Parking in Kensington

Kensington, one of London's most affluent and picturesque districts, is known for its grand architecture, lush parks, and world-class museums. While exploring this vibrant area is a delight, finding a parking spot can sometimes feel like a daunting task.

Whether you are visiting the iconic Kensington Palace, shopping on High Street Kensington, or exploring the Natural History Museum, having a guide to the best parking options can make your visit much smoother.

In this blog, we’ll cover all the best places to park in West London, from street parking to car parks and top tips for stress-free parking.

Kensington is divided into several controlled parking zones (CPZs), each with its own restrictions. In general, street parking is restricted to residents or permit holders during the day. Restrictions typically apply from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am to 6:30 pm, but always check local signage, as timings can vary.

Some areas offer pay-and-display parking, which can be a convenient option if you only need to park for a short time. Prices vary but expect to pay around £4.90 per hour. These bays are usually available outside of peak hours, and you can often pay using mobile apps like RingGo, making it easy to extend your parking time remotely.

1. Car Park Copthorne Tara Hotel - Kensington | APCOA

Address: Tara Hotel, Scarsdale Place, Kensington, London W8 5QP
Distance: Approximately 8-minute walk (0.4 miles)
Facilities: 24-hour secure parking, covered parking, CCTV, suitable for hotel guests and public use.
Cost: From approximately £5–£7 per hour, with 24-hour rates available (prices vary by demand).
Access: 24 hours, height restrictions apply for standard vehicles.
Booking: Pre-booking available online or via APCOA Parking app.
Note: One of the closest secure car parks to the apartment and ideal for overnight stays.

2. Kensington High Street Car Park - Saba Parking

Address: Hornton Street, Kensington, London W8 7NX
Distance: Approximately 10-minute walk (0.5 miles)
Facilities: 24-hour secure underground parking, CCTV, disabled parking, EV charging nearby.
Cost: From approximately £4.50 per hour, with daily rates available.
Access: Open 24 hours with a height restriction suitable for standard vehicles.
Booking: Advance booking available via Saba Parking.
Note: Located beneath Kensington Town Hall, making it one of the largest public car parks in the area.

3. Holland Park Pay and Display Car Park

Address: Abbotsbury Road, London W14 8EP
Distance: Approximately 12-minute walk (0.6 miles)
Facilities: Pay-and-display parking, spacious bays, adjacent to Holland Park.
Cost: Approximately £3–£5 per hour (subject to council tariffs).
Access: Open daily during operating hours with standard vehicle access.
Booking: No advance booking required; payment at machine or via PayByPhone.
Note: A good alternative when central Kensington car parks are full, with easy walking access through Holland Park.

APCOA Copthorne Tara Hotel Car Park

Blue Badge parking is available, with designated accessible spaces close to the hotel entrance. The car park has lift access from the underground level and a 2.1m height restriction.

Kensington High Street Car Park (Saba)

There are 4 dedicated Blue Badge bays, barrier-free access, and lifts. The car park also has 4 EV charging bays.

Holland Park Pay and Display Car Park

Accessible parking is available, but the pedestrian entrance from the car park into Holland Park is on a steep incline, making it less suitable for guests with limited mobility. It is generally better if arriving and leaving by vehicle rather than walking through the park.

Congestion Charge Zone:
Kensington is within London's Congestion Charge Zone. If you're driving on weekdays, check whether the charge applies to your journey and pay in advance or by midnight on the third day after travel to avoid penalty charges.

Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ):
The entire Kensington area falls within the ULEZ. If your vehicle does not meet the required emissions standards, a daily ULEZ charge may apply. You can check your vehicle before travelling using the official TfL website.

Advance Booking:
Parking in Kensington is in high demand, particularly during weekends, holidays and major events. We recommend booking your parking space in advance wherever possible to secure the best availability and rates.

Height Restrictions:
Most nearby multi-storey and underground car parks have height restrictions of approximately 2.0–2.1 metres. If you're travelling in a larger vehicle or van, please check the maximum vehicle height before arriving.

By planning ahead and considering these parking options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to Kensington.

Give one of our team a call on +44 (0)117 3018 444 or email reservations@yourapartment.com.