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Things to do in Central London

Packed full of unique and interesting places to explore, we have cherry-picked some of the best local places in and around South Kensington for you to visit.

The Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is one of London’s architectural treasures and is filled with wonders from the natural world.

The Science Museum

The Science Museum is renowned for its intriguing and interactive exhibits for fun and learning.

The V&A

The Victoria and Albert Museum was founded in 1852 and has since collected the finest examples of 500 years of human creativity. There are few better places to discover the past, present and future of artistic creativity.

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is the official home of the King. It is also the focal point of national and royal celebrations, as well as the backdrop to the regular Changing of the Guard ceremony. Explore the magnificent State Rooms which are open to visitors for 10 weeks each summer. Buckingham Palace is within easy access of our accommodation in Central London.

Royal Albert Hall

Royal Albert Hall is one of the UK’s most loved and distinctive buildings, recognisable the world over. Each year it hosts more than 350 performances, including the BBC Proms.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park offers 350 acres of open green space in the heart of Central London. It’s one of eight Royal Parks in the capital and home to the Serpentine lake, Speakers’ Corner, the Diana Memorial Fountain and the Serpentine Lido where you can swim in summer.

Oxford Street and Marble Arch

From high-street shops to designer stores, you’re sure to find something to suit all styles and budgets. Oxford Street is accessible via the Central, Victoria and Bakerloo Underground (tube) lines.

Regent Street

Around the corner from Oxford Street, Regent Street is a major shopping street in Central London. Considered by some as the home of fashion in London, it’s easily accessible from our accommodation in Central London via the tube, bus or bicycle.

King’s Road, Chelsea

A 30-minute walk from our accommodation in Central London will land you in one of London’s most coveted areas. The King’s Road in Chelsea offers a unique array of boutique shops, local sights, and restaurants and cafes, perfect for a day of exploring.

How to find us in Central London

Central London offers a plethora of sustainable and easy options for making your journey to campus. Whether you are arriving by public transport, bicycle, car or coach, we have provided some instructions below on how to find us.

Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK

Imperial College London, Exhibition Road, London, UK

Public transport

The nearest London Underground (tube) stations are South Kensington and Gloucester Road, a 10-minute walk away. From here, you can take the District, Circle and Piccadilly lines to anywhere in London.

From Heathrow Airport

Journey time: 50 minutes

Take the Heathrow Express, which runs every 15 minutes to Paddington mainline station. Change to the Underground and take the Circle line to South Kensington. Alternatively, you can take the Piccadilly line directly from Heathrow Airport to South Kensington.

From London City Airport

Journey time: 40 minutes

Take the DLR to Canning Town, then change to the Underground and take the Jubilee line. At Green Park, change to the Piccadilly line to South Kensington station.

From Gatwick Airport

Journey time: 50 minutes

Take the Gatwick Express, which runs approximately every 15 minutes, to Victoria mainline station. Change to the Underground and take the District or Circle lines to South Kensington.

From Stansted Airport

Journey time: 90 minutes

Take the Stansted Express, which runs approximately every 15 minutes, to Liverpool Street mainline station. Change to the Underground and take the Circle line to South Kensington.

By car

Parking in the streets around Prince’s Gardens is on a pay-and-display basis for limited periods only.

By coach

Coaches can drop off and pick up guests at the corner of Prince’s Gardens main entrance on Exhibition Road. The maximum standing time is 20 minutes.

There is no coach parking available on campus. The nearest coach park is Euro Car Parks in Hyde Park, W2 4QH.

By bicycle

There are 800 Santander Cycles stations across London with three surrounding our South Kensington campus. Ride to your event for as little as £1.65. For more information about renting a bicycle, visit the Santander Cycles website.

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