Attractions in Kensington/ Chelsea (London)

Museum of Fulham Palace

Once the home of the Bishop of London and situated in the picturesque Bishop's Park, the Museum building - based in an early 19th century part of Fulham Palace - has a Tudor courtyard, herb garden, and beautiful grounds. There are displays of stained glass, archaeology, and garden history. An audio tour is available to guide you around the outside of the building and the gardens. There are also guided tours of the gardens by the curator - call for details of when these take place. Holiday activities for children and school visits are held on a regular basis at the museum, and after hours the halls can be hired for special occasions such as wedding receptions.

Albert Memorial

Queen Victoria's memorial to her beloved husband, Albert, warrants a visit from all. Sir Gilbert Scott designed the folly in 1872, and Queen Victoria unveiled it in 1876. Prince Albert sits on his throne holding the catalog of the Great Exhibition of 1851. Beneath him lie sculptures of the museums, colleges, and institutions that he inspired, as well as marble statues of animals representing the different continents. Allegorical figures of Agriculture, Commerce, Manufacture and Engineering also adorn the memorial. The Albert Memorial is especially beautiful when shining in the glow of the evening sun or when lit up at night. You'll find it at the southernmost part of Hyde Park, along the stretch of road known as Kensington Gore, opposite the Royal Albert Hall.

Bishop's Park

This picturesque little park stretches along the banks of the Thames from Putney Bridge to Fulham FC´s Craven Cottage ground. As well as containing historic Fulham Palace in its grounds, the park has 15 tennis courts, six of which are floodlit, a bowling green, miniature lake, and a popular children's play area. Although small in size, the park remains a favorite with west London residents. The park is the perfect vantage point to view the initial stage of the race, but only if you are lucky enough to be situated right up against the handrail. The park's only other claim to fame came when the film The Omen, starring Gregory Peck, had a scene shot in the park in which a priest meets with a rather grisly end.

Chelsea FC

Founded in 1905, Chelsea FC has one of the swankiest home grounds in Britain (what else would you expect from a club based in this area of London?). The spectacular Chelsea Village, located at Stamford Bridge, has bars, restaurants, a hotel and even a club to keep fans amused. Coach Jose Mourinho is building a stylish and cosmopolitan squad, and with the club thriving both on and off the field, hopes are high amongst 'The Blues' faithful that major silverware will soon be coming to Stamford Bridge.

Carlyle's House

Established in 1896 soon after the writer's death, Carlyle's House is one of the oldest literary museums in London so the original decor and furnishings as well as many personal items have been preserved. The Scottish-born historian Thomas Carlyle, who is best known for his history of the French Revolution, moved to this typical tall and thin townhouse in the early part of the Victorian era when Chelsea was still largely undeveloped and unfashionable. Carlyle wrote his monumental tomes in the attic, which he had soundproofed against the noise of his neighbors. He and his wife lived a life full of anecdote and incident and there is much here to delight both those with an interest in literary history and those with an enthusiasm for Victorian interiors.

Royal Hospital Chelsea

King Charles II established The Royal Hospital Chelsea in 1692 as a home for retired soldiers, a purpose it still fulfills today. The historic Restoration-era buildings are open to the public, and several of the halls are available for hire. A variety of events are held throughout the year, including readings and musical performances. Check their website, or call for details on upcoming events.

Nateclo

If the stress from day-to-day living has you at boiling point, you're trying to look your best for a hot new date, or you're just in need of some well deserved "me time," Nateclo skin spa is there to help exfoliate your problems away; on the surface at least! This intimate, oriental-themed beauty studio offers soothing facials and body massages. All treatments are performed by owner, Kristy Nguyen; who puts a personal and customized touch in every appointment. They also have a selection of face and body products on sale. By appointment only. Call for more info.

Linley Sambourne House

Home to the cartoonist and photographer Edward Linley Sambourne, the Linley Sambourne House is a Victorian Townhouse with a history that date backs to 1874. The house is kept intact with the furniture and fixtures, well preserved. You can visit this four storied house through guided tours only. A visitor reception, shop and cloakroom facility, specially commissioned videos of the house and the family, is all included in the tour.

Kings Road

King's Road used to be the private road of King Charles II and took him between Whitehall and Hampton Court Palace. In 1830 it became a public road and then became famous in the sixties and seventies for its range of fashion. It is now Chelsea's main road and the place for serious shoppers and you may even see a famous face there as well. It isn't just for the wealthier shoppers, there is something for everyone. There are lots of clothes shops and antique and interiors shops as well as gadget shops for the boys and a wide range of eateries.

St. Mary Abbots

Although there has been a place of worship here for over 1000 years, the current church was built in 1872 in Victorian Gothic Style and includes a healing window which was funded by the Royal College of Surgeons. As well as providing a place of sanctuary it has weekly organ recitals and concerts. St. Mary Abbots has the tallest spire in London, making it one of the rare churches that has ten bells. No surprise, then, that St. Mary's is a popular center for bell ringing. Both experienced ringers and those with no experience are welcome to come and ring the bells.

Kensington Palace

Queen Victoria was born in this palace in 1819, and Princess Margaret and other royals also resided here. A Jacobean mansion in Kensington Gardens (next to Hyde Park), Kensington Palace was the London residence of the late Diana, Princess of Wales. Visitor attractions include the state apartments and the Royal ceremonial dress collection. Lunch and tea are served in the Orangery or the Winter Café (depending on the time of year), which is open from 9a-6p.

Chelsea Bridge

Chelsea Bridge spans the River Thames between Chelsea and Battersea. It is a 107-meter long bridge that was officially opened in 1937 by MacKenzie King, the Canadian Prime Minister, due to the fact that most of the timber came from Douglas Firs from Canada. It is a Grade II listed, self-anchored steel suspension bridge. There are a range of heraldic designs on the bridge, and every Friday bikers meet peacefully under one of the doves holding olive branches, following the death of a biker in 1970. It is floodlit at night with 285 meters of light emitting diodes. - Caroline Collard