The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is one of London’s most prestigious and desirable boroughs, known for its rich history, elegant architecture, cultural attractions, luxury housing, affluent lifestyle, and proximity to some of the city’s finest schools, parks, and leisure activities.
Here is our list of the top postcodes to consider when looking for a place to live in the area:
1. SW3 – Chelsea & Brompton:
Chelsea & Brompton offers a mix of elegant period townhouses, Victorian terraces, and modern luxury apartments. The area offers the best balance of prime property, top schools, leisure, and shopping, making it highly desirable for families and professionals.
Amenities & Attractions: Residents in this area benefit from the boutique shops along King’s Road and Sloane Square, high-end dining options like The Ivy Chelsea Garden, and local gems, like Bluebird Café. There are also plenty of art galleries, antique shops, and stylish bars.
Transport Links: Sloane Square and South Kensington tube stations are within walking distance, connecting you to the Circle and District Lines.
Nearby Schools: Garden House School, Hill House International Junior School, and Francis Holland School are all within easy reach, making this a prime choice for families.
Green Spaces: The nearby Battersea Park offers riverside walks, a boating lake, and a zoo, providing great outdoor activities.
One-Bedroom Apartment for Rent – Draycott Place, Chelsea, London, SW3
2. SW7 - South Kensington:
Famous for its elegant Victorian terraces, red-brick mansion blocks, and luxurious apartments, South Kensington offers a mix of classic London charm and contemporary living. Known for its museums and parks, and its proximity to top schools, South Kensington is another perfect location for families and those who value educational and cultural experiences right on their doorstep.
Amenities & Attractions: Residents benefit from world-famous museums like the National History Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the Science Museum, and can explore the chic boutiques of Brompton Road, as well as a variety of restaurants and cafes. Le Pain Quotidien and the Hummingbird Bakery are local favourites.
Transport Links: South Kensington and Gloucester Road tube stations provide easy access to the Piccadilly, District, and Circle Lines.
Nearby Schools: The area offers proximity to Lycée Français Charles de Gaulle, making it especially popular with French Families, while other schooling options include Queen’s Gate School, and Imperial College London – attracting a mix of students and professionals.
Green Spaces: Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens are a stone’s throw away, providing perfect spots for jogging, picnicking, or enjoying outdoor activities.
Three-Bedroom Apartment to Rent – Stanhope Gardens, South Kensington, London, SW7
3. W8 – Kensington:
Known for its grand Georgian and Victorian terraced houses, as well as luxury apartments and modern developments, Kensington is both a quiet and residential area, and is close to great lively shopping and dining options. Many properties feature private gardens or are located on tree-lined streets, adding to the overall charm.
Amenities & Attractions: High Street Kensington offers a wide range of shopping options, including Whole Foods Market, Zara, and Marks & Spencer. For dining, there are restaurants like Maggie Jones’s and The Roof Gardens.
Transport Links: Kensington High Street and Gloucester Road stations provide access to central London.
Nearby Schools: Schools such as Thomas’s Kensington, Holland Park School, and Ashbourne College make Kensington an ideal location for families prioritizing quality education.
Green Spaces: Residents have direct access to the expansive green spaces of Kensington Gardens and Holland Park, which offer facilities like tennis courts, children’s playgrounds, and peaceful walking paths. Kensington Palace is also a lovely cultural attraction to visit.
Four/Five-Bedroom Apartment to Rent – Stratford Road, Kensington, London, W8
4. SW1X – Knightsbridge & Belgravia:
SW1X is renowned for its opulent mansion blocks, grand townhouses, and luxury apartments. This area is perfect for those seeking high-end prestigious living, with world-class shopping and dining options, and excellent proximity to iconic London landmarks.
Amenities & Attractions: The world-famous Harrods and Harvey Nichols department stores are within walking distance, as well as designer boutiques on Sloane Street. Michelin-starred restaurants like Marcus and Dinner by Heston Blumenthal are also located nearby.
Transport Links: Knightsbridge and Sloane Square tube stations connect residents to the Piccadilly and Circle Lines, respectively.
Nearby Schools: This location offers proximity to Francis Holland School, Hill House International Junior School, as well as Westminster School, making it another great spot for families.
Green Spaces: Hyde Park provides ample space for outdoor activities, including boating on the Serpentine, horse riding, and summer concerts.
Two-Bedroom Apartment to Rent – Pont Street, Chelsea, London, SW1X
5. W11 – Notting Hill:
Notting Hill is famous for its unique character, colourful Victorian townhouses, elegant mews houses, trendy apartments, and vibrant market culture. It is particularly popular among young professionals and families who love the bohemian atmosphere, vibrant social scene, and elegant residential streets.
Amenities & Attractions: Portobello Road Market offers unique shopping experiences, with a variety of dining options, from brunch spots like Granger & Co. to fine dining at The Ledbury. Independent bookstores, boutique shops, and vintage stores contribute to the area’s eclectic feel. The annual Notting Hill Carnival, and the Electric Cinema are also great attractions in the area.
Transport Links: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove, and Holland Park tube stations provide convenient access to the Central, Circle, and District Lines.
Nearby Schools: Fox Primary School and Wetherby School are notable options nearby, making the area family-friendly.
Green Spaces: Holland Park is a highlight, featuring the Japanese Kyoto Garden, an adventure playground, sports facilities, and open-air theatre performances.
Studio Apartment to Rent – Pembridge Villas, Notting Hill, London, W11
6. SW10 – Chelsea Harbour:
SW10 offers a range of property options, from riverside apartments in Chelsea Harbour to Victorian terraced houses in West Brompton, catering to both luxury seekers and those looking for a quieter neighbourhood, with a family-friendly feel.
Amenities & Attractions: The Chelsea Harbour Club is an excellent fitness and leisure centre, the nearby Fulham Road offers many dining options, such as Megan’s and The Chelsea Corner, and the proximity to the Design Centre at Chelsea Harbour makes this a great spot for interior design enthusiasts.
Transport Links: This area is well-connected by the Overground at Imperial Wharf and the District Line at West Brompton, as well as local bus routes, ensuring easy access to the rest of London.
Nearby Schools: The area provides proximity to excellent schools, such as Chelsea Academy, Redcliffe School, and Servite RC Primary School.
Green Spaces: The area’s riverside walk provides scenic views and a peaceful retreat from city life.
One-Bedroom Apartment for Sale – Redcliffe Street, Chelsea, London, SW10
7. SW5 – Earl’s Court:
Earl’s Court offers a mix of Victorian terraces, mansion flats, and contemporary apartments, making it one of the more affordable options in the borough, while still being super central.
Amenities & Attractions: SW5 has a lively atmosphere with plenty of pubs, cafes, and independent restaurants. The famous Troubadour café, a historic music venue, is a must-visit, and the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre nearby provides interesting showcases right on your doorstep.
Transport Links: Earl’s Court station provides excellent connections via the Piccadilly and District Lines, making commuting to other parts of London convenient.
Nearby Schools: St. Cuthbert with St. Matthias Primary School and Bousfield Primary School are nearby, attracting young families to the area.
Green Spaces: Residents in this area benefit from the proximity to the Redcliffe Square Gardens, as well as the Barkston Gardens.
Two-Bedroom Apartment to Rent – Warwick Road, Earl’s Court, London, SW5
8. W14 – West Kensington:
Slightly less central, but still luxurious - West Kensington offers larger Victorian and Edwardian homes, many of which have been converted into spacious flats. This area offers a quieter lifestyle, with easy access to the buzz of Kensington and Chelsea. It is also more affordable than other postcodes in the borough, and is perfect for those looking for more spacious homes and modern developments.
Amenities & Attractions: The area has a strong community feel, with local gems like The Curtains Up gastropub and easy access to Olympia London for exhibitions and events.
Transport Links: West Kensington Station, Barons Court and Kensington Olympia Station provide residents with access to the District, Piccadilly, and Overground Lines, respectively, allowing quick access to the rest of London.
Nearby Schools: The top nearby schools include St James Senior Girls’ School, and The Cardinal Vaughan Memorial School.
Green Spaces: The area offers plenty of cafes, restaurants, and gyms, and Holland Park is only a short walk away, providing sports facilities, picturesque gardens, and the open-air theatre.
Studio Apartment to Rent – Upper Richmond Road Road West, Putney, London, SW14
To Summarise:
For Families – SW3, SW7, and W8 are the top choices due to their proximity to some of London’s best schools, parks, and family-friendly amenities.
For Culture & Nightlife – W11 and SW3 are great for those who enjoy vibrant cultural scenes, from street markets to art galleries.
For Luxury Living – SW1X and W8 are synonymous with opulence, offering the most luxurious properties and easy access to London’s top shopping and dining experiences.
For Riverside Views – SW10 is the ideal location for those who want tranquil riverside living, with the convenience of Chelsea and Fulham being nearby.
The Kensington & Chelsea postcodes offer a variety of lifestyle options, from the luxury and elegance of Knightsbridge, to the artsy and vibrant culture of Notting Hill – making them some of the best areas to live in London.
