London calling… again and again! With so much to explore, we have already written about places to visit in the east of the London, and now we turn attention to things to do in west London for luxury travellers who seek a little culture.
There are so many places to see and things to do in London that you may need more than one visit to fully appreciate one of the world’s greatest capital cities.
This guide is for those who have visited London before and want to delve a little deeper into its neighbourhoods. If it’s your first visit to the city take a look at our broader guide to places to go in London for every visitor.
With flights to west London’s Heathrow from all over the world this is one of the best connected areas of the city. From the airport you can take the Heathrow Express into Paddington, or go for a more relaxing and luxurious experience with a private London airport transfer.
As always, finding a fabulous place to stay is at the top of our agenda. Cheval Residences’ Harrington Court is one of our top recommendations, as it’s a great base for exploring the culture and heritage of the city.
It is set in South Kensington, a well-heeled area of west London, which is also home to the city’s museum quarter. Here you can discover science, art and inspiration, while the twinkling lights of Knightsbridge attract visitors and Londoners alike for fabulous shopping.
Cheval Residences’ Harrington Court is not just any urban bolthole though. As a serviced apartment it’s something of a home from home, with plenty of space and beautifully furnished one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, featuring great touches such as fully fitted kitchens, daily maid service, 24-hour concierge, and a luxury welcome hamper with all manner of delicious treats in it.
Things to do in west London
Kensington Palace
A working palace and home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as Prince Harry, Kensington Palace is certainly deserving of a visit during your stay in west London.
With the promise of something different to the usual heritage experience, the palace features exhibits on royal fashion through the ages, it allows access to the once private rooms and reveals the life of Queen Victoria in her own words.
Kensington Palace is open daily from 10am to 5pm.
Victoria and Albert Museum
A stay in Kensington wouldn’t be complete without a wander around the Victoria and Albert Museum. Home to over 3,000 years of architecture, books, ceramics, design, art, fashion and sculpture. These eclectic collections have something for everyone.
Open daily from 10am, admission is free, and the museum even opens late on Fridays until 10pm.
Natural History Museum
A great one for all the family, the Natural History Museum brings you up close and personal to a giant T-Rex, and has a whole host of exhibits.
Set within a beautiful landmark building, other highlights include the blue whale exhibition within the mammals section and the state of the art Darwin Centre.
Open daily from 10am, admission is free, and the museum opens late on the last Friday of the month.
Royal Albert Hall
Host to the BBC Proms each year, The Royal Albert Hall is a world-famous stage for all manner of musical performances, with over 360 events each year.
A spectacular building, it was opened by Queen Victoria in 1871, and today you can take a daytime tour to marvel at the intricate design of this magnificent masterpiece.
Also, if you are visiting in the afternoon, enjoy lunchtime jazz and world music in Café Consort – a treat for your ears and your stomach.
The Roof Gardens and Babylon Restaurant
A unique space, away from the hustle of the city, the Roof Gardens and Babylon are set on the top of one of Kensington’s ornate allow you to enjoy nature in the city. Here you can dine at the 7th floor restaurant on an excellent selection of modern British dishes, or simply enjoy a sundowner cocktail on the terrace, while overlooking the London skyline.
Admission to the gardens is free and they feature areas such as the English Woodland and Tudor Garden and are home to plenty of birds including flamingos. It’s the perfect place to discover serenity in the bustling capital. Be sure to phone ahead to check the gardens are open to the public on the day you wish to visit: +44 (0)207 937 7994.
Brompton Oratory
An exact replica of the Church of the Gesu in Rome, Brompton Oratory was built in 1884, and today it’s the second largest Catholic church in London.
It’s unique and ornate Italian Baroque-style fittings pre-date the church, and the colourful vaulted dome is a real eye catcher. Visitors are welcome, and the church is open from 6am to 8pm.
Harrods
A visit to the exclusive Knightsbridge area would not be complete without a shopping expedition, and Harrods, one of the world’s most famous department stores is the place to start.
With seven floors of shopping across more than four acres, you will easily lose hours here marvelling at the displays and admiring the original ideas such as Mini Harrods for the little ones to enjoy their time in store.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am to 9pm, and 11.30am to 6pm on Sundays.
Portobello Market
Portobello Market is the place to stumble upon unique shopping finds each Saturday. With antique market stalls as well as those selling everything from vintage clothes to records, you’ll find plenty of souvenirs to take home.
Westfield Shopping Centre
Westfield is a first-rate shopping centre, and has so many things to do in west London. With a veritable chocolate box assortment of stores from high-street favourites to designer fashion finds.
There is also a wide selection of eateries at Westfield providing the ideal pit stop, before continuing with some serious shopping
West End and Covent Garden
The West End is home to London’s Theatreland, and millions of visitors flock here to see the very best musicals and theatre shows. With long-running shows such as The Mousetrap (the longest running stage production in the world), The Lion King, Billy Elliot, War Horse and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, there are a wealth of genres to entertain and delight.
After catching a show, head to nearby Chinatown for dinner with an oriental twist or to Covent Garden’s range of restaurants and watch the city crowds go by.
Covent Garden is also home to another of London’s popular markets as well as a host of boutiques, and the Royal Ballet and Royal Opera House for other great performances.
Strawberry Hill
Horace Walpole’s gothic castle is a real theatrical experience. Featuring renaissance glass windows with gothic interiors, Strawberry Hill was created in the 18th century, and has nine acres of beautifully landscaped gardens.
Following a recent restoration project, you can now visit this storybook castle, every afternoon from March to December.
With the luxury of thousands of years of culture, history and tradition London has endless possibilities and opportunities for visitors. And befitting this exceptional capital city, the ideas here are just some of the many fabulous things to do in west London.
Some images here have been licensed under Creative Commons 2.0: Ann Lee, Gail Frederick, Tanya Hart, Herry Lawford, Berit Watkin, Andy Bird and Rictor Norton & David Allen
Bluepacker says
Natural History Museum is a very good place to see. This museum has many educational material for all ages. I will recommend to see if you have the time in London.