Knightsbridge, Kensington, Hyde Park - names that are directly connected with noble housing, elegant restaurants, and leisure time in green surroundings. Nevertheless, this central district also provides places telling Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the obvious.
Take a bike to explore the streets of Kensington. Start at world-famous shopping temple Harrods, before heading to lush Hyde Park. On the way, discover Royal Albert Hall, historical live music venue. Take a tour in Kensington Palace, home to numerous Royals until today.
After visiting the Sticky Fingers restaurant for a deep dive into the world of music memorabilia, learn about Pulp, Elton John, and Freddie Mercury.
End the day in one of the most markable coffee houses in the city - the Troubadour has seen live performances of the most legendary sort.
Harrods (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Start your subTOUR at world-famous department store Harrods. Whether for the latest fashion, interior, food, or anything else you may imagine - even non-shopping addicts will enjoy the numerous floors full of inspiration and goods.
For those you are not into clothing or new accessories - the lower floors welcome you with gorgeous food halls and plenty dining options. Take your time, have a seat and enjoy the spectacular offer.
History tip: take a short detour northbound to see South Kensington Underground Station - the place where Placebo met.
Royal Albert Hall (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Later, cycle through elegant Kensington district with its noble architecture. Further westwards lies the Royal Albert Hall, one of the most unique concert halls on the planet. It does not only host the annually Proms concerts, but also once-in-a-lifetime live performances from leading artists of the world.
Since its opening by Queen Victoria in 1871, this place has seen some of the most notable events in British culture, ranging from music to theatre.
Just opposite, at the entrance to Hyde Park, is the impressive Albert Memorial.
Hyde Park (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Drive into Hyde Park with its large lakes, small ponds, curious wildlife, and countless leisure options. You will meet people playing football, having a picknick, jogging, horse riding, or having a drink in one of the cafés. Whether on crowded lawns, or in the more secluded lush forests and alleys - Hyde Park is the green lung of the city and in any time of the year the best spot for a walk.
Around in the summer months? Check out if it's that time of the year when famous artists grace the open-air stage of British Summer Time festival.
Find official tickets for Hyde Park with British Summer Time
No hurry. Take your time to cycle to the far western end of Hyde Park. Kensington Palace is a working Royal residence and probably the favourite residence of successive sovereigns until 1760. No matter if you are a Royalist or not - the notable building with its interiors is always worth a visit, when around.
Sticky Fingers, London (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Continue your subTOUR in the western direction. Even if you aren't hungry, you need to take a break at Bill Wyman's restaurant Sticky Fingers. This place is a true haven for Rock 'n' Roll enthusiasts with a unique range of over 100 music memorabilia items.
Most of those are from Bill himself, from his time as bass guitarist for The Rolling Stones from 1962 until 1993.
Tower House (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Just around the corner is
The Tower House, a late-Victorian townhouse built in the late 19th century. It hosted and still hosts famous inhabitants such as
Led Zeppelin guitarist, Jimmy Page.
Café tip: some steps away is Frank's. Always great choice for a coffee and the perfect spot to discover some Rock history snippet.
History tip: take a detour northbound to see Elton John's London home in elegant Holland Park.
Freddie Mercury House (Bachmeier / Ramsthaler)
Stay southbound. Garden Lodge Mansion is on a quiet residential street in Kensington. Its is the place where Queen lead singer Freddie Mercury lived and finally died back in 1991. Garden Lodge is surrounded by tall stone walls that shield the house and garden from view. Mercury's former lover and best friend, Mary Austin, still lives here today.
Final Destination of this subTOUR is Troubadour, a historic coffee house, club, and live music venue since 1954.
This is where Bob Dylan performed his first time in London. Charlie Watts, Elvis Costello, Sammy Davis Jr., and Jimi Hendrix have all played here. Also legendary Led Zeppelin used to come and jam here after their nearby gigs.
Still today, the club hosts famous faces on its stage. Perhaps also this evening?
Camden Town. Where music history has been written. Where the 90s Britpop of Blur, Pulp, and Oasis is rooted. Where the Punk movement started in the 70s. Explore the life and death of Amy Winehouse, legendary singer and songwriter.
This vibrant area has more record stores, street art, and live music venues than you can shake a stick at.
Discover the unique atmosphere of independence and revolution in these streets and stalls.
When in London don't miss this place marking music history like no other: Abbey Road. Iconic and legendary recording studio from where world-famous tapes changed the history of music. Also a synonym for The Beatles and their album Abbey Road. With its cover featuring the band members walking across the zebra crossing in front of the studio. Is there a better place to take a souvenir picture of your London trip?
Also explore the spot that marks another great Rock band and one of its hit singles: Coldplay's Violet Hill.
Chelsea, Belgravia and around: the best from the best on bike. Start at London Eye with its spectacular views upon the city.
Afterwards, scratch Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Downing Street as well as Big Ben & Houses of Parliament from your bucket list. Iconic Hard Rock Hotel & Café is next.
When in Chelsea, discover Rock 'n' Roll history beyond the walls of rather unimpressive buildings. Learn about The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Both inextricably linked to London.
Want to explore a true Punk place? Legendary World's End is telling music tales from the 60s until today.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #1 reveals iconic music places from The Beatles and The Bee Gees to The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd. Not to forget legendary Jimi Hendrix.
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #2 reveals the famous album cover from Oasis' (What's The Story) Morning Glory? On your way, take your time to discover the countless record shops in the district. It's time for some vinyl shopping!
Soho. Heart of London. Boasting with Rock 'n' Roll history from The Beatles to The Rolling Stones and from Punk to Heavy Metal. Former legendary night clubs meet today's vibrant bar scene and independent records stores. Where famous album covers from Oasis to David Bowie have been shot. Where myths were born on live music stages, on rooftops or in recording studios. Still today, numerous plaques tell of Soho's rich music history.
Soho #3 reveals famous album covers from The Beatles and David Bowie. Discover a recording studio that has been the birthplace to legendary songs and albums. Also explore live music venues where Rock history has been written. Finally, check out the location of a legendary Fab Four rooftop performance.
Islington. Probably not on top of your London bucket list. But full of music history that just cannot be ignored.
Discover places that are inextricably linked to British superstars Pink Floyd. In Islington, the Punk movement with legendary The Sex Pistols and The Clash evolved in the 70s.
Finally, also learn about a men's prison and its famous inhabitants, when around here.
Shoreditch and Spitalfield. Immerse into this trendy district loaded with vibrant bars, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Stop for snacks at one of the street food booths. Shop vintage clothing, modern accessories, or street art. Browse the shelfs of numerous record stores. Dive into the busy atmosphere of Brick Lane. And come back in the evening for a live performance in one of the music venues.
Definite highlight of the walk is Columbia Road Flower Market with its lush and colourful scenery.
On the way, explore the location of a music video everybody knows.
Notting Hill. Known from all those love story movies. An idyllic and colourful place and characteristic part of today's London. Enjoy its lush greens, combined with small streets, intimate cafés, and independent shops. Famous Portobello Market is just around the corner. For all the lovers of vintage clothing, old furniture, and lots more antiques.
Don't forget to discover the musical importance of this area. Discover Samarkand Hotel, the place where legendary American artist Jimi Hendrix spent the last hours of his short life.
Global success made in London
A leading figure in music
Founders of Punk Rock
Lemmy’s legendary Heavy Metal
Once performing at Woodstock
Legendary Heavy Metal with Eddie
Key player in British Punk Rock
London Pop Rock superstars
Legendary Freddie Mercury
Britpop at its best
The one and only Rock stars
Formed in 1965 in London
British Rock with Sting
With origins in Blues music
Named from Shepherd’s Bush
Indie Rock since 1998
Indie from Southern London
From London to worldwide success
From the 60s until today
Alternative Rock from outsiders for outsiders
One of the Britpop giants
Just legendary
Part of Genesis or as solo artist
An 80s icon
Iconic Camden artist
Pop Rock meets Wave and Gothic
Legends from the 60s
Mark Knopfler and his fellows
Britpop meets Psychedelic
