Kensington Palace Gardens: A Visitor's Guide to London's Billionaires' Row (2025)
Kensington Palace Gardens is an ultra-exclusive private road in west central London, often dubbed "Billionaires' Row." This tree-lined avenue ranks among the most expensive residential streets in the world, running about half a mile along the western edge of Kensington Gardens. Despite its high-security status with armed police checkpoints, pedestrians are welcome to stroll through this remarkable street and glimpse the grand historic mansions, embassy buildings, and opulent lifestyles of its wealthy inhabitants.
History and Prestige
Royal Origins
Originally laid out in the 1840s on land that was part of Kensington Palace's gardens, the street was first called "The Queen's Road." The freehold still belongs to the Crown Estate.
Established: 1840s
Renamed "Kensington Palace Gardens" in 1870
Architectural Significance
The mansions reflect mid-19th century grandeur with many original buildings designed in Italianate and Queen Anne styles for aristocrats and financiers.
Property Values: £35+ million average
Victorian gas lamps still illuminate the street
Historic Nickname
Known as "Millionaires' Row" as far back as the 1860s, the street has graduated to "Billionaires' Row" as property values have skyrocketed.
Street Length: Half mile (800 meters)
Connects Notting Hill Gate to Kensington High Street
The London Cage
No. 8 Kensington Palace Gardens has a darker history – during World War II, it served as a British military interrogation center for prisoners of war.
WWII History: Intelligence operations
Original house later demolished and rebuilt
Royal Neighbors: Kensington Palace and Gardens
Kensington Palace
The historic royal residence borders one end of the street, providing elegant views for the properties along Palace Green.
Recent home to Prince William and Kate Middleton until 2022
Kensington Gardens
One of London's eight Royal Parks covering 265 acres, running alongside the eastern edge of Kensington Palace Gardens.
Beautiful public space with the Round Pond and Sunken Garden
Diana Memorial
The Sunken Garden in Kensington Gardens features a statue of Diana, Princess of Wales, unveiled in 2021.
Popular visitor attraction
Cultural Surroundings
Royal Albert Hall, Natural History Museum, and Victoria & Albert Museum are all within walking distance.
Creates an area of extraordinary cultural richness
An Embassy Row with Hefty Security
Israeli Embassy
Located at No. 2 Kensington Palace Gardens (Palace Green), heavily fortified but architecturally impressive.
Refurbished in 2010
Russian Embassy
The imposing white stucco mansion at No. 5-7 has housed Russian diplomats since 1929, with the Ambassador's residence further down at No. 13.
Site of political demonstrations
Embassy of Nepal
A lovely Victorian building from 1863 at No. 12A, once rumored to be for sale at £100 million.
Elegant historic structure
Embassy of Lebanon
Set back from the road at No. 21 with an open front lawn offering views of its elegant facade.
Attractive grounds and architecture
Finnish & Japanese Residences
Ambassador residences at No. 14 (Finland) and No. 23 (Japan) maintain a diplomatic presence.
Formal diplomatic residences
Czech & Slovak Embassies
A modernist structure at Nos. 25-30 housing both countries' missions since Czechoslovakia dissolved in 1993.
Brutalist 1960s architecture
Mansions of the Rich and Famous
Lakshmi Mittal's Mansions
The Indian steel magnate owns an enormous 55,000 square foot residence at Nos. 18-19, purchased for £57 million in 2004 and renovated with marble from the same quarry as the Taj Mahal.
- ✓ Nicknamed "Taj Mittal" for its opulence
- ✓ Features at least 12 bedrooms and an indoor pool
- ✓ Part of a three-house Mittal family compound
Roman Abramovich's Estate
The Russian billionaire and former Chelsea FC owner acquired a 15-bedroom mansion at No. 16/17 for £90 million in 2009, though his plans for expansion stalled when his assets were frozen in 2022.
- ✓ Planned underground leisure complex
- ✓ Sunken glass roof design
- ✓ Subject to UK sanctions in recent years
Tamara Ecclestone's Home
The Formula 1 heiress owns a 57-room mansion at No. 8 valued around £70 million, complete with extraordinary luxury features.
- ✓ Solid gold bathtub
- ✓ Dedicated handbag room
- ✓ Enhanced security after a high-profile 2019 burglary
Jon Hunt's Underground Complex
The Foxtons estate agency founder created an extensive multi-level basement beneath his mansion at No. 10, complete with car museum and leisure facilities.
- ✓ Rejected a £300 million buyout offer
- ✓ Underground car collection display
- ✓ Years-long legal battles with neighbors over construction
Visiting Tips
Getting There
Access via north entrance near Notting Hill Gate station or south entrance by Kensington Palace. Pedestrian access only.
Best Time to Visit
Daytime is ideal for appreciating architectural details. Weekends are particularly peaceful.
Security Awareness
Photography is allowed but be discreet. Don't photograph security personnel or checkpoints directly.
Cyclist Information
Cyclists can use the road but must adhere to new safety measures including slowing at chicane barriers.
Final Thoughts
Kensington Palace Gardens offers a unique slice of London that intrigues both locals and visitors. It's a place where history, royalty, diplomacy, and extreme wealth all intersect on one quiet, leafy lane. In a single walk, you can see a royal palace, pass by embassies of half a dozen nations, and glimpse the mansions of billionaires – all for free, and all within a few hundred meters. The nickname "Billionaires' Row" might suggest ostentation, but in person the street feels surprisingly stately and low-key, more about old money and discretion than flashy display. For travelers curious about the lifestyles of the rich and famous, or anyone who enjoys off-the-beaten-path sights, this exclusive enclave is well worth exploring.