London Orientation: Kensington and Knightsbridge

• PHOTOS

While it is impossible to get a complete understanding of London in two hours, this informal introduction is an excellent way to begin your London sojourn. Over the course of the walk, we aim to give a broad but comprehensive look at the city, and particularly the neighborhoods of Kensington and Knightsbridge, in all of its incarnations. After obtaining the basic tools needed to “read” London, you will be all the better prepared for the rest of your stay.

We begin by introducing the neighborhoods and their "village" feeling, starting with the beautiful and affluent area of Kensington. From HIgh Street Kensington we'll move along Kensington Gardens and discuss parks and outdoor spaces in London, while taking in the amazing architecture along the edge of the park. Our walk will include a stop at the impressive Albert Memorial, with a discussion of the great era of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and their vision for the cultural city of London. Turning onto Exhibition Road, we'll pas

While it is impossible to get a complete understanding of London in two hours, this informal introduction is an excellent way to begin your London sojourn. Over the course of the walk, we aim to give a broad but comprehensive look at the city, and particularly the neighborhoods of Kensington and Knightsbridge, in all of its incarnations. After obtaining the basic tools needed to “read” London, you will be all the better prepared for the rest of your stay.

We begin by introducing the neighborhoods and their "village" feeling, starting with the beautiful and affluent area of Kensington. From HIgh Street Kensington we'll move along Kensington Gardens and discuss parks and outdoor spaces in London, while taking in the amazing architecture along the edge of the park. Our walk will include a stop at the impressive Albert Memorial, with a discussion of the great era of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and their vision for the cultural city of London. Turning onto Exhibition Road, we'll pass the Imperial College of Science, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, with its remarkable architecture. If time allows we may pop into the Victoria and Albert Museum and learn about the great era of collectionism and the concept of London's original museums. From here we may continue up on Brompton onto Harrods or along to Sloan Street and Hyde Park.

This is an orientation level walk, and so it does not go in-depth into architecture, art, or history. We will spend a certain amount of time explaining the sites along the route; but we will also try to situate you in the city, orient you to the major areas, and answer any of your questions.