sporting apparel, as well as plenty of useful accessories, nutritional supplements and more.
The brand originally rose to prominence as a cycling brand, and you’ll find an enormous range of bikes and accessories to suit your needs, whether you’re a casual cyclist or a serious athlete. There’s also plenty to satisfy sports fanatics of all other persuasions, including an excellent range of snowboarding gear, horse riding accessories and camping equipment, and useful items to help you recover and enjoy the best nutrition whilst staying busy.
Muji
The sophisticated stationery and lifestyle brand is a great place to find practical, everyday items that are crafted with a distinctive Japanese twist. With a distinctively minimal, understated and beautifully put together aesthetic, you can stock up on everything from useful travel accessories to stylish paper goods.
Look out for the brand’s own range of delicate home fragrances and incenses, which channel Muji’s unique approach, for a subtle and appealing result.
Waterstones
For book lovers of all ages and persuasions, Waterstones is an essential visit when you’re in the area. The store has a wide range of books across all genres and categories, including the latest in fiction, travel, biographies, children’s books, and more. You’ll also find a charming selection of stationery and gifts for adults and children, making it a great place to pick up a gift for a special occasion.
Look out for signed copies of the latest bestsellers, as well as the store’s various events, including children’s book readings, and workshops and talks featuring popular and emerging writers.
Joe and the Juice
If you’re staying nearby at the Park Grand Kensington Hotel and find yourself craving a freshly squeezed juice or smoothie to kick start the day, this is the perfect spot.
The international chain has been renowned the world over for its fantastic selection of nutritious and healthy food, served up with stylish flair. Its Kensington branch is just as slick as you’d expect, so don’t be surprised to encounter lengthy lines at busy periods.
Ole & Steen Lagkagehuset
The popular Danish bakery chain is an ideal place for a late afternoon pit stop during a busy shopping spree on Kensington High Street.
Named after the “layer cake” style architecture of the original branch, the coffee shop naturally has plenty of mouth-watering cakes and pastries to try, as well as the uniquely Danish style of open sandwiches.
The Design Museum
While technically a museum as well as a store, the Design Museum is always worth a visit when you’re in Kensington. Featuring a wide variety of exhibits that showcase a range of design masterpieces from around the world, it’s a great place to pick up some inspiration before you go shopping.
The museum also has a great store of its own, which is an ideal place to pick up stylish gifts for anyone who appreciates modern design. With a wide range of items, including stationery, posters, artwork and clothing, it’s hard to come away empty-handed.
