Last Updated on 17 January, 2023
Located in Chelsea, Kings Road is filled with cute cafes, boutiques and beauty spas and salons but you would not know that King’s road was built around 1694 as a private road for king Charles II.
He used this road to travel between Saint James Palace, where his palace was, and Hampton court.
Little History of Kings Road
Between 1694 and the 1800s, aristocracy, royalty, and courtiers were the only ones who could access the road. The road was later renamed Cemetery road because the cemetery opened in 1855. However, this lasted for a short period before it was again renamed in 1911 to honor George V.
The road remained so until the reign of Henry VIII when he decided to set the tone for Chelsea and set it on the road to what we now know. He reconstructed the road, making it one of London’s most iconic roads.
In the 1960s, the road became a space to pick up all kinds of fashion. All you needed to witness the latest fashion trends during this time was to walk down this road. This is the road where iconic miniskirts are believed to have originated. Later independent boutiques started filling the area.
In the 1970s, the population in the area had risen, and clubs started filling in the area. Live bands started rocking the area, inspiring the first record label, Swan Song Records, Zeppelin, in 1974.
Kings Road has come a long way with a lot of notable things taking place. However, the road has maintained inventive, expressive, and deviant art. It is now a true London landmark.
Notable Shops On Kings Road
You can find everything from jewellery shops, clothes shops, furniture shops, shoe shops, and cafes on Kings Road. Below are some notable shops on Kings Road.
Around the corner from King’s Road, you also have Peter Jones department store in addition to the famous Sloane Street, Duke of York as well as cool and trendy charity shops on King’s Road, which all house many shops not to be missed on any retail therapy session.
- Wolford Chelsea – 17 King’s Rd, London SW3 4RP
- Penhaligon’s Kings Road – 25 King’s Rd, London SW3 4RP
- Intimissimi – 56/58 King’s Rd, London SW3 4DU
- & Other Stories – 72 King’s Rd, London SW3 4UG
- Hobbs – 84-86 King’s Rd, London SW3 4TZ
- Bimba Y Lola – 92 King’s Rd, London SW3 4TZ
- RIXO King’s Road – 104 King’s Rd, London SW3 4TZ
- Muse – 63 King’s Rd, London SW3 4NT
- Brandy Melville – King’s Rd – 140-144 King’s Rd, London SW3 4UU
- Zadig & Voltaire – 164-166 King’s Rd, London SW3 4UP
- Maje – 182a King’s Rd, London SW3 5XP
- Balibaris – London King’s Road – 186A King’s Rd, London SW3 5XP
- Jigsaw – 145 King’s Rd, London SW3 5TX
- Toast – 205 King’s Rd, London SW3 5ED
- Vilshenko – 320 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UH
- Brora Kings Road – 344 King’s Rd, London SW3 5UR
- King’s Road Curve – King’s Rd, London SW10 0LJ
Things To Do Near Kings Road
We have covered a lot on things to do in the area in our post on things to do in Chelsea. Below are some of the things to check out on Kings Road and nearby streets.
Visit Saatchi Gallery
There are many reasons why visiting the Saatchi gallery is essential. They always have amazing exhibitions and many of which are interactive and close to touch. A recent exhibition was in collaboration with Tiffany & Co there were a lot of sparkles involved.
The gallery also runs workshops so you can explore the gallery exhibit as well as learn more about art through the workshops.
Royal Court Theatre
Among few small theatres in Chelsea and Kensington. If you are looking for a theatre show while visiting or staying in Chelsea then check out the Royal Court Theatre.
Also if you are a writer, this is a place that you need to visit when in Kings Road. There is a lot of inspiration to pick from this theatre throughout your visit. Whether you are an experienced or emerging writer, there is always something for everyone.
The theatre is also determined to support artists in achieving their dreams. That has remained the same since it was developed in 1956.
Cadogan Hall
This is a historic venue that locals and tourists love, where various events occur. The hall has 950 seats neatly arranged to give everyone a unique view of the performances held here.
Performance here includes everything from Symphony and Philharmonic Orchestra, jazz, soul and rock concerts to live theatre shows as well as live podcast shows.
Harrods
Harrods is a luxurious store with over 5000 stores with excellent products. There are no chances of missing whatever you are looking for in these stores.
This is where you will find the world’s most luxurious brands serving you with top fashion designs. You will also find fine jewelry, luxury beauty products, and fashion accessories. There are plenty of cafes and restaurants to help you replenish in between shopping sessions.
Chelsea Physic Garden
This is among the oldest botanical gardens in the UK and has been around since 1673. Chelsea Physic Garden has occupied four acres of land on the edge of the Thames. First established by the Apothecaries in order to grow medicinal plants, this extraordinary garden in London has had wide-reaching impact around the world. This is among many beautiful gardens in London that are worth adding to your London itinerary.
Pavillion Road Cafes and Eateries
If you are in King’s road and wondering where to get something to eat, there is Pavillion Road with plenty of cafes and eateries where you can grab a coffee, lunch, dinner, or even stop by for afternoon tea.
Where Is Kings Road?
The nearest station to get to Kings Road is Sloane Square Station. See map below to help with directions.
