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Right in the middle of Kensington and Fulham is the international corner of London – Earls Court. It got the name because, since the end of World War II, various immigrants have decided to call it their home. Polish, Australians, Filipinos and New Zealanders have all made a home at Earls Court. This earned the place various nicknames like “Danzig Corridor” and “Kangaroo Valley.”
At the moment, Earls Court is a favourite location for young families looking for a community in which to grow and expand. It also attracts tourists who prefer lodging within the inner-city district where Victorian architecture can be seen everywhere.
In this article, you’ll discover what it’s like to visit the beautiful community of Earls Court. You’ll get a list of activities and establishments that you can visit – as well as accommodation options that you can choose from.
The History of Earls Court
The district of Earls Court started as a rural area. The area was filled with orchards, green fields and various gardens. It’s believed that the name came from the fact that the owners of the land were the Earls of Warwick, an old noble family.
In the 19th century, Lord Kensington started a vanity project to convert Counter’s Creek into the Kensington Canal. But this proved to be an ill-fated project that was replaced by railway projects. From the canal, it became the site of the Metropolitan District Railway (1865-69) before becoming part of the London Underground’s District Line. Later on, this was joined by the Piccadilly Line (1907) – making Earls Court highly accessible from other districts.
In 1837, Earls Court was chosen as the site for the Brompton Cemetery – a move that saved Middlesex from burial congestion. It used to be called the West of London and Westminster Cemetery before taking on the Brompton name. Today, it stands as one of the oldest garden cemeteries in London.
By the 1890s, Earls Court became densely populated with 1,200 houses and two churches within its area.
During the 20th century, Earls Court was known to house 3 famous institutions – but they’ve all closed or moved since then. The London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art (founded in 1861), used to be on the corner of Earl’s Court Road and Cromwell Road. Now it’s in Talgarth Road, where the Royal Ballet School used to stand.
The London Electronics College, formerly called the London School of Telegraphy (established in 1892) used to stand at 20 Penywern Road. This institution expanded the use of Morse code but because of technology, it couldn’t keep up and had to be shut down in 2017.
Finally, the Poetry Society (founded in 1909) was another institution in Earls Court. It used to be located at 21 Earl’s Court Square. It was soon transferred to the Covent Garden after it was refurbished during the 1990s.
This district used to have the Earls Court Exhibition Centre, one of the largest indoor arenas and concert venues in the UK before it closed in 2014.
Since then, Earls Court continued to thrive as a haven for growing families and even immigrants who sought refuge in London.
A Look at Earls Court Today…
Earls Court was called the home of various personalities. Princess Diana lived at 60 Coleherne Court before marrying Prince Charles. Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, lived his last days at 1 Logan Place near Earls Court Road. They are only a few of the notable people who made Earls Court famous in London.
The present-day Earls Court is attracting a lot of young families who mostly want an upgrade in life. This is a good sign that this community is thriving and offers incredible lifestyle opportunities. So as a visitor to London, you’ll find various reasons to make your stay at Earls Court quite enjoyable.
Although several landmarks have been relocated or closed over the years, these spaces have been converted into residential properties to increase the population in the area. Victorian houses can be seen in residential areas where enclosed gardens bring pockets of nature everywhere. This means Earls Court is bustling with life and local businesses have several things to offer visitors.
With Fulham (west), South Kensington (east), Chelsea (south) and Kensington (northeast), you’ll find various activities and notable locations within reach. The West London line and District line also runs on the border of Earls Court so navigating London will be quite easy.
Before you explore the rest of London, take a look at what Earls Court can offer.
The Food: A Melting Pot of International Cuisine
As the international corner in London, it’s not surprising that you’ll get a melting pot of global cuisine at Earls Court. There’s Addie’s (Thai), Cambio de Tercio (Spanish), Noor Jahan (Indian), Nam Long (Vietnamese) and Lutong Pinoy (Filipino). There’s also an option for vegans – 222 Veggie Vegan.
For those looking for a place to drink, The Troubadour is a must-visit. It’s one of the last remaining coffee houses where known musicians graced the stage like Paul Simon, Adele and Bob Dylan. Other options include The Scarsdale Tavern and The Kings Head as your options.
The Culture & Arts: Theatres, Museums and Cemeteries
If it’s museums that you want to visit, there are notable options nearby. The National History Museum, Science Museum and the Design Museum (cafe and museum in one) are places you can explore.
You can also go to the Brompton Cemetery – a garden burial ground that’s part of London’s Magnificent Seven. You’ll spend an hour or so exploring the place and you’ll appreciate the reclusive nature of the place.
Theatres are also a great way to experience the culture of Earls Court. Pubs usually have live music but there are theatres worth visiting, too. Evans and Peel Detective Agency is an incredible interactive theatre that offers drinks while you enjoy a live-action play. The Finborough Theatre is also worth visiting if you have time for a compelling drama.
The Shopping Experience: Chain Stores and International Shops
If it’s shopping that you want, there are a lot of local shops along Earls Court Road. You’ve got chain stores and other local shops that offer basic amenities, souvenirs and wellness facilities. Co-operative and Marks & Spencer are within reach as well as Sainsbury’s and Waitrose stores.
You can also visit The London Cru Winery for a winery tour and wine-tasting experience.
Must-See Events and Activities: Community Gardens and Public Libraries
Although there’s no major park in Earls Court, there are several enclosed gardens you can visit if you want to get in touch with nature. There’s Holland Park near the Design Museum. You can also visit The Roof Gardens for some rooftop greenery (complete with flamingos and ducks). The Normand Park has a public gym you can visit, too. The Kensington Garden is also nearby if you don’t mind taking a 30-minute walk to get there.
The Brompton Library has a great collection of books – but it’s only open from Mondays to Saturdays. It’s a great place to spend a quiet afternoon.
Where to Stay While in Earls Court
Now that you know what Earls Court has to offer and you’d love to visit the place, the next question is where should you stay?
City Relay offers several accommodations in Earls Court. Here are a few of your options.
This two-bedroom apartment is located on the first floor and comes complete with a bathroom, living room, breakfast table and a fully-equipped kitchen. It’s a smoke-free property that can accommodate up to 5 people. It comes with complimentary WiFi, high-quality linens and towels, eco-friendly toiletries and tea/coffee.
This stylish 2-bedroom flat is right at the heart of the city. It’s on the third floor (the building has no lift) and has a bright living room, a comfortable bathroom (with a bathtub) and a functional kitchen. The dining area seats 4 people. The flat comes with a WiFi connection, fresh linens and towels, eco-friendly toiletries and tea/coffee.
CHARMING ONE-BEDROOM GEM IN EARLS COURT
This beautiful 1-bedroom flat has a bathroom, a fully functional kitchen and a spacious lounge area (complete with an L-shaped sofa and smart TV). It’s conveniently situated on the second floor and offers lots of storage and wide windows for natural lighting. The flat offers a WiFi connection, fresh linens and towels, eco-friendly toiletries and tea/coffee.
Do you want to see more properties on Earls Court or the rest of London? Check out City Relay’s property listing. You can also contact us so we can assist in booking your stay in London. We’ll make it a stress-free experience for you.
