Top five things to do and see in Knightsbridge

If you want to see where the rich live in London, go to Knightsbridge. The city’s most exclusive homes are in this area, and you have to be pretty wealthy to own one. Just how wealthy? Well, in 2006, one four-bedroomed house sold for £25 million, so that should give you a pretty good idea…

You might not be able to afford a house in Knightsbridge, but it’s certainly worth a visit. As you can expect from a wealthy neighbourhood, it’s a beautiful place to visit. And to help you, I’ve come up with a top five list of the things to see and do there.

Carmen and Vanessa outside of Harrods Double-Barrelled Travel

Me with my mum outside of Harrods at night. It’s a beautiful building both inside and outside

1.       Shopping in Harrods

Harrods has a special meaning for me because it’s where Dave bought my engagement ring. He took his best mate on the tube and didn’t tell him what he was scheming until they arrived at Tiffany & Co. inside Harrods.

After they bought the ring, they celebrated in the champagne and oyster bar in the food court.

So every time I go to Harrods, I get a flutter in my stomach because I think about Dave getting down on one knee and asking for my hand in marriage on Millennium Bridge with the ring he bought me from the famous store.

And what’s a trip to London without going to Harrods? It’s a must see.

I personally love the food hall where you can buy chocolates and tea, as well as delicious meats, sushi and fresh fish. Make sure you visit the pet floor for a laugh – there are prams for dogs! Not to mention tutus and other crazy attire. What the rich do, eh?

Dave and Carmen in Hyde Park Carmen and Vanessa outside of Harrods Double-Barrelled Travel

Dave rowing me around Hyde Park like a true gentleman

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2.       Rowing in Hyde Park

If you go to London in the summer, nothing beats a lazy afternoon rowing a boat in Hyde Park. Well, it’s normally a lazy one for me – Dave does most of the rowing. Hyde Park is huge and Serpentine Lake is right in the middle.

Hyde Park Double-Barrelled Travel

If rowing is too strenuous for you, you can also use a paddle boat to explore Hyde Park’s Serpentine Lake

During the 2012 Olympics, the lake was used for the women’s and men’s marathon swims. Although it’s beautiful to row on, I’m not sure how clean the water would be to swim in… but it’s a beautiful lake to enjoy nonetheless.

3.       Honour the dead who fought for us

There are many war memorials in and around Hyde Park, the most famous being the Wellington Arch which is to commemorate Britain’s victories in the Napoleonic Wars. Just next to this is the Australian War Memorial where I would gather with other Aussies on ANZAC Day morning for the dawn service.

Carmen and Keith and the war memorial in Hyde Park Double-BarrelledTravel

Me with my dad next to the RAF Bomber Command Memorial

But my favourite memorial is the RAF Bomber Command Memorial, which opened last year. The memorial is hauntingly beautiful and commemorates the aircrews of RAF Bomber Command who embarked on missions during the Second World War.

This has a special meaning for me, as my grandfather flew a bomber plane in the war and received a medal from King George VI for his bravery.

The memorial may be a sombre part of your tour but it’s well worth a visit.

Wellington Bombers Memorial near Hyde Park Double-Barrelled Travel

The RAF Bomber Command Memorial near Hyde Park

4.       Stay in a boutique hotel

Granted, staying in a fancy hotel in Knightsbridge might be a little out of your budget. But there are some beautiful boutique hotels in the area to be found.  The Beaufort is one example of an affordable Chelsea hotel with beautiful rooms.

Cream tea at the Beaufort Hotel in Knightsbridge Double-Barrelled Travel

The delicious cream tea of The Beaufort Hotel

When you’re there, make sure you enjoy their cream teas. We did this recently and made a short video, which will give you an insight into what it’s like.

5.       Eat at Dinner by Heston

My favourite restaurant in the whole of London is Dinner by Heston and it can be found in the heart of Knightsbridge. Owned by the celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal, I’ve eaten some of the best meals of my life there. We recently reviewed it in a blog post, and I spoke about the kitchens where you can see the chefs go about their business through giant floor-to-ceiling windows.

It is organised chaos and a delight to watch.

Carmen and Paul Dinner by Heston Double-Barrelled Travel

Me with my father-in-law Paul at Dinner by Heston – you can see the chefs busy in the kitchen behind us

All the effort going into your dish can be seen and when it’s served up to you on a plate you can see that it’s well worth it.

 And there you have it, my top five highlights of Knightsbridge. Have you done any of them? What would you recommend?

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About the author

Carmen has been nomadic since May 2013 and the co-founder of Double-Barrelled Travel. She loves experiencing new cultures and learning new languages. She is having the most fun when skiing down a mountain, scuba diving in the Caribbean or curled up with a good book.

1 comment on “Top five things to do and see in Knightsbridge”

  1. PickAkayak Reply

    London is indeed THE PLACE to visit, I been for a couple of times, and its indeed beautiful, what are some water spots you would suggest?

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