Moving to Kensington – a Royal borough
Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, nestled into West London, Kensington boasts a famously beautiful way of life. With a population of 155,741 in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and an area of just over 12km squared, London’s smallest borough is well populated.
Kensington isn’t just home to the Royal family, it boasts a number of impressive homes. Streets here are long and wide, with tall tree lined Boulevard homes, multi story white washed town houses, and picturesque squares. As one of London’s oldest boroughs, Kensington residents enjoy a lot of outdoor space. There is also the famous Kensington Gardens to enjoy here.
Many people are attracted to the great amenities: it’s just a short trip into the heart of central London. Shopping is well covered here; quirky boutique outlets and designer shops sell all manner of things. There are plenty of places to eat too; in fact, Kensington is home to a number of Michelin starred restaurants serving breath-taking cuisine.
If you’re looking to move to Kensington, Santa Fe Relocation offers removal services of unrivalled quality. We have the confidence and the expertise to make it happen. Whatever you need to make your Kensington removal a success, we will take the utmost care and consideration to make it happen.
Kensington: a brief history
Like so much of London, Kensington boasts a rich history. The area started life as a Saxon settlement (Chenesitone), before moving into the hands of Norman nobles after the invasion of 1066.
In 1689 the first of a long line of Royals moved into Kensington Palace, which remains a royal residence today. Queen Victoria herself lived in the building until her succession to the throne. Kensington became part of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 1965 by order of Queen Elizabeth II.
Kensington Palace remains an official residence of the modern Royal Family. The Queen and Prince Charles have official residences in the borough. And the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Prince Harry and Meghan Markle), resided at Nottingham Cottage on the Palace grounds until April 2019.
Kensington highlights
Kensington High Street is the central hub of the area. Running right through the borough, here you’ll find incredible boutiques, delectable eateries and luxurious bars.
People are drawn to the area for a number of reasons:
– Exceptional green spaces to explore
– Great connections to most of London, especially the heart of the capital
– Top rated schools, including three 5* Ofsted rated primary schools
– World-class dining opportunities
– An abundance of designer and boutique shops
When you move to a new place, we know it can time getting to know your surroundings. While we think you’ll love exploring Kensington, our Area Orientation Service can get you living like a local in no time. Let us show you all the places we love, that we think you will love too: from finding your new gym, hairdresser, or even your new favourite restaurant. We are your one stop moving solution, getting you from home, to new home and beyond.
Things to do in Kensington
We love Kensington. There is so much to see and explore: from cultural exhibitions, high fashion, world renowned restaurants and the Royal Kensington Palace.
Here’s Santa Fe Relocation’s guide to the best things to do for a new Kensington resident:
– Visit Kensington Gardens – this will fast become one of your favourite spots. The gardens are home to the Albert Memorial, Serpentine Gallery and the monument to Speke.
– The Royal Albert Hall – enjoy the grandeur of the Hall and the expertise of the world class musicians, dancers, and artists who perform here.
– Go to a museum – you have the choice of the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert to name just a few.
– Galleries for art lovers – Kensington is home to both the original Serpentine Gallery and the Serpentine Sackler Gallery, both set in architecturally interesting buildings.
– Explore Kensington Palace – the royal palace is awe inspiring. This iconic London building and its grounds also host a packed calendar of events.
– Take a walk to Hyde Park – and explore the beautiful Grade I listed Royal Park.
Living in Kensington: a housing and location guide
Without a doubt, Kensington is one of London’s most affluent areas. The properties, the people and the prices all reflect this, giving the district a distinctive feel.
Kensington has some of the best council coverage in London. The streets are kept spotless and has its own private police force. Remarkably, the council tax is among London’s cheapest, which is at odds with the exceptional management practices of the local council.
These top-class amenities, location, and property style mean that Kensington real estate is at a premium. Housing costs are at the very top end of the UK market. The average detached home in Kensington sells for £2.6 million, but there are properties on the market ranging from £320,000 right up to £35 million plus.
The rental market is equally expensive, with the average rental here around £1000 a week. Again, there are less expensive options available, and at the top end of the rental market you could be looking at costs of £25,000 a week. The borough of Kensington and Chelsea is actually home to 7 of the most expensive roads in the UK.
The housing market has a selection of property styles, but the area is famed for its large Georgian and Victorian terraced houses. Many of which have been converted into spacious apartments. Kensington is home to some of the largest homes in London, as well as some of the most luxurious. Many of the modern developments here come with excellent amenities as standard: such as a concierge, secure parking, in home gyms.
Here are our favourite areas:
– Holland Park – detached mansions, very popular with families.
– Argyll Road – sought after road with impressive terraced homes.
– The Velotten Estate – for very large detached luxury homes.
– Kensington Palace Gardens – high end luxury in an enviable location.
– Cottesmore Gardens – south of the high street, and in high demand.
If you could use some help navigating the Kensington property market, our Home Search specialists will match you to your dream new home.
Family life and education in Kensington
There are a number of exceptional schools in Kensington, making it very popular with families. The schools available are actually a driving factor for many who move into the area. It is also a safe area, with lots of out outdoor space and parks explore with children.
There are 20 State primary schools, and 20 State secondary schools within Kensington, with over a third of all the schools receiving an outstanding Ofsted report.
There are also an almost equal number of independent schools, all of which are in incredible demand. Members of the royal family have, and currently do, attend private schools in the borough. Due to the high volume of overseas residents and home owners in the area, there is also a great selection of international schools.
If you’re moving house with your family, consider our School Search Service. We’ll work to find the right school for your children based on your personal educational preferences. We won’t just find the best schools; we’ll find the schools that suit your children’s needs.
Kensington travel information
With most of the area located in Zone 1 of the city’s transport system, Kensington has excellent transport links. With five tube stations servicing the area, you can be sure of quick travel times via the London Underground and Overground services.
The borough benefits from High Street Kensington, Gloucester Road and South Kensington tube stations, running the Circle Line, Piccadilly Line and District Line. You are also just 20-40 minutes from Heathrow airport by public transport. West Kensington is within Zone 2, and is serviced by Kensington Olympia tube stop on the District line and West Kensington station, which is just outside the borough itself.
There are good links by road to the city and out of London. However, drivers in Kensington will need to factor in the London Congestion Charge, which is £11.50 a day, 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday. There are discounts available, including a resident’s discount, but you’ll need to check with Transport for London to see if you qualify.
London is served by 4 airports, so you’ll be close to Gatwick, Heathrow, Stansted and London City Airport for international and domestic flights. You can also get to Europe via the Eurostar from London St Pancras station.
How can Santa Fe Relocation help with your move to Kensington?
We have over 120 years of moving experience. No matter what you need from your removals company, from help finding a home to a handyman, we have it covered.
We also provide an exceptional range of removal and storage solutions, which are all expertly designed to help make your move a little more carefree. We’ll keep your belongings safe in our secure London warehouse, with 24/7 CCTV as well as on-duty staff at all times.
And for ultimate peace of mind, our shipment protection plans let you relax and enjoy the adventure. Get a free moving quote from Santa Fe Removals company, and discover how we make moving home easy for you.
