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Family Festivals, Hidden Gems & Summer Inspiration
As the summer holidays begin, South Kensington is packed with opportunities to get creative and discover something new.
On 25-26 July, the V&A South Kensington's free Family Festival: Make brings together workshops, storytelling, music, crafts and performances inspired by sustainability, nature and repair. Over at the Design Museum, young makers can dive into hands-on workshops ranging from cyanotype printing to inventive ways of transforming everyday materials.
If you’re after something a little different, the neighbourhood’s after-hours scene offers plenty to explore. Park Nights returns to the Serpentine Pavilion 2026 with a programme of performances and artistic interventions, while Leighton House opens late on 30 July for a special evening exploring the stunning Arab Hall.
As we head into August, we’ll be taking a short summer break, so you’ll hear from us every three weeks rather than every two. While we're away, explore our summer highlights for more exhibitions, hidden gems and seasonal highlights across the neighbourhood.
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Image credit: Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea
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| Win Afternoon Tea for Two & a Royal Albert Hall Tour |
Last chance to enter! Win the elegant Fête de Versailles Afternoon Tea for Two at the Royal Albert Hall, inspired by historic French celebrations. Savour refined bites, exquisite pâtisserie and fine teas, followed by a behind-the-scenes tour of this iconic venue. Vegetarian and vegan options available.
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| Kensington Summer Guide 2026 |
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| With many cultural venues within walking distance, plan a great day out this summer with our Kensington Summer Guide, made in partnership with High Street Kensington. |
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| Escape the Heat in South Kensington |
Looking for things to do during a heatwave? South Kensington has you covered! From air-conditioned galleries and shaded gardens to refreshing drinks and time on the water, it’s an ideal destination for a summer day out. |
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| Designing with Light and Shadow, ages 11–14 |
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the Design Museum
29th July 2026 10.15 am - 4.15 pm |
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| Using plants from the museum's garden, this workshop will introduce young people to cyanotype, a beautiful technique that uses photosensitive dye and sunlight to create blue prints on paper or fabric. |
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| BBC Proms: Marvin Gaye - Prince of Soul |
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Royal Albert Hall
14th August 7pm |
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| The BBC Concert Orchestra and Edwin Outwater pay tribute to a musical icon, joined by guest singers for new orchestral arrangements of hits Gaye such as 'Aint No Mountain High Enough', 'I Heard it Through the Grapevine', 'What's Going On' and 'Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing'. |
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| Bharti Kher |
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V&A South Kensington
Opens 20th July 2026 Mon - Sun: 10 am - 5.45 pm; Fri: 10 am – 10 pm |
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| British Indian artist Bharti Kher is internationally recognised for her sculptures which explore the body, womanhood, mythology and cultural identity. This display will bring her work into conversation with the V&A’s historic collections. |
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| Gardens Tour: Journey Through Time and Nature |
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Natural History Museum
Dates & times vary |
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| Immerse yourself in captivating stories as you journey through the Evolution Garden, discovering ancient rocks along the timeline wall. Marvel at the bronze dinosaurs and relax on the chalk benches, where tales of London clay and a long-lost tropical city bring the past to life. |
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| The Arab Hall: After-Hours |
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Leighton House and Sambourne House
30th July 2026 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm |
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| Experience the historic house after dark, delve into the Arab Hall's fascinating history and see Kamilah Ahmed's bespoke contemporary installation Facets in Resonance, as part of Leighton House's major exhibition The Arab Hall: Past and Present. |
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| Family Festival: Make |
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V&A South Kensington
25th - 26th July 2026 11 am - 4 pm |
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| A vibrant two day summer celebration where all ages can dive into creativity, share stories, and explore inspiring sustainable worlds from across the globe. |
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Image credit: Jaron James
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| Leighton House Miniature: Tour and Exclusive Viewing |
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Leighton House and Sambourne House
15th - 20th July 2026 11 am - 2 pm |
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| In July 2026, Leighton House marks 100 years since it opened as a public museum in Kensington. As part of the anniversary programme, the museum will host a spectacular one-twelfth scale miniature of the house and its richly decorated interiors, created by specialists Mulvany & Rogers. |
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| Park Nights 2026 |
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Serpentine
Dates vary 8 pm |
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| Park Nights return for 2026 offering you a unique way to experience architecture and performance. On selected evenings from July to October the Serpentine Pavilion 2026: a serpentine becomes the stage for a series of interdisciplinary artistic interventions. |
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| Tear by Richard Hudson MRSS |
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The Royal Society of Sculptors
On until 11th Sep 24/7 Outdoor Installation |
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| Dora House is closed until Sept 2026, but the sculpture terrace is open, showcasing Richard Hudson’s ‘Tear’. Inspired by nature, ‘Tear’ is a reminder of the preciousness of water and the balance it sustains in our world. |
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| Bubble Explorers |
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Science Museum
Mon - Sun Times vary |
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| Looking for fun things to do in London with young children? Join the Science Museum Explainers for Bubble Explorers, an engaging and lively interactive live show designed especially for young children and their families. |
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| Our Story with David Attenborough |
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Natural History Museum
Until 30th Aug 2026 10 am - 5.50 pm |
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| Last chance to see Our Story with David Attenborough, which delves into the saga of our species from our earliest beginnings. Sir David draws on a nearly century-long career as he shares his hopes for people and planet. |
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| Anna Lapwood's Christmas |
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Royal Albert Hall
8th Dec 2026 7.30 pm |
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| Join Organist of the Royal Albert Hall Anna Lapwood this Christmas for a night of festivities. Featuring new arrangements of Christmas classics and music from some of the most beloved films of recent decades. |
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| Hidden Stories of Kensington Gardens Walking Tour |
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Kensington Gardens
21st Aug 2026 11 am - 12.30 pm |
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| Join the Royal Parks team for an introduction to beautiful Kensington Gardens including exclusive access to the Albert Memorial. |
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Image credit: Marco Di Marco, A Volcanic Siege, Iceland
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| Earth Photo 2026 |
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Royal Geographical Society
Until 24th July 2026 10 am - 5 pm |
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| Earth Photo addresses prescient issues affecting our planet, aiming to stimulate conversations about our environment and the impact of climate change. |
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Image credit: © EFDSS / Brian Slater
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| Family Folk Dancing |
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Royal College of Music
23rd July 2026 2 pm |
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| Come along for some circles and stars and do-so-dos based on ceilidh dances from these isles. You may do a bit of singing too! Not to worry if you've never done it before, everyone is encouraged to take part. |
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| Summer Express French Courses |
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Institut français
From 20th July 2026 10 am - 1 pm |
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| Boost your French this summer in just 2 weeks! Join the Summer Express Course at the Institut français with classes 5 days a week for fast, effective progress. |
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| V&A Illustration Awards 2026 |
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V&A South Kensington
2nd July - 4th Oct 2026 10 am - 5.30 pm |
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| The V&A Illustration Awards is a free, biennial competition celebrating excellence in illustration and contemporary practice, and judged by a panel of prominent illustrators and industry experts. |
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| After:hours adult education |
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Imperial
Dates & times vary |
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| Join adult education days and evening classes at Imperial. From humanities and science to art and creative writing. Open to everyone. |
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| Degree Show 2026 at Garrison Chapel |
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King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts
Garrison Chapel, Chelsea SW1W 8BG
30th June - 1st Aug 2026 |
Graduates from The King’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts, representing countries including the UK, Italy, Germany, China, the USA and Egypt, will showcase works inspired by Eastern and Western artistic traditions, featuring painting, ceramics, stained glass, textiles, woodwork, architectural design and sacred art.
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| The Kensington & Chelsea Poetry Fringe by Kamitan Arts |
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| 16th July & 21st July - 9th Aug 2026 |
Join Kamitan Arts’ Poetry Fringe Fundraiser on 16 July, 7pm, at Kensington Central Library for an evening of bilingual poetry, music and dance. Then discover the Poetry Trail (21 July–9 August), showcasing local voices on the theme of Peace across Kensington & Chelsea.
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South Ken Culture Quarter is an initiative of the Exhibition Road Cultural Group, a partnership of the cultural and educational organisations in and around Exhibition Road, South Kensington.
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Our partners include:
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the Design Museum
Goethe-Institut
Imperial College London
Institut franҫais
The Ismaili Centre
Kensington Palace
Natural History Museum
Royal Albert Hall
South Kensington Estates
Royal College of Art
Westminster City Council
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Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
Royal Brompton Hospital
Royal College of Music
Royal Commission for the Exhibition of 1851
Royal Geographical Society (with IBG)
The Royal Parks
Serpentine Galleries
Science Museum
V&A South Kensington
Royal Society of Sculptors
Japan House London
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| Copyright © 2026 South Ken Culture Quarter. All rights reserved. |
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