About Kensington and Chelsea
One of London’s most affluent and royal boroughs, Kensington and Chelsea offers a charming blend of cultural prestige, elegant architecture and exceptional hospitality.
Home to world-renowned museums, gorgeous green spaces and a versatile mix of event venues, the neighbourhood provides a sophisticated backdrop for conferences, incentives, corporate gatherings and more.
Luxury hotels, contemporary venues and historic institutions sit side by side, giving planners a wide range of options for both large-format events and intimate occasions. Beyond business, delegates can enjoy an impressive array of world-class attractions.
Kensington Palace, a historical royal residence and the birthplace of Queen Victoria, invites visitors to explore its state apartments, exhibitions and more. South Kensington, London’s museums quarter, is home to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A South Kensington.
Chelsea’s King’s Road is lined with designer boutiques and high-street favourites, while Kensington Gardens and Holland Park add scenic green spaces. Plus, there are plenty of incredible restaurants and fine-dining experiences to choose from.
The borough is also conveniently located, with easy access to key business hubs via public transport.
Things to do in Kensington and Chelsea
Explore London’s cultural hub, where world-famous museums, galleries and exhibitions sit alongside Royal Parks, iconic event venues and exquisite dining.
Kensington and Chelsea’s museum district, elegant townhouses and riverside setting come together to create memorable delegate experiences, whether you’re planning cultural add-ons or incentive activities.
Event venues
Kensington Palace
Nestled within Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace has been a royal residence for more than 300 years. While many parts of the palace remain a private residence for members of the Royal Family, the palace offers a unique selection of versatile spaces for up to 300, including The Orangery, a striking standalone venue, and the opulent Cupola Room, the site of Queen Victoria’s baptism.
Olympia
For 140 years, Olympia has stood as one of London’s most iconic event venues. Its four large-scale event spaces, world-class International Convention Centre (ICC), 3,800-capacity music hall British Airways ARC and British Airways Theatre create an exceptional setting for events from large exhibitions to intimate gatherings.
Natural History Museum
The Natural History Museum is a breathtaking London landmark, renowned for its striking Victorian architecture and world-class scientific collections of more than 80 million objects spanning 4.5 million years. Its grand Hintze Hall, which features a magnificent blue whale and majestic stone staircase, dramatic galleries and luscious outdoor space create a unique backdrop for events of up to 1,200 guests.
Science Museum
The Science Museum offers a dynamic, contemporary setting for events of up to 1,500 guests surrounded by award-winning exhibitions and interactive galleries. Its 13 versatile event spaces include the state-of-the-art IMAX theatre, the impressive Making the Modern World gallery and Illuminate, an ultra-modern canvas space.
Experiences
V&A South Kensington
Discover more than 2.8 million objects, from fashion to sculptures, ceramics, jewellery, paintings and more at V&A South Kensington. Founded in 1852, the world’s finest museum of decorative arts offers magnificent Victorian gallery spaces and the stunning John Madejski Garden, both ideal for versatile events for up to 700 guests.
Royal Albert Hall
Named after Queen Victoria's late husband, Prince Albert, the Royal Albert Hall is an iconic concert hall. It runs a year-round programme showcasing music, opera, dance, comedy and more. You can take a guided tour, enjoy a music-themed afternoon tea, dine at one of the restaurants or host an event in one of its flexible spaces for up to 5,000 guests.
The Lost Estate
Enjoy spectacular stories unfold at The Lost Estate, an immersive experience where theatre, live music and fine dining come together. The performances transport guests to new worlds, from the glitz and glamour of 1930s New York to the artistic splendour of 1890s Paris, for a truly distinctive and unforgettable night out in London.
Saatchi Gallery
Discover contemporary art exhibitions by renowned and emerging artists at the Saatchi Gallery in Chelsea. It boasts 13 galleries spanning three floors and beautiful lawns. From private dinners to drinks receptions and conferences for up to 220, the gallery offers blank-canvas spaces and the opportunity to host in one of the major exhibitions.
Restaurants
Restaurant Gordon Ramsay
Enjoy an evening of fine dining at Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Gordon Ramsay’s flagship restaurant in Chelsea. Holding three Michelin stars since 2001, it delivers refined modern French cuisine paired with impeccable service. The restaurant also provides an impressive setting for corporate dining, accommodating up to 44 seated guests or 70 for a standing reception.
Lina Stores South Kensington
Located near London’s museum quarter, Lina Stores South Kensington is an all-day restaurant celebrating fresh, handmade Italian delicacies. It features plush green booths, marble tables, an open-theatre kitchen and a wrap-around outdoor terrace. Ideal for group dining, the restaurant accommodates up to 28 guests and showcases a sharing menu full of Italian flavours.
Josephine Bistro
Head to Josephine in Chelsea, a chic neighbourhood bistro that pairs warm ambience with elegant decor and a beautifully crafted menu inspired by the flavours of Lyon. With its refined dishes and stylish surroundings, Josephine is a standout choice for relaxed dining, intimate celebrations or hosting small groups in one of Chelsea’s most characterful corners.
Bluebird Chelsea
Enjoy modern British dining at Bluebird. Housed in an eye-catching art deco building, it offers a spectacular setting for events, with five versatile spaces accommodating up to 500 guests. From a stunning courtyard perfect for drinks receptions to the blank-canvas Campbell Room, Bluebird offers flexible, stylish options to suit every event need.
Hotels
Royal Garden Hotel
The Royal Garden Hotel is a 396-room, five-star hotel on Kensington High Street, offering sweeping views over the greenery of Hyde Park. It is within walking distance of Kensington Palace, the Royal Albert Hall and other key landmarks, making it ideal for both leisure and business stays. The hotel features 11 flexible event spaces, two restaurants, three bars, a health club and more. Its largest venue, the Palace Suites, occupies an entire floor and accommodates up to 700 delegates.
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington
Radisson Blu Hotel, London South Kensington is a charming hotel located near London’s museum quarter and Hyde Park. The hotel offers 12 meeting rooms, including the Vanderbilt Suite, which features traditional wood panelling, a large open fireplace and stained-glass windows, ideal for intimate dinners and executive meetings. Its largest event space, the Victoria and Albert Suite, can accommodate up to 140 guests.
Hilton London Kensington
Set on the elegant, tree-lined avenue of Holland Park, Hilton London Kensington is a contemporary hotel with bright, modern interiors and easy access to Westfield London, Kensington Palace, Olympia and more. With 12 flexible event spaces for up to 300, it’s a practical and well-connected choice for meetings, conferences and corporate gatherings in one of the capital’s most desirable neighbourhoods.
Mercure London Earls Court
Mercure London Earls Court is a modern hotel ideally located for both business and leisure stays. With 13 versatile event spaces accommodating up to 1,200 guests, the hotel is well-suited for conferences, exhibitions and large-scale gatherings. Its prime Kensington location places guests close to London’s world-class museums, Kensington Palace, the Saatchi Gallery and Harrods.
Novotel London West
Novotel London West is a four-star hotel in Hammersmith offering 630 contemporary rooms and one of the largest numbers of event spaces of any London hotel. With 40 versatile conference, meeting and event rooms accommodating up to 2,000 delegates and excellent transport links, it’s an exceptional choice for large-scale corporate gatherings.
Travel information
How to get to Kensington and Chelsea
Kensington and Chelsea are easily accessible from all parts of London by bus, Tube, rail and boat. With an extensive, fully wheelchair-accessible bus network and 13 Underground stations, it’s simple to reach central London, neighbouring areas and major business hubs.
By Tube
The Circle, District, Central, Piccadilly and Hammersmith and City lines all run through the borough with notable stops including Earl’s Court, Holland Park, Kensington Olympia, Notting Hill Gate, Sloane Square and South Kensington.
By rail
The West London Line connects both Kensington Olympia and West Brompton with Clapham Junction in south London and Willesden in north-west London.
By bus
There are more than 30 bus routes connecting Kensington and Chelsea with key London locations.
By boat
Catch an Uber Boat by Thames Clipper to Cadogan Pier or Chelsea Harbour Pier from Blackfriars Pier or Putney Pier.
Travel times to and from Kensington and Chelsea
- Heathrow Airport: 40 minutes via District or Circle lines and Heathrow Express, or the Piccadilly line.
- City of London: 20 minutes via the Circle or District lines.
- Westminster: 10 minutes via the Circle line.
- London Bridge: 15 minutes via the Circle and Jubilee lines.
- London Stansted Airport: 70 minutes via the Tube and Greater Anglia rail service.
- London Luton Airport: 65 minutes via the Tube and rail services.
Find more information about how to get around London as a business traveller in our business travel in London guide.
How we can help
As London’s official convention bureau, we help event professionals, meeting organisers and incentive planners unlock the city and create events to remember.
We can help you by providing:
- Free assistance: as a not-for-profit company, we don't charge for our services. Our experts share their entire wealth of knowledge and contacts with you for free.
- Impartial advice: we are independent and know London inside out. Our experts can help you discover venues, event agencies, unique experiences and activities for your event.
- Expert knowledge: we've supported thousands of delegates and helped them build world-class events. We've supported international congresses, conventions and conference teams to deliver inspiring events at scale.
