Make the Most of Visiting Knightsbridge

If you only have a limited time in London and you’re wondering whether or not visiting Knightsbridge should be added to your itinerary, the following article may help you decide.

Time Honoured Attractions

There’s no doubt that in the mid to latter decades of the 20th century, the question would not even have come up! Anyone visiting the UK capital made a beeline for Knightsbridge for several reasons - largely because of its association with a globally renowned brand of retail therapy. Of course we're speaking of famous department store – Harrods. Not going to Knightsbridge and experiencing the opulence and luxury of Harrods would have been unthinkable.

As the 20th century came to close, times certainly changed, though. New shopping patterns emerged and there was greater emphasis on small, local and bespoke, with rather less on ostentatious mass consumption. That process was only accelerated by the crises of 2008-12.

Many people argue that huge luxury stores are less and less politically correct, and discrete shopping in many of the less-fashionable London boroughs is now all the rage.

If you follow that theory, the logic may seem that visiting Knightsbridge isn't the 'must-de' attraction for visitors it used to be. But in truth, these changes have been hugely overstated and they haven’t made visiting Knightsbridge any the less desirable.

A Range of Attractions

The first thing to point out is that the attractions of this lovely area are not all about a single large retailer. Knightsbridge is also well known for its smaller shops, bars, cafés, restaurants and hotels - so some of that fashionable 'Bohemian' type shopping is and always has been in plentiful supply here.

Secondly, this part of London isn’t simply about consumption, either. There are a huge number of other attractions in the immediate area including the residences of Jane Austin, Alfred Lord Tennyson, Chopin and the Duke of Wellington. Then there are all those leafy and incredibly picturesque squares with their incredibly beautiful houses – such as the world famous Eton Square. If that’s not enough, there are also some of the most interesting churches in London to explore here, including St. Peter’s and St. Saviours, which are genuine gems of architecture.

Always in Fashion

Visiting Knightsbridge offers innumerable experiences of all types and it’s very difficult to see why it could ever be seen as a waste of valuable holiday time. True, at peak times it can be a little crowded and it’s also not a part of London for those seeking low prices and amazing bargains - it has always been exclusive and is likely to remain so. However, there is so much to explore and enjoy and the area itself is simply steeped in history. So, should you make a place for Knightsbridge on your London itinerary? The answer is a resounding 'yes'!

Matthew Zelinski works for the London Regency Hotel, one of the top hotels in Kensington. If you plan on visiting Knightsbridge and other locations in the area, this wonderful hotel embodies its true flavour, with a traditional regency-style façade and superb facilities. Whether you're looking for accommodation in London for business or leisure, the Regency offers an effortlessly elegant experience.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.