Discovering a city on foot is one of the best ways. In this article, Tiera St Claire our Knightsbridge housesitter for the week, shares her notes and walking guide to help you enjoy the best sites from Hyde Park to Kensington. Read on to learn more about this housesitter’s walking tour in a beautiful part of the capital.

A Knightsbridge Housesitter’s Walking Guide: Hyde Park to Kensington

If you’re a Knightsbridge housesitter—or pet sitting anywhere nearby in central London—you have the opportunity to see so much simply by walking about. This route takes you from Hyde Park Corner (near Green Park and Wellington Arch), along the Serpentine, past two major art galleries, a Victorian memorial, a world-famous concert hall, and Kensington Palace. It finishes with a cultural stop and a well-earned grocery run.

At roughly 3.5–4km, it is easily done in under two hours and is ideal for a morning dog walk or a free afternoon between sits. Ideal if you are dogsitting in London.

1. Start at Hyde Park Corner

At Hyde Park Corner—one of London’s busiest and grandest traffic junctions—sit two landmarks that together tell the story of Britain’s most famous general.

Apsley House

Often called “Number One, London” for its position as the first house travellers reached coming in from the countryside, Apsley House was originally built between 1771 and 1778 for Lord Apsley. Arthur Wellesley, the 1st Duke of Wellington, bought it in 1817 and made it his London base, fittingly using his reward money from a grateful nation after his victory over Napoleon. He later added the Waterloo Gallery specifically to display his growing art collection. That collection is genuinely remarkable, and much of it has a striking backstory: a large portion came as a gift from the King of Spain, rescued at the end of the Peninsular War.

(If you are looking toward Wellington Arch with your back to the park, The Peninsula Hotel is to your right. It doesn’t have a connection to the Peninsular War—just simple geography! It does, however, have wonderful restrooms with heated seats if you need a quick comfort stop before entering the park.)

Wellington Arch

Was built in 1828 as a grand entrance intended for Buckingham Palace’s gardens. It’s been moved more than once to accommodate changing traffic patterns, and the bronze “Quadriga” sculpture crowning it—a chariot of Peace—wasn’t actually added until 1912.

2. Serpentine South Gallery

A short walk through the park, keeping to the right of the river, brings you to the Serpentine South Gallery. Originally a 1930s tea pavilion, it is now one of London’s most-loved free contemporary art spaces. It’s compact, always changing, and a genuinely lovely stop if you want a proper break mid-walk (there’s a café attached, too).

3. Along the Serpentine to the North Gallery

From here, follow the lake north along the water’s edge. This stretch is the most scenic part of the walk, especially early in the morning with mist on the Serpentine—a truly quintessential experience for any Knightsbridge housesitter out on a dog walk.

Turn left to cross the bridge and then take a right into the park itself at the first small gate. The Serpentine North Gallery, just up to the left, is housed in a former gunpowder store, distinguished by Zaha Hadid‘s undulating extension. Both galleries are free to enter and open Tuesday–Sunday, and this one features a great outdoor café.

4. The Albert Memorial

Take a right once you leave the Gallery and keep looking toward the left. You’ll find the Albert Memorial: Queen Victoria’s Gothic tribute to Prince Albert, dripping in gold leaf, mosaics, and allegorical statues representing the four continents. It’s one of the most ornate monuments in London and worth circling slowly.

5. Royal Albert Hall

Directly opposite stands the Royal Albert Hall, the circular red-brick concert hall that’s hosted everyone from the Proms to the Pixies. Even without a ticket, it’s worth walking the perimeter; the architecture alone tells the story of Victorian ambition.

6. Kensington Palace: A Living Piece of Royal History

Tucked into the leafy western edge of Kensington Gardens, Kensington Palace manages to be both a working royal residence and a genuinely fascinating place to visit—a rare combination in a city where most palaces are either fully public museums or entirely off-limits. There is a beautiful pond in front of the Palace where you can take a stroll and watch the swans. Whenever I get the chance to be a Knightsbridge housesitter I love spending time right here.

A Palace of Famous Births and Residents

Few royal buildings can claim quite the roll call Kensington Palace has. Both Queen Victoria and Queen Mary were born here, and Victoria spent her childhood within its walls before ascending to the throne in 1837. Later, Princess Margaret lived here, as did Diana, Princess of Wales—who kept the residence until her death in 1997—along with a young Prince William and Prince Harry, who grew up in Apartments 8 and 9.

One of the exhibitions I saw here a number of years ago featured Princess Diana’s dresses, and it still remains a personal favourite of mine. There is also a wonderful café on site.

7. Optional Detour: Kensington Palace Gardens (“Embassy Row”)

Before heading to Japan House, consider a short detour up Kensington Palace Gardens—a half-mile, tree-lined private avenue running along the west side of Kensington Gardens. It has long been nicknamed “Billionaires’ Row” or “Embassy Row” for its concentration of foreign embassies and ambassadorial residences.

You can easily reach it by turning right, and right again, after leaving Kensington Palace and following the path to the left of the Palace. It’s gated and guarded at both ends but open to pedestrians. The architecture—grand Italianate and Queen Anne mansions—is worth the few extra minutes even without going inside.

From here, you can walk up a little and return to Kensington High Street near the Palace, putting you back en route to Japan House. Alternatively, you can walk to the top of the street and take a left, which brings you to Notting Hill Gate. Take another left onto Church Street and walk down past numerous galleries.

8. Tea at Candella Tea Room

Right on Kensington Church Street (on the left-hand side) is Candella Tea Room, a small, quaint spot known for loose-leaf teas, homemade scones, and a cosy, old-fashioned atmosphere well away from the tourist crowds.

From Candella, cross the street. You might like to pop into Good or Trinity used clothing shops, or Cologne & Cotton for a darling little something to remember the day by. On Holland Street, take a right turn and go down a few blocks to Kensington Church Walk. This is a small, atmospheric lane that takes you past independent shops, a mural, and the back of the church.

9. Japan House & Grocery Run

This lane puts you out onto Kensington High Street directly across from Japan House, a beautifully curated cultural centre with rotating exhibitions, a library, a shop of Japanese design objects, and a well-regarded café. It’s a calm, unhurried stop near the end of the walk.

Final Note on the Walking Tour of a Knightsbridge Housesitter

Finally, if you need any groceries before heading back to your temporary home, the Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street is one of the largest branches in London—a highly convenient final stop for a busy Knightsbridge housesitter.

BIO

👩‍💼 About the Author Tiera St Claire: Tiera has spent 20 years as a housesitter, often in London one of her favourite cities. She has been caring for pets and properties across 30+ countries. Her journey proves that midlife can be the beginning of your greatest adventure. Follow Tiera’s ongoing housesitter journey, and enjoy her London travel tips at House Sit Match,

Further Reading

At Housesitmatch.com we like to share useful blogs and practical advice such as this one on a Knightsbridge Housesitter’s tour of Hyde Park to Kensington in London. We hope you find this small selection of our blogs on house sitting and petsitting useful.

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