Now that the weather is cooler, what better excuse to step inside and treat yourself to some much-needed retail therapy. Kensington is a fashionista’s dream and a foodie’s haven; you’ve come to the right place if you want to pick up a new outfit for an event or buy some fresh produce for dinner. We’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit for all things shopping.

Kensington High Street

Begin at Kensington High Street, just north of The Kensington, where you’ll find a large selection of high street stores. Start at Reiss and work your way around Zara, Warehouse and Topshop, picking up all of your favourite affordable pieces. Then, follow your taste-buds with a trip to Wholefoods, also found on the high street, and select some deliciously fresh produce and organic supplies for the week ahead. Not to miss are the array of tasters that are usually found in store - get your fill to keep you shopping until dinner time.

Harrods

This luxurious department store, founded in 1834, spans a 5-acre site and has 330 departments, so you won’t be short on options. For the stylish, weave your way through a range of designers and select your favourite accessories. If you’re wanting to update your interiors, make your way to the homeware department and browse through the beautiful décor before hitting the food halls to taste some wine, chocolate or anything else that tantalises your taste buds. 

Portobello Market

Visit the world’s largest antiques market, open every day except Sundays. The bustling streets of Notting Hill are transformed into the home of numerous exciting stalls decked with antiques, clothing and bric-a-brac. Make your way north of The Kensington to stumble upon the buzz of this iconic street market.

Sloane Street

A short stroll east of The Kensington leads you to one of the world’s most exclusive shopping destinations: Sloane Street. A luxurious catwalk of designer stores, stroll into Valentino, Chloe, Tom Ford, Saint Laurent and Gucci to name a few. Taking its name from Sir Hans Sloane, who bought the area in 1712, this location is peppered with suave townhouses and neat gardens, a perfect setting for an afternoon browsing its fashion houses. 

South Kensington’s Farmer’s Market

Around the corner from The Kensington, South Kensington Farmers’ Market takes place every Tuesday from 9am to 2pm. A quaint arrangement of stalls located by Queens Lawn, pick up fresh farm-grown produce including vegetables, fruit and crusty oven-baked bread. Everything at the market comes direct from the farm and any food you purchase for a spot of lunch uses local and sustainable ingredients. 

Images from Flickr