About Earl’s Court
In many ways, London is less a single city than it is a collection of small towns and districts welded together into one gigantic metropolis. Earl's Court, situated close to Kensington in the center of the city, is one of these unique districts.
In 1887, the opening of the Earl's Court Pleasure Grounds made this area one of London's hotspots for entertainment. Subsequent facilities such as the Earls Court Exhibition Center maintained the area as one of the city's premier destinations. Once home to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art and the Royal Ballet School, the area became known as a Bohemian district full of artistic people.
Many of the institutions that made Earl's Court famous have since moved on. So have the immigrant populations that saw Earl's Court Road known as the Polish Corridor after World War II, followed by “Kangaroo Valley”, a nickname the area got after a wave of Australian immigration.
These days, Earl's Court is known for its quintessentially London mix of charming Victorian squares, trendy restaurants, historic pubs, and entertainment options. Easy to reach yet a little bit off the well-beaten tourist path, Earl's Court offers visitors a glimpse of a more authentic London.
Things to do near Earl’s Court
Earl's Court was once known as Bedsitter Land for all the tiny apartments in the huge houses of the district. Nowadays, like much of central London, the neighborhood has gone upscale. But some of its former seedy charm lives on in the eclectic mix of attractions and things to do you can find here. Leave your luggage behind and dive into everything Earl's Court has to offer.
- Pose like a time Lord at the Earl's Court police box. This iconic blue police box recalls a time when the city was full of these facilities, which formed the inspiration for Dr. Who's TARDIS. The one in Earl's Court only dates back as far as 1996, but for Doctor Who fans, it's become a place of pilgrimage.
- Take a stroll around Kensington Gardens. One of London's eight Royal Parks, these were once the gardens of Kensington Palace, but are now open to the public. The 107 hectares of well-manicured grounds hold memorials to Queen Victoria's beloved husband Prince Albert and to Diana, Princess of Wales.
- Explore the wonders of the world at the Science Museum. This state-of-the-art museum is a fantastic place to visit with kids and let them explore the hands-on exhibits that explain the natural world. Like many London museums, it's also completely free to visit.
- Dive into the avant-garde at Finborough Theater. This intimate 50-seat venue hosts cutting edge plays, often premiering groundbreaking work, and also offers musical theater. Check the schedule to see what's on when you're in town.
- Take part in Earl's Court's history of art and performance at Troubadour coffeehouse. This 1950s café keeps the artistic traditions of the area alive by hosting regular music, poetry, spoken word, and other events. Notable alumni include Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, Elton John, and Jimi Hendrix. And while the performers you see may not go on to achieve the same kind of legendary status, you're guaranteed an entertaining evening.
Transit options in Earl’s Court
- Earl's Court Underground station is in the heart of the area. It is served by the Piccadilly and District lines, making it easy to reach from many points within London.
- West Kensington and Kensington (Olympia) underground stations also serve Earl’s Court.
- Earl's Court is also a major bus station. As well as city buses, it provides services by private operators such as Flixbus, Regiojet, and National Express.
Luggage storage near Earl’s Court
Earl's Court isn't hard to reach from some of London's best-known attractions, but it is still something of an undiscovered gem. However, the area is popular with London locals, and can often be crowded, especially at night. As fun as it is to visit, it's not the best place to be carrying heavy bags around with you.
Drop your belongings off at a luggage storage service near Earl’s Court so that you can devote yourself to having fun. After all, that’s what this area is all about.
Attractions and activities near Earl’s Court.
- Stamford Bridge: Whether you're a fan of the team or not, you can celebrate the UK's favorite sport at Stamford Bridge, the home ground of the legendary Chelsea football club. Stadium tours explain the history of this club, including the well-stocked trophy room of the former English and European champions. But an even better way to experience this side of UK culture is to get tickets for a game. Note that large bags are not permitted in the stadium, so be sure to drop off your luggage at a London luggage storage shop near Earl's Court before visiting.
- Victoria and Albert Museum: Dedicated to art, design, and performance, this is one of London's most interesting museums. It has the world's largest collection of postclassical sculpture and the largest collection of Italian Renaissance art works outside of Italy. With arts and crafts spanning 5,000 years and just about every corner of the globe, you're sure to find something to appreciate at this fascinating institution. Note that large bags aren't allowed, so be sure to drop off your baggage before you visit.
- Royal Albert Hall: This is one of the most iconic venues not just in London, but in all of the UK. Immortalized in the Beatles song ‘A Day In The Life’, the Hall has hosted concerts by some of the biggest names in world music. Even if you don’t get to see a show at this venue, you can take a tour and learn more about the history of this grand concert hall and its enduring legacy in music and the arts.