London is loaded with “high streets,” which are main avenues full of shops, restaurants and cafés. In New York, high streets would be the equivalent of Broadway, Fifth Ave and even 8th Street. In Paris, they would be Avenue Montaigne and the Rue de Bac. In London, there is, of course, High Street Kensington; there is also Oxford Street, Marylebone High Street, King’s Road, Regent’s Street…the list goes on. However, there are also some smaller thoroughfares that have the same conveniences and appeal as proper high streets, but with certain charms all their own and without the obligatory traffic—human and automotive. Gloucester Road is one of these. What makes Gloucester Road even more of a find are the amazing London vacation rentals here that will ensure your stay is hassle-free and even more pleasurable. That means Gloucester Road isn’t just a hidden high street, but an “easy street” as well.
Located in fashionable South Kensington, a ten-minute walk from some of London’s major museums and most frequented stores (Harrod’s, Harvey Nichols, H&M), Gloucester Road couldn’t be better situated. To the north, it’s nestled by Hyde Park a few blocks away; to the south, about twenty minutes on foot, there’s King’s Road and a fantastic view across the Thames; to the west is colorful, café-laden Earl’s Court (which also has some cheap eats); and to the east is every attraction that makes up the famous area known as Knightsbridge. Central London is only about five stops away from the Gloucester Road Tube station, which is served by the Piccadilly and Central & District Lines, major routes that lead all across London.
However, once you see what Gloucester Road itself has to offer, you may hold off on heading to the underground. Within a few blocks, there are three hair salons, including the hip Toni and Guy’s, which can give you the latest “London look.” You can also find the sleek, French-inspired Café Deco, which sells some of the city’s best almond croissants, as well as the open-air café directly across from the station that always draws an international crowd. As far as restaurants are concerned, Gloucester Road gives you a top-tier variety, from French and Mediterranean to Southwest barbecue, award-winning Indian and a well-loved fish and chips shop, all within a five-minute stroll—so there’s something new to try every night of the week. Better yet, since Gloucester Road is not officially a “high street,” you won’t be paying those high prices!
Gloucester Road also has some interesting shops, including a gourmet food store where you can stock up the kitchen of your rental accommodation in South Kensington; a discount wine shop with a good selection; an Oxfam charity store where you can score some vintage finds and feel good doing it; and a secondhand/antiquarian bookstore, the likes of which are essential to life in London. Of course, for some marathon shopping, a ten-minute walk in almost any direction will put you in reach of all the high street stores, as well as must-have London and European labels like Paul Smith, Joseph’s and Chanel.
To live the “high life” on this hidden high street, consider staying in one of these New York Habitat flat rentals in South Kensington:
• A supremely stylish 2-bedroom Vacation Rental duplex in South Kensington, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-76) on Cromwell Road off Gloucester Road. This vacation rental is on the third floor of a modern high-rise with elevator and 24-hour doorman. A bedroom and bathroom are located on each floor of the duplex and the upper floor has a balcony.
• A quiet and comfortable 2-bedroom Accommodation in South Kensington, Kensington-Chelsea (LN-527) on Gloucester Road between Cromwell Road and Hyde Park. This first floor flat has been recently refurbished and comes complete with armchairs, wooden floors and a power showerhead.
• A magnificent 2-bedroom Vacation Rental in West Brompton, Chelsea (LN-426) with a private garden.
A stay in a New York Habitat accommodation on Gloucester Road puts all of London at your doorstep—without all of the noise and crowds of the city right outside your door.
Know another “hidden” street in London that you love to explore? Let us in on it by leaving a comment below.
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