Imperial College London

Exhibition Road
London, United Kingdom
SW7 2AZ
Tel: +44 (0)20 7589 5111

The Imperial College London is a world-renowned institution located in the upmarket district of Knightsbridge, in central London. Knightsbridge is one of London's most chic and exclusive areas combining art, shopping, culture, haute couture, luxury boutiques and fine dining, all of which blend seamlessly with some of the most incomparable and richest residential properties in the UK today. The district is home to the department stores Harrods and Harvey Nichols, and flagship stores of many British and international fashion houses, including those of London-based shoe designers Jimmy Choo and Manolo Blahnik, and two Prada stores.

This venue is situated on Exhibition Street just south of Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens, which contain, amongst other attractions, the Serpentine lake and the Albert Memorial. Adjacent to the park are the Hyde Park Barracks of the Household Cavalry. Between the venue and Hyde Park is the beautiful Grade I listed Royal Albert Hall, home to great musical events and exhibitions including the annual Festival of Remembrance. Exhibition Street is also home to the Victoria & Albert Museum, the Science Museum and the Natural History Museum, all of which are free to visit.

The district contains a staggering 275 listed buildings, with the principal landowners in the area being the Duke of Westminster and Earl Cadogan, two of the richest aristocratic families in the United Kingdom. The two areas of aristocratic landholdings can be distinguished: red-brick Queen Anne Revival buildings are mostly to be found on the Cadogan Estates, whereas white stucco-fronted houses are mostly found on the Grosvenor Estate. The district has the distinction of containing the world's most expensive property. Ukraine oligarch, Rinat Akhmetov, recently acquired a three story penthouse, which with renovation and interior design work, cost close to £299 million.

Knightsbridge is within easy reach of the many other world-class attractions that London has to offer. For further information have a look at the official London Guide. You can also purchase The London Pass - a sightseeing card which gives you entry to a choice of over 55 popular tourist attractions in the city.

Map and Directions

From Heathrow Airport

Take the Underground (Piccadilly Line) to South Kensington Station (50 minutes travelling time).

From Gatwick Airport

Take a British Rail train to Victoria station (journey time 40 minutes) and then by Underground, (Circle or District Line; westbound) to South Kensington.

Both airports are some distance from central London and a taxi is not recommended for the whole journey. However, if you have to travel by taxi, establish the cost before you get in.

By Sea

Take a British Rail train from the port of entry to London (Harwich to London journey time 1hr 30 mins; Dover to London journey time 2hrs) and then travel by Underground to South Kensington Station.

On Foot

From South Kensington Station, the campus is only a five minute walk. Either follow the subway signposted to the museums or walk north up Exhibition Road. The College is next to the Science Museum.

By Bus

South Kensington Campus is easily accessible by bus. A number of routes pass within easy walking distance of the campus. Please see the selection below for more information:

• 9 Aldwych - Hammersmith Broadway, alight at the Royal Albert Hall
• 10 Kings Cross Station - Hammersmith Broadway, alight at the Royal Albert Hall
• 52 Victoria Bus Station - Willesden Bus Garage, alight at the Royal Albert Hall
• 360 Elephant and Castle Station - Prince Consort Rd, alight at Prince Consort Rd
• 14 Tottenham Court Road - Putney Heath, alight at South Kensington Station
• 49 Battersea Rise - Shepherd's Bush Grn, alight at South Kensington Station
• 70 Acton - South Kensington Station, alight at South Kensington Station
• 74 Baker Street Station - Putney, alight at South Kensington Station
• 345 Peckham Bus Station - South Kensington Station, alight at South Kensington Station
• 414 Maida Vale - Putney Bridge, alight at South Kensington Station
• 430 South Kensington Station - Minstead Gardens SW15

By Car

Parking at the venue is limited. After 18.00, at weekends and during vacations the car park is open to the paying public. Parking in the streets surrounding the College is at pay and display or parking meters for limited periods only.