Your Guide to London Knightsbridge
Where is Knightsbridge?
Knightsbridge attracts the rich and famous from all over the globe who come to sample world famous department stores like Harrods and Harvey Nichols, so no visit to London would ever be complete without coming here! This west central London area runs along the south of Hyde Park, spanning the City of Westminster and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. You’ll find other exclusive areas surrounding it like Mayfair, Belgravia, Kensington and St James's. As Knightsbridge Tube Station, and nearby Hyde Park Corner Tube Station are situated in Tube Zone 1, you’ll find it easy to get around the rest of the capital from here ; so forget about the fact that Knightsbridge is within the congestion charging zone and book a stay here today!
History of Knightsbridge
In the early Saxon days, Knightsbridge was originally a small locality between the villages of Chelsea and Kensington and had quite a humble start. Knightsbridge has been mentioned as far back as 1361, when King Edward III ordered livestock to be killed up to this area for the protection of the people during the plague. Up until 200 years ago, the place was still badly maintained, but several public houses, churches and buildings were erected, attracting the interest of many travellers as they flocked into London. The roads into and out of London were improved and most ran through Knightsbridge, thus attracting more and more investment.
Knightsbridge ceased to be a residential road at the start of World War I. However, the increase of motor traffic, shops and the addition of underground railway in the 1900s had already made it a desirable place to live. Architecturally, Knightsbridge still displays much of the early 20th century buildings that were mainly built in the '20s and '30s. The area is steeped in tradition and wonderfully atmospheric. There were a few structures added since the World War II, but the reputation of Knightsbridge being a venue for high-class shops and characteristic streets remains. Some memories stretch back even further - a pair of amazing and large houses have really stood the test of time, having been erected 1870-71. Indeed, numbers 15 and 17 Knightsbridge are the oldest surviving buildings - this is better than any history lesson and it gives a real insight into how the area looked many years ago, so is really not to missed.
The Positives of Knightsbridge
Of course, the huge positive to coming to Knightsbridge is it’s shopping! Even if you do not want to buy anything, the prestige is jaw-dropping and you can get to see how the other half live! The most famous shop in the area is Harrods. There is also Harvey Nichols, as well as designer stores such as Jimmy Choo, Manolo Blahnik and Chanel. If shopping is not on the agenda you’ll find masses of attractions in the vicinity; you could take in a show at the world famous Albert Hall, head to nearby Buckingham Palace, or even take a stroll around the picturesque Hyde Park. You’ll be really close to Victoria Train Station when you stay here, and plenty of tube stations that will whisk you all over London. Plus, despite the affluence of the area, there are plenty of affordable hotels to choose from!
Need to Know Knightsbridge
Aside from the prices of goods in some of the shops, there aren't many negatives to Knightsbridge. Don’t be put off from looking inside the shops though; even Harrods has a multitude of price ranges - it would not be one of the most successful businesses in the world otherwise! As Knightsbridge is in the centre of London, it does suffer from congestion, noise and pollution. But you will find that all of the most busy, popular places in world famous capital cities are like that anyway, and there are tranquil places to escape to like Hyde Park! You will find that the hustle and bustle plays a big part in the attraction of walking around here anyway!
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