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Within the borough of Lambeth lies a haven of brick houses and incredible Georgian architecture – this is the district of Kennington. It’s tucked in the southern part of London and a stone’s throw away from where the action is in London – specifically the South Bank and the River Thames. You’ve got theatres, galleries, parks, sports clubs, concert spaces and many more.
Whether you prefer visiting parks, exploring the establishments along the rivers or shopping, Kennington won’t disappoint.
In this article, you’ll get a better understanding of what Kennington has to offer for adventurers who want to experience the local attractions in London. You’ll discover the best places to dine, shop and explore.
The History of Kennington
The name Kennington appeared as Chenintune first (1086 Domesday Book) before evolving to Kenintone in 1229 and Kenyngton in 1263. It’s believed that this name meant “town of the King”.
During ancient times, it was considered a sacred place of assembly. It had its own manor and distinct geographical features that made it important – like the River Effra and River Neckinger.
When the medieval period came, the Kennington manor was considered a favourite residence by various royalties like Edward the Black Prince (who turned the manor into a palace), Henry IV and Henry VI. It was also associated with Geoffrey Chaucer and Catherine of Aragon. In 1531, Henry VIII dismantled the palace and used the materials to build the Palace of Whitehall. All that’s left is a manor that’s still used by the Prince of Wales today.
The 18th and 19th centuries were times of incredible growth in Kennington. What used to be a village used for public executions became a space for development especially after the Westminster Bridge and Kennington Road were built during 1750 and 1751, respectively. Soon, residential construction of terraced houses became rampant and urban expansion spurred forward. Among the notable constructions included St. Mark’s Church and the Oval Cricket grounds.
The 20th century brought a decline as the middle class left the large homes in Kennington for the suburbs in the outer parts of London. As the place continued to decline, plans were put into action to revive the district. Medical facilities and railways were soon developed to bring life to Kennington. Despite being bombed during the war, it continues to stand until today.
As the 21st century rolled in, Kennington experienced gentrification as it connected the West End to the City of London. This brought in young professionals and first-time buyers in the district.
A Look at Kennington Today
Kennington is now a popular area for young families who wish to have a thriving community to grow. This place has a distinct blend of historical charm with a couple of modern amenities. Walking around the district would show the rich legacy of Kennington and the continuing renewal of the neighbourhood.
Whether you’re travelling North or South, this district is easily accessible through the tube (with 4 tube stations available) and bus lines. The Kennington Oval area gives access to both tube and bus transits.
With all the green spaces, you’ll love walking around Kennington to view the Georgian houses and local shops along the streets. Take a look at what this district has to offer.
The Food: An Array Cuisine for an International Palate
London is generally known for serving cuisine that caters to an international palate – and Kennington is one of the areas where you can experience this. You’ve got French cuisine at the Brasserie Toulouse Lautrec, Eritrean meals at Adulis, Indian dishes at The Cook’s Tale, Japanese food at Taro and many more. You can also enjoy vegetarian food at the Ragged Canteen if that’s your preference.
If you’re looking for freshly baked goods, coffee, cake and pastries, Sally White, Louie Louie and Vanilla Black are options you can choose from.
Some restaurants provide entertainment like Cable Cafe – where you can enjoy jazz music or stand-up comedy shows – whatever is available on that day.
Pubs and bars are also in abundance with the Prince of Wales, The Pilgrim, The Black Prince, and The Old Red Lion as some of the local favourites.
The Culture & Arts: A Haven for History Buffs and Art Enthusiasts
History and art lovers will find several places to explore in Kennington. For a dose of history, you can go to the Imperial War Museum and the Garden Museum.
The Cinema Museum is a popular space for film screenings – so let’s hope there’s one scheduled when you come for a visit. The White Bear Theatre and Ovalhouse are also ideal for those who love repertory theatres.
The Newport Street Gallery has various art exhibitions. Check them out for the current list of collections being showcased.
You should also keep an eye out for events happening in the numerous green spaces around Kennington. Sometimes, there are summer events that gather locals and tourists alike. It would be a great time to mingle and meet new folks.
The Shopping Experience: A Weekly Dose of Food and Farmer’s Market
The farmer’s market at the courtyard of St Mark’s Church in Kennington happens every Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm so you won’t have to worry about missing it when you visit. If you’re particular about buying fruits and vegetables, go to the East Street Market for fresh produce. For other needs you can’t find in the food market, there’s a Tesco supermarket along Kennington Lane.
The New Covent Garden Flower Market is the perfect place for wholesale flowers and plants while Vauxhall City Farm lets you visit farm animals. You can even pay to ride horses if you wish.
Must-See Events and Activities: Sports Parks and Green Spaces
Sports enthusiasts would be delighted to know that the internationally known Oval Cricket Ground is in Kennington. You can also see some action at Kennington Park where locals and tourists can use the playground, tennis courts, hockey pitch and football field. Or you can watch while enjoying the tranquillity brought about by the trees, wildlife and flower gardens.
These parks have cafes and small farms you can visit. It’s conveniently provided with toilet facilities, too. This is a great place to lounge around, have a picnic and converse with the locals of Kennington.
Where to Stay While in Kennington
Now that you know what you can expect when you visit Kennington, it’s time to find out where you can stay. Fortunately, there are several shortlets available in Kennington. City Relay manages several properties, one of which is in Kennington.
Charming Apartment in the Heart of Kennington
This charming 3-bedroom unit is right on the first floor – so it’s very accessible. It has two bathrooms with a spacious living room and large windows to help natural light come in. The kitchen is fully equipped and the dining table is perfect for sharing meals with up to six people.
Would you like to see more properties in London? Check out City Relay’s property listing. Get in touch with us so we can help you book a perfect stay in London.
