Kensington High Street, London

The heart of Kensington village used to revolve around Church Street, but in the 19th century, as the area evolved into a residential suburb, the commercial hub shifted to Kensington High Street. Better known as High Street Ken, it currently stands as one of the primary shopping destinations in the western part of London.

A visit to the Kensington district wouldn't be complete without a leisurely stroll along this iconic street, defined architecturally by two prominent landmarks: George Gilbert Scott's neo-Gothic Saint Mary Abbots church, boasting a towering 278-foot spire that ranks it as London's tallest parish church, and the Art Deco masterpiece that was once Barkers department store, elegantly refurbished in the 1930s and now home to various chain stores, while still proudly displaying its large block lettering on its façade.

In addition to its retail and dining establishments, Kensington High Street is home to the Design Museum, which is worth a visit not only for its exhibitions but also for its striking interior design. The interior surpasses the exterior in terms of visual impact, featuring geometric lines, spacious open areas, and a remarkable saddle-shaped roof resembling a concrete wave cascading from above and gently touching the walls. Adjacent, you'll find the Leighton House Museum, meticulously preserved with its opulent decorations, serving as an extraordinary testament to the Victorian aesthetics embodied by Leighton himself.