High Street Kensington is one of the most iconic locations in London, synonymous for its luxury shopping, beautiful leafy spaces and myriad of authentic restaurants, lively bars and cosy cafes. If you’re looking for a spot to get festive in the city, it’s the perfect spot to do so.
With fairy lights strung between tree branches and Christmas trees twinkling in the windows of townhouses it is given an almost Dickensian charm. Wander under the warm glow of St Mary Abbots Church where bunches of bright flowers and poinsettias sit beneath icicle style lights and miniature Christmas trees before stopping into one of the nearby cafes for a mulled wine or festive hot chocolate. We take a look at how you can spend a festive day in High Street Kensington to really make the most of the Christmas season…
9:30am Grab a bite for breakfast while you take in the atmosphere
Start your day by popping into Ole and Steen for a quick takeaway breakfast bite. We recommend their Cinnamon swirl for something sweet or their breakfast roll alongside a fresh cup of coffee.
92 Kensington High St
London W8 4SH
https://oleandsteen.co.uk/
10am Get your fashion fix at the Design Museum
Head to the Design Museum where you can marvel at the array of exhibits covering product, industrial, graphic, fashion and architectural design. Since opening its 1989 it has staged over 100 exhibitions and welcomed over seven million visitors. While here, check out their limited exhibits such as REBEL: 30 Years of London Fashion sponsored by Alexander McQueen.
This exhibition celebrates over 300 young designers — the NEWGEN alumni — and their sensational impact on the global fashion scene. The swan dress controversially worn by Björk at the 2001 Oscars, Harry Styles’ Steven Stokey Daley outfit from his video for ‘Golden’ and Sam Smith’s inflatable latex suit by HARRI from this year’s BRIT Awards are amongst the highlight objects in the show. Be sure to peruse the Museum’s shop for some unusual gifts before departing.
224–238 Kensington High Street
London W8 6AG
12:30am Head for a Festive Lunch and drinks at Dishoom
Dishoom Kensington is nestled right in the heart of Kensington and exudes the art deco era of Bombay jazz. With opulent decor in jewel colours peppered with golden accents, it’s as cosy and inviting as it is stylish. The air is fragrant with the scents of sizzling spices, ice is shaken in cocktail tumblers and warm chatter fills the air. Dine on the festive menu with Christmas inspired biryanis, grills, turkey raan and their signature festive sandwich. Sip on a glass of fizz, wine or a soft drink while taking in the atmosphere.
4 Derry Street
London W8 5SE
https://www.instagram.com/dishoom/
https://www.dishoom.com/kensington/
2:30pm Stroll over to Japan House for your culture fix
Once you’ve finished your meal, take a short wander to Japan House where you can view its collection of innovative products. For those with a sweet tooth; the famous and traditional sweets from Tokyo are an ideal Christmas present as well as a range of gift boxes. The cultural home of Japan in London, it has a gallery, theatre, retail floor, restaurant and library enabling you to immerse yourself fully in the experience. You can spend a good amount of time perusing the festive wares on offer as well as sampling the culinary delights on offer.
101-111 Kensington High Street, London, W8 5SA
Opening hours:
Monday to Saturday: 10:00–20:00
Sundays & Bank Holidays: 12:00–18:00
https://www.japanhouselondon.uk
3pm Visit Kensington Palace
Kensington Palace is a royal residence set in Kensington Gardens and is a beautiful way to spend some time in the borough. The official birthplace of Queen Victoria and home to young royals for over 300 years it’s steeped in history and is a truly beautiful place to wander. If the weather’s nice be sure to meander around the parks and green space as well as popping into the cafe for a cup of tea while you take in the views.
Kensington Gardens
London
W8 4PX
https://www.hrp.org.uk/kensington-palace/
3pm Detour away from the High Street to explore the independent shops
To round off your day head away from the High Street to explore the independent shops. Check out Opportunity Kensington’s map and explore some of the neighbourhood’s picturesque side streets. With a background of Victorian architecture and blue plaques you can discover the charming roads with their village feel, boutique shops, galleries, cafes, plus traditional English pubs and unique history. In the run up to Christmas, the decorated streets, shop windows, cafes and restaurants will be at their sparkling best.
Kensington is the perfect location to spend a festive day in London. Packed with Christmas cheer and a range of things to see and do, it’s an effortless choice to get into the festive spirit. What are some plans you have to get into the Christmas spirit in London?
