The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is an inner London borough with royal status. It is one of the smaller boroughs in London. It is one of the most densely populated boroughs in United Kingdom.
The history of Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington’s royal borough status was granted in 1901 as it was the home of Kensington Palace where Queen Victoria was born in 1819 and lived until her accession in 1873.
Chelsea had originally been countryside where Thomas More built Beaufort House. He came to Chelsea in 1520 and built the house which back then had two courtyards laid out between the house and the river; in the north of the site acres of gardens and orchards were planted.
During the Blitz, damage was caused by explosive and incendiary bombs on Chelsea’s riverside but buildings were soon damaged with the arrival of the V2 rockets.
Kensington and Chelsea are best known today for two events that show their traditional and modern aspects. The Chelsea Flower Show, held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital every May, is attended by Royalty and the high-end society. The other event is the Notting Hill Carnival, held every August Bank Holiday on the streets of North Kensington, has increasingly grown over the past 30 years from a small community-based event into Europe’s biggest street party, attracting thousands of visitors.
Things to do in Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Visit the Chelsea Physic Garden
The Chelsea Physic Garden was founded in 1673 and is four acres of land on the edge of the Thames.
Main Season – From Sunday 31 March until Friday 1 November.
The Garden, Cafe & Shop are open Monday-Friday and Sunday
Adults: £11*/£10
Concessions (Students registered unemployed and children 15 years and under): £7.50*/£6.50
Family Ticket (Two adults/Three children): £35.70*/£34.50
Children under five: Free
Winter Season Admission prices:
Adults: £7.50*/£6.50
Concessions (Students registered unemployed and children 15 years and under): £5*/£4.50
Family Ticket (Two adults/Three children): £25*/£24.15
Children under five: Free
Explore Chelsea FC’s home stadium
If you are a football fan take a look around Stamford Bridge. You can have a one hour tour and visit the stadium and museum.
Kensington Palace
Take a look round Kensington Palace to see all the history of the place. If you book tickets online you save 10%!
Online prices:
Adult 18+ : £17.50
Child aged 5-15: £8.70
Concessions aged 65+, 16-17, full time student: £13.90
Family saver 1 (1 adult and up to 3 children) : £32.50
Family saver 2 (2 adults and up to 3 children): £43.90
Travel
There are four main ways you can travel in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, they are by: car, taxi, train and bus. Below you will see details/a map showing all the stations/stops where you can find your way of traveling around the Royal borough.
Car:
You can access the borough vuia the A3220, A5205 or the A501.
Buses:
Trains:
Overground and underground.
Taxis:
Places to stay
Below is a list of places you can stay in the borough so you can explore the area and not have to travel a great distance. Based on a one person and one night stay prices range from £54 to £310.
