Kensington: Village Origins, Palaces, Gardens & Grand Houses

Kensington may be one of London’s most fashionable and expensive neighbourhoods, but its origins are surprisingly modest. The village began around the 8th century, close to what is now St Mary Abbots Church. Its name is thought to derive from the settlement of a Saxon landowner called Cynesige — Cynesige’s tun, eventually becoming Kensington. We begin at St Mary Abbots, exploring the church and its peaceful garden before following Kensington Church Walk towards Campden Hill. From here, we discover how Kensington was transformed from a country village into one of London’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. A turning point came when William III chose Kensington as his residence. Suffering from asthma, he was attracted by the area’s fresh air and, in 1689, transformed Nottingham House into Kensington Palace. His courtiers followed him to Kensington, bringing with them a demand for grand houses — and helping to establish the character and wealth of the area that we still see today. We continue through the elegant streets around Campden Hill and Holland Park, passing the Holland Park Comprehensive School before entering the beautiful Holland Park. Here, among its gardens and woodland, we encounter some rather remarkable neighbours, including Tower House, home to Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page, and the enormous house next door associated with film director Michael Winner. Our route then takes us to the wonderfully exotic Leighton House, the former home and studio of the Victorian artist Frederic, Lord Leighton. We will admire the building from outside — a fascinating glimpse into the world of Victorian art and collecting — before continuing through some of Kensington’s most attractive residential streets. We pass Edwardes Square, an impressive three-and-a-half-acre garden square, the picturesque Scarsdale Tavern, and the elegant Cornwall Gardens. Finally, we reach Kensington Square, one of the oldest garden squares in London and once home to a number of notable figures, including the philosopher John Stuart Mill. Along the way, we will discover how a small Saxon settlement became a royal neighbourhood and, eventually, one of London’s most desirable addresses — with palaces, artists, aristocrats, celebrities and beautiful gardens all leaving their mark. We finish the walk at a local pub, where there will be time to relax, have a drink and continue the conversation. Distance: approximately 5–6 km Terrain: Mainly pavements and park paths, with some gentle slopes around Campden Hill Finish: Pub Please note that you undertake the walk at your own responsibility.