South Kensington Guide: The Best Budget Pastimes

South Kensington is one of London’s most famous locations and is renowned for its luxury shopping, so if you’ve recently moved to the area as a student, or are looking for things to do but have a tight budget, you might be wondering whether it’s worth the visit. Well, in short, yes. Yes, it definitely is. Kensington has so much to offer anyone who visits, and there are plenty of free and affordable ways to pass the time.

At LHA London, we want everyone to access the accessible delights of the capital city, so we’ve created this list of unmissable ways to spend your time in South Kensington.

Visit the museums

For lovers of history, science, or arts and culture, South Kensington is one of the best places to be in London, because the most famous museums in the city are right here.

Natural History Museum

Discover some of nature’s most exciting discoveries at the Natural History Museum; an architecturally stunning building in itself, with wildlife themed brickwork and sweeping staircases. But this is not as impressive as the iconic blue whale skeleton that welcomes visitors in the entry hall.

You can explore millions of years of evolution, extinct animals and other fascinating discoveries of natural history including:

• Dinosaurs and fossils
• Animal kingdom
• Earth and the environment
• The vault
• Nature discovery gardens

You can skip the long entry queues by booking online ahead of your visit.

Price: Free

Opening times: 10am – 17:50pm

Accessibility: Accessible toilets, lifts, wheelchair hire, assistance dogs welcome, free access for carers, audio guides available, braille guides, BSL tours.

Science Museum

The Science Museum sits alongside the Natural History Museum and documents scientific achievements throughout history. One of the Science Museum’s best and most exciting exhibits are interactive, where people of all ages can get involved so whether you’re going with your friends or young family, young siblings, parents, grandparents and classmates will find something exciting to explore.

Whether you’re interested in the world beyond our world, mathematics, technological developments, biology, physics, engineering, or any other area of scientific discovery and advancement, this is the place to be.

Or, if you simply want a day out full of learning, take your friends to The Science Museum.

Price: Free

Opening times: 10am – 18:00pm

Accessibility: Accessible parking, lift access, quiet spaces, Changing Places toilets, wheelchair and folding stool hire, assistance dogs welcome, hearing loops, BSL subtitles and transcripts, braille and raised line floor plan.

Victoria and Albert Museum

The Victoria and Albert Museum is the largest applied arts museum in the world, with exhibits covering design, photography, textiles, architecture, theatre and ceramics. Its exhibits celebrate craftsmanship and art in all its practical forms, exploring how various cultures and creators around the world use art as an expression of identity.

Whilst their temporary exhibitions may cost an additional fee, the collections they display are exceptional, and often show some of the most iconic applications of art and design throughout history, and in today’s world.

You could easily spend a full day within its walls, with a cafe available for snacks and afternoon tea when you get peckish. And you can walk away with a beautifully crafted souvenir from the gift shop.

Price: Free

Opening times: 10am – 17:45pm

Accessibility: Accessible parking, assistance dogs welcome, free carer access, accessible routes and map, mobility aid hire, accessible toilets, ear defenders, assistive technologies, audio descriptions.

Lounge around the Royal Parks

There are two Royal Parks located in Kensington, and both are just as worthy of visiting as each other. With open spaces perfect for relaxing, studying or going for a stroll or even a morning run as the sun comes up, the parks will extract you from city life and drop you in a designated area of greenery and nature; perfect for lifting your spirits and getting a bit of fresh air.

Kensington Gardens

Kensingtons Gardens, originally part of Kensington Palace, are now open to the public but no less magnificent than they were when they were under royal guard. The gardens have a rich past, and a glorious present, full of trickling fountains, wildlife, Italian gardens, lakeside walks and of course, it is intrinsically linked to the story of Peter Pan.

Whether you want a short walk or a 7 mile stroll on the Princess Diana Memorial Walk, there are enough things to see and do, and walking paths for all abilities, you can come back multiple times and find something new to explore.

For a mini adventure, go hunting for the following features of the gardens:

• The Albert Memorial
• Victorian Gothic
• Italian Gardens
• Kensington Palace
• Coalbrookedale Gates
• Peter Pan statue
• The Elfin Oak
• Serpentine Gallery
• Queen Caroline’s Temple

Price: Free

Opening times: 6am – 20:30pm

Accessibility: Ground level access.

Hyde Park

Just a short stroll from Kensington Gardens is Hyde Park, one of the largest and most iconic green spaces in London. With boating lakes, open meadows, and famous landmarks like Speakers’ Corner, this park is more than just a novelty; it’s beloved for a reason.

A truly seasonal spot, Hyde Park lights up regardless of the weather. In summer, picnics and wildlife dapple the fields in laughter. In spring, an array of floral displays and trees in bloom. In autumn, you won’t be disappointed by the branches dripping with orange foliage and floors littered in leaves. In winter, Hyde Park’s famed Winter Wonderland takes over the space. Even in the rain, the pathways glisten.

Perfect for studying, chilling, visiting family or having a yoga session on the green. However you like to spend your time, do it here, and do it completely for free.

Price: Free

Opening Times: 5am – Midnight

Accessibility: Level paths, accessible toilets.

Kensington High Street

Kensington High Street might not be your chosen spot when searching for a budget day out, but you don’t have to spend much or even any money (aside from transport, of course), to appreciate the iconic location. Packed with classic London architecture and designer shops, it really is a lovely place to take a walk and appreciate the atmosphere that the capital is known for.

And you can stop at Kensington Arcade or grab lunch at the food court in Whole Foods Market or any of the surrounding cafes.

Royal Albert Hall

The Royal Albert Hall isn’t always alight with orchestras and performers, and is in itself absolutely worth visiting if you live in or near Kensington. It is a staggering stadium if you wish to attend a show, but during the day, it acts as a phenomenal backdrop for a number of other activities that grant you access to the theatre, without the need for show tickets.

You can:

• Discover the venue’s history with a daytime tour
• Have afternoon tea or lounge in the hall cafe bar
• Attend a yoga class
• Unwind at a Classical Coffee Morning

Price: Dependent on event.

Opening Times: Dependent on event.

Accessibility: Lifts, request a wheelchair, assisted hearing facilities, assistance dogs welcome, accessible toilets.

South Kensington Comedy Club

The South Kensington Comedy Club is a little local gem that features both upcoming talent and more experienced comedians who will keep you giggling throughout the night. It’s a cosy and intimate venue with a relaxed atmosphere, and tickets are very affordable for a couple of hours of entertainment.

If you’re looking for something to do with your evening, or are even interested in pursuing comedy, this is the place to be.

Price: Under £10

Opening Times: Dependent on day.

Accommodation in South Kensington

Your time spent in South Kensington can be made or broken by your choice of accommodation, and LHA London has just the place for you to stay, whether you’re relocating to London for an extended period of time, or a summer stay: Halpin House, South Kensington.

We believe that the cost of accommodation should never be a barrier to following your dreams. That’s why we provide affordable student accommodation that gives you the freedom to live your London life as you choose.

For more information about how our charity can help you get set up in the big city, take a look at our available accommodation.