Knightsbridge is one of London’s most exciting areas, with lots to see and do for all ages and tastes. Attracting visitors from all over the world, who happily explore the shops in this district alongside Londoners seeking a high-end way to splash some cash, the area of Knightsbridge is also rich with history.
A Brief History of Knightsbridge
Knightsbridge was first a parish formed in part by the area then known as St Martin in the Fields, which expanded during the reign of Edward I. It played a prominent role in the English civil war now known as the Anarchy, which took place in the 1100s. Towards the end of the 19th century, trade links between the UK and the Far East led to increased interest in Japan and Japanese culture, with Knightsbridge hosting an exhibition celebrating all things Japanese in 1887. The area is closely linked to upmarket Belgravia, and thanks to Sloane Street, it was associated with the monied (and often titled) ‘Sloane Rangers’ of the 1980s. Today, it is home to many of the city’s most expensive districts, with plentiful high-end shops and department stores, ideal for enjoying some retail therapy while staying at hotels near Earls Court.
Amongst the most impressive stores in Knightsbridge, visitors can enjoy…
Harrods and Other Luxury Stores
This is arguably one of the world’s most famous department stores, and it’s perfectly situated within Knightsbridge. With floor upon floor dedicated to the luxury lifestyle, this is a one-stop destination for everything from clothing to homewares, children’s products and the very best from the world of food and drink. Ideal for a luxurious browse while you stay at Kensington London Hotels, the staff pride themselves on providing a truly personalised service. After you’ve finished browsing at Harrods, you can head across to any of the fantastic boutiques in the district, catering to fans of the likes of Prada, Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik. If you’re prepared for high-end shopping, this is certainly the place to be!
High-End Restaurants
Knightsbridge is renowned as the home of many of London’s finest restaurants, catering to many different tastes and dietary requirements while staying at Park Grand London Kensington. Dinner by Heston Blumenthal offers an accessible way to enjoy this noted chef’s inventive cooking, while Marcus gives diners the chance to sample the cuisine of noted Gordon Ramsay protégé Marcus Wareing in an informal, bright and airy restaurant with a delicious menu which includes the lines of venison and black pudding. Elsewhere in Knightsbridge, Zuma brings modern Japanese dining to the area, and is the ideal venue to relax after a busy day shopping and seeing the sights.
Top Venues and Destinations
For culture vultures, the V&A is an absolute must – offering a peak at some truly astonishing objects from the world of art and design. In addition, the area has a number of noted churches including the CoE Holy Trinity Church.
