Kensington and Chelsea is known as the ‘Royal Borough’, and its central location means that it’s very close to many of the top tourist hotspots – including royal destinations like Buckingham Palace, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.
However, there are still some well-kept secrets in and around Kensington and Chelsea. For those staying at the Park Grand Hotel Kensington and hoping to immerse themselves in London life without the tourist traps, here are some of the best hidden spots you can visit.
Leighton House Museum
12 Holland Park Rd, London, Greater London
London is packed with fantastic museums, and Leighton House Museum is probably one of the lesser-known destinations – but that doesn’t make it any less special or interesting. The house itself is the former home and studio of Lord Frederic Leighton, and much of it has been remarkably well-preserved. Inside, you’ll find an enormous collection of paintings and sculptures by Leighton and his peers – but perhaps the most impressive room in the museum is the so-called Arab Hall. With its spectacular golden dome, sophisticated mosaics and enormous collection of ceramic tiles from the Middle East, you’ll feel as though you’ve entered a portal to the other side of the world.
Kyoto Gardens in Holland Park
Holland Park, London, W8 6LU
Step away from the crowds in Hyde Park and head west to Holland Park, where you’ll find the amazing Kyoto Japanese Garden. The garden was gifted to the UK in 1991, to celebrate the lasting friendship between Britain and Japan. It has been carefully designed to include many traditionally Japanese features, including tiered waterfalls, a koi pond, stone lanterns and colourful blossom trees. You may also see some of Holland Park’s famous peacocks strutting around! When you’ve finished exploring, it’s less than a mile from Holland Park to Park Grand London Kensington, one of our hotels near Earls Court London.
The Luggage Room
84-86 Duke Street, London, W1K 6JP
London loves a secret cocktail bar, and The Luggage Room is one of the very best. As the name might suggest, it’s located in a converted luggage room, hidden away behind a very inconspicuous black door. When you arrive at this door, you’ll need to knock. A hatch on the door will slide back, and you must give your name to the person on the other side, in true secret agent style.
Inside, you’ll find an authentic 1920s-style bar, packed with period curiosities, silk wallpaper and a selection of historic liquor bottles. With jazz playing all night long and a huge ice block for chipping off into your carefully mixed cocktails, you’ll certainly feel like you’ve uncovered a hidden gem in the heart of London.
Electric Cinema
191 Portobello Rd, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED
The Electric Cinema in Notting Hill is a world away from the high street multiplex. It’s one of the oldest working cinemas in the country, and a true hidden gem for all those who love the art of film. Instead of rows of uncomfortable seats, you’ll find sixty-five leather armchairs, each with its own footstool and side table. The cinema snacks are far more indulgent than popcorn and hot dogs, and you can even enjoy a glass of champagne with your movie.
