Kensington is best known for its array of tourist attractions. Not only is it home to London’s most renowned museums – and the Prince and Princess of Wales when they’re in town – it’s also where you can catch a show at the Royal Albert Hall and do a spot of shopping in Harrods. Each of these attractions draws in thousands of tourists every year – but what if you’re looking for something out of the ordinary? Here are six of the more unusual things to do when you’re in the borough.
1. Elfin Oak
Created between 1928 and 1930 by Scottish artist Ivor Innes, this quirky sculpture is carved from the stump of a 900 year old oak tree. Once lovingly maintained by writer and actor Spike Milligan, it was given listed status in December 1997 and today sits next to the Princess Diana Children’s Playground in Kensington Gardens. Count the fairies, gnomes and other figures – can you spot all 74?
2. Brompton Cemetery
The resting place of over 200,000 people, Brompton Cemetery is a quiet place to walk or reflect. This Grade I listed burial ground is a haven for wildlife as well as boasting the graves of notable individuals throughout history. Download a map and find the resting places of suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst, shipowner Frederick Richards Leyland, and Victorian mountaineer and photographer Elizabeth Hawkins-Whitshed, known more commonly as Lizzie le Blond.
3. Design Museum
While other tourists flock to the Natural History Museum, the V&A or the Science Museum, why not head to the lesser-known Design Museum, located just off High Street Kensington? You’ll find a host of some of the greatest 20th and 21st century designs, including BMX bikes, the Tube map and the biro. There are also plenty of workshops and temporary exhibitions, which have included everything from the architecture of Moscow to sneakers.
4. Leighton House
Leighton House looks like any other home on Holland Park Road from the outside – but once inside you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped into the Middle East. The former home and studio of Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton, its interiors are inspired by his travels to Turkey, Egypt and Syria. You’ll also find a collection of artworks, sculptures and treasures collected by him.
5. Japan House
Spread over three floors in yet another unassuming building near High Street Kensington, Japan House is a cultural centre devoted to Japanese art, design, gastronomy and technology. In addition to the permanent exhibits, there’s a rota of temporary exhibitions, screenings and workshops, as well as a shop selling everything from kitchenware to books and apparel.
6. Little India restaurant
From the Middle East and Japan, why not complete your world tour by heading over to Little India? Here, you’ll discover the finest authentic Indian cuisine, including traditional curries, Indian speciality dishes such as Sylheti Lebu Mosalla, and delicious starters and sides. Each dish is made with flair and precision, showcasing the very best of this diverse nation’s fare. You can even browse the dinner menu, Indian starters menu and more online to whet your appetite.
