Kensington and Chelsea

Exclusive, expensive and exquisite
Noteworthy for: This is London’s most affluent borough. Kensington Palace Gardens is even named Billionaire’s Row.

Talk of the town: This has been a favourite shopping destination for Royals ever since Henry VIII’s wives lived here. Princess Diana shopped along the King’s Road, as does Kate Middleton now.
This Royal borough in South West London is the playground for the rich and wealthy. The streets feel cleaner, the mansions grander, the restaurants pricier and the clubs snootier. It is traversed by two major shopping streets: Kensington High Street with its upper-end chains, and the ever-hip King’s Road with chic designer shops.

In terms of affluence, Knightsbridge reigns supreme. It is home to London’s most luxurious department store Harrods, and where designers from Prada to Jimmy Choo built their flagship stores. Beauchamp Place has smaller more intimate – though equally expensive – shopping options.

But it’s not all shopping – London’s most important museums line Cromwell Road, including the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. Along the Fulham Road, you’ll find numerous antiques dealers, and the Saatchi Gallery is a stalwart of the contemporary art scene.