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Kensington area guide

Your extensive guide to living in Kensington

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From the fantastic scenery of Kensington Gardens to some of London's top museums that are in South Kensington, there's culture a plenty. Unbeatable for shopping: Kensington High Street, plus side streets full of classy boutiques, entertainment (many cinemas) and restaurants (too many to mention), it's no wonder people flock to live here. W8 also has a reputation for education and there are many excellent schools. Through wide busy main roads, many buses trundle with great frequency. You're near several Underground stations, making commuting to the West End or the City very easy. Taxis, too, are plentiful. Properties are expensive: but you do save time and expense avoiding long commuter journeys.

The diversity of property here results in pleasurable contrast rather than harsh conflict and the area is surprisingly tranquil given the bustling nature of the High Street. Mansion blocks and modern apartment blocks sit comfortably with small shops, cosy pubs and restaurants plus a wide variety of residential houses. There are many pretty cottages here and the greenery both kerbside and in the front gardens is the product of some understandably house-proud tenants.

W8 has one of London's most beloved open spaces, Holland Park. Located on the site of the old Holland House, destroyed by bombing in the war and bought by London County Council in 1952, there are sections and activities here to please all palates. Much of the old landscaping remains, with the best survivals being the Rose Garden, the Italian Garden and the Dutch Garden. They were joined by a Japanese Garden, the Kyoto, in 1991. W8's second great open space is Kensington Palace Gardens.

The area is easily reached by public transport. If you are flying into Heathrow Airport, you can take the Airbus or the Underground (take the Piccadilly Line to Earl's Court and change for the District Line to High Street Kensington). If you arrive at Gatwick Airport, take the Gatwick Express (train) to Victoria Station and then take the Underground to your destination (Circle, District and Victoria Lines).