Earls Court London – The Definitive Local Area Guide
If you’re considering moving to London or moving to a new part of London, you’ll be faced with a tough decision — which part of the city? In London, you’re absolutely spoiled for choice as there are loads of fantastic and very distinct areas. But one of the best is undoubtedly the Earl’s Court area.
Earl’s Court is one of the most vibrant and exciting areas within London. Located in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Earl’s Court has the best of both worlds as a quiet residential area with a Central London postcode. SW5 is in the southwest of Zone 1 and offers a unique mix of culture, museums, parks, shopping, eateries, drinking holes and architecture. The list goes on!
This area attracts an eclectic mix of professionals, students and international travellers who want to live in a great area and be close to nearby Central London business hubs and universities. If this is you and you’re considering moving to Earl’s Court, then this is your definitive local area guide with everything from things to do to transport links and renting accommodation in Earl’s Court.
Ready to get to know Earl’s Court?
Things to do in Earl’s Court
One of the first things a lot of people want to know when they’re looking at moving to a new area is “What can I do there?”. So that’s where we’re kicking off our guide.
When it comes to things to do, Earl’s Court doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking to quench your cultural thirst, then Earl’s Court is the place to be as it has a whole host of theatres, museums and parks to explore.
Earl’s Court Theatres
Theatre lovers will definitely find something to their liking in Earl’s Court as there’s a variety of local theatres. The Finborough Theatre hosts thought-provoking plays and musical theatre, whilst the Barons Court Theatre is an intimate fringe theatre situated underneath the Curtains Up Pub.
For new commissions and emerging production companies, check out the Chelsea Theatre and Drayton Arms Theatre.
Top tip: If you want to save a bit of money going to the theatre, book tickets well in advance or look for matinee tickets.
Earl’s Court Cinemas
Film buffs will also be right at home in Earl’s Court as there are two commercial cinemas within walking distance. For the most up-to-date Hollywood releases, head to Vue on Fulham Broadway and Cineworld in Kensington.
If you prefer more independent cinema, then check out the Gate Picturehouse. This is a Grade II listed cinema house in Notting Hill which dates back to 1861. Electric Cinema is also one of the oldest working cinemas in the country. Whilst the Curzon in Mayfair is a two-screen arthouse cinema focused on independent and international films. For more international screenings, head to Cine Lumiere which is a stunning art deco cinema inside the French Institute.
Top tip: Both Vue and Cineworld have cheap tickets available on specific days, be sure to check out any available cinema deals before booking your ticket.
Shopping in Earl’s Court
If you need a new outfit for all of your theatre and cinema-going, head to Kensington High Street. This is just down the road from Earl’s Court and is one of London’s most popular shopping areas. It offers a mix of designer brands, high street names, and progressive zero-waste and environmentally-friendly shops. You might even spot a celeb as the likes of Sienna Miller and other stars are known to shop in the area!
If you’re into a bit of vintage shopping, head to the nearby Portobello Road Market up the road in Notting Hill. Originally a market for fresh produce, the market now specialises in a different type of fresh with street food vendors and vintage clothes shops.
Top tip: If you’re shopping at vintage markets, always see if there’s a little wiggle room on the price.
Earl’s Court Museums
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to museums in Earl’s Court. The area is home to the Dana Library and Research Centre, which is part of the Science Museum. Take a trip through the ages at the Natural History Museum in South Kensington.
The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) on Cromwell Road is another must-see, with a decorative arts, design and sculpture collection of over 2 million objects. What’s more is that it’s free to enter these museums, offering hours of entertainment and things to do in London for free!
Top tip: Head to The Natural History Museum over the festive period and you can go ice skating.
Earl’s Court Green Spaces
Earl’s Court’s rural history is reflected in both its leafy residential streets and myriad of nearby parks. This includes Kensington Gardens, Garden Lodge and Holland Park.
Holland Park in particular is a 22-hectare public park in West London with excellent sports facilities. It even has a Japanese garden, named Kyoto Garden, which was created to celebrate the Japan Festival in London in 1992. Today, it’s a great space to get some peace and tranquillity in Central London.
Top tip: Check out the latest exhibitions at the Serpentine Galleries in Kensington Gardens which are free to enter.
Sports in Earl’s Court
While you’ve got loads of options when it comes to green spaces to hang out and exercise in, there’s also plenty of choice when it comes to sports. Alongside plenty of spaces to play traditional sports like football, rugby and tennis, you can also play something a little bit different at the Empress Space that offers you the chance to play boules, beach rugby and padel.
But if you’re someone who prefers enjoying sports from the sidelines, you’re in luck. Both Chelsea FC and Fulham FC have stadiums nearby where you can watch both Premier League and Women’s Super League football. And if tennis is your jam, you can jump on the District line from Earl’s Court tube station to Wimbledon (during the first two weeks of July).
Eating and Drinking in Earl’s Court
One of the best things about living in London is the sheer amount of choice you have when it comes to food and drink. Earl’s Court is full of fantastic cafes, restaurants and bars. Earl’s Court is the perfect fusion of independent coffee shops, artisan bakeries, pop-up food joints, old-school pubs and fine dining.
Earl’s Court Cafes
You’ve got loads of options when it comes to getting a cup of Joe in Earl’s Court but one of our favourites is the Troubadour Coffee House on Old Brompton Road. Here you can enjoy a delicious latte whilst listening to some live poetry readings. It’s London’s favourite poetry landmark with readings, classes and prizes with live music also showcased in the coffee house.
Earl’s Court Restaurants
Old Brompton Road is also home to Tendido Cero, a hip tapas restaurant serving Spanish classics from an open kitchen. Kappa is also worth a visit. It’s a low-key Japanese restaurant on Earl’s Court Road that serves sushi, sashimi and hot dishes with a Korean twist.
For an immersive Italian dining experience, Bunga Bunga is a must. There are two locations, one in Battersea and one in Covent Garden, both very easily reachable from Earl’s Court. The trip is worth making for the metre-long pizzas, late-night karaoke and live entertainment.
Another area favourite is Maroush Bakehouse – a big name in the London Lebanese dining scene. There’s something for everyone with mouth-watering hot mezzes, soups, salads, shawarmas and moussakas. The self-named “bakery-restaurant” has a wide range of artisan breads, pittas and cakes that you can get to go on your way to work or university. With plenty of gluten-free and dairy-free options.
For even more baked goodies, check out the Hummingbird Bakery which is famous for its authentic American recipes. We highly recommend their iconic red velvet cakes!
Earl’s Court Nightlife
Earl’s Court is home to one of the best speakeasies in London. Evans the Peel advertises itself as a detective agency and a highly renowned mystery-solving duo when, in reality, it’s all a front for a basement bar with fantastic cocktails. To visit, you need to “make an appointment with one of the detectives” and recite the “secret” passcode!
For an exquisite atmosphere and live piano performances, head to Piãno in Kensington. Here, you’ll find jazz performances on Sundays where you can request your favourite songs from the musicians and singers.
Another popular spot is K Bar which is a gentlemen’s club-inspired cocktail bar. Make sure you also stop at London Cru if you want to sample some unique wines at an urban winery.
If you prefer traditional British pubs then you’ll love The Pembroke pub, which has a fantastic rooftop garden. The Blackbird also offers a range of mouthwatering homemade pies, served with craft beers and wines.
Living in Earl’s Court
Living in Earl’s Court means that you’ll have plenty of amenities on your doorstep. As well as an endless list of fun things to do, eateries to visit and bars to frequent, there’s also plenty of local amenities that make living in Earl’s Court even more convenient.
For example, less than a ten minute walk away from Earl’s Court underground station you’ll find one of the largest Tesco supermarkets in London.
You’ll also have your pick of gyms and health centres in the area. PureGym is on Earl’s Court Road, whilst Method Gym and Sabai Leela Spa are on Old Brompton Road.
Sabai Leela Spa is a boutique health spa with a unique approach to health and wellness. It combines Eastern techniques such as Thai massage and Chinese acupuncture. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a long day working or studying.
Renting in Earl’s Court
When it comes to renting a flat in London, one of the biggest attractions to Earl’s Court is the wide variety of accommodation available. There’s something to suit everyone’s needs. Average rental price in Earl’s Court is £599 per week but this varies depending on the kind of property.
Studio flat prices tend to be slightly cheaper and cost between £275-£400 per week. The average price for a one-bedroom home is around £2,230 per month, a two-bedroom property will cost around £3,120, and some three-bed-and-up homes vary between £4,420 to as much as £11,700.
There’s something for everyone when it comes to renting in Earl’s Court.
Earl’s Court is an exciting part of London that offers a unique experience for those that live there. It’s also a safe neighbourhood to rent. Crime rates are in line with the rest of Central London and slightly lower than the average for the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
Over the years, it has become a rental hotspot for renters as it’s an affordable alternative to nearby Kensington and Chelsea. Whether you’re a professional or student looking for private accommodation, you will find something to suit your needs.
Earl’s Court Transport Links
Earl’s Court has easy access to West and Southwest London, as well as the city centre and the rest of the capital. You can walk, cycle, or get public transport to just about anywhere.
Earl’s Court underground station is on the District and Piccadilly line, connecting locals to popular destinations such as Knightsbridge, Hyde Park, Covent Garden and King’s Cross St Pancras. Earl’s Court station on Earl’s Court Road is also on the night tube network (which is only on available on weekends). There’s also great night bus connections.
Earl’s Court Underground Station is actually partially not actually under the ground. Photo: Herry Lawford, Flickr
For scenic bus routes, check out the no. 74 which will take you along Cromwell Road and goes to Baker Street via Knightsbridge. Whilst the C1 goes from Old Brompton Road to Victoria via Knightsbridge and Sloane Square. You can also rent a bike for the day as there are many cycling initiatives in London that enable you to pay as you cycle.
If you fancy getting away from the city, Earl’s Court is well connected. You can easily get the train to Windsor Castle, one of the oldest and largest castles in the UK. Fun fact: the castle is still inhabited, and was Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite weekend home.
You can also go directly to Heathrow Airport on the Piccadilly line from Earl’s Court in about half an hour, as well as Gatwick Airport in just under half an hour by jumping on the District Line to Victoria and then boarding a direct train to Gatwick Airport. Stansted Airport is also accessible from Victoria Station and Liverpool Street station.
Studying Near Earl’s Court
This part of London is home to some of the world’s best universities. From Imperial College, a pioneer in engineering and scientific research, to The Royal College of Art, with postgraduate degrees in art and design for students from over 60 countries. Both universities are in South Kensington which is within walking distance of Earl’s Court.
Imperial College London is a world-class university with a mission to benefit society through excellence in science, engineering, medicine and business.
Smaller and independent universities in the area include Heythrop College in Kensington, which specialises in philosophy and theology. There is also a number of American institutions such as Boston University, which offers a variety of programmes and courses, and The American International University London in Richmond, which offers the chance to obtain not just a UK accredited degree but also a US degree.
You can also easily reach Central London universities that are outside of the immediate area from Earl’s Court. It’s a short 20 minute tube ride to Russell Square station where you can reach the University of London, University College London, Birkbeck University and SOAS.
Working Near Earl’s Court
Earl’s Court’s Central London location and excellent transport links make it a great base for professionals. From here, you’ll be within easy reach of business hubs such as:
- Westminster
- Mayfair
- Covent Garden
- Clerkenwell
- The City of London
- Canary Wharf
You’ll also enjoy the best of both worlds, as Earl’s Court has a central location but is a quiet and leafy area. Meaning that you can have some downtime or explore the city on weekends and evenings.
Living in Earl’s Court will give you the chance to experience London life at an affordable price. There’s an array of things to do, eateries, bars and amenities on your doorstep. The area is also close to universities, business hubs and the rest of London.
Find Your Spot in Earl’s Court, London
One of the hardest parts about living in London, is choosing where to live. Does North London tickle your fancy? Maybe South or East London are a bit more you? Do you want to be right in the heart of the city or somewhere a little quieter?
You certainly can’t go wrong with West Longon and if West London is the spot for you, there aren’t many better areas than Earl’s Court. That’s why we have to lovely full-furnished studio flats available to rent in Earl’s Court:
Penywern Road
Our property on Penywern Road has a fresh, newly landscaped garden out back that’s perfect for unwinding or getting some fresh air while you work. It’s close to Earl’s Court tube station and it’s got some top-notch museums like the Natural History Museum, just a stroll away.
West Cromwell Road
Our building on Cromwell Road has got all you need, with easy access to transport and a sweet little garden out back. Plus, fun fact – it’s next door to where Freddie Mercury used to live! You’ve got cafes, restaurants, and cool museums just a stroll away, like the Victoria and Albert and the Science Museum.
But don’t just take our word for it:
“I would like to thank you for making my first (almost) 2 years in London very pleasant and my move to a new place and country as smooth and enjoyable as possible. I would especially like to thank James for his hard work and dedication and his prompt responses to my demands and requests when it came to fixes, furniture and appliance instalment and much more”.
— Yara who lived at our West Cromwell Road property in Earl’s Court.
So, what do you think about Earl’s Court? Is it the spot for you? If it is, you’re in the right place and we’d love to help you find a studio flat in Earl’s Court. We specialise in all-inclusive studio flats in the best parts of London that come with everything you need, including:
- Full-furnished flats
- Nearby transport links
- Fully equipped kitchens
- Super-fast wifi
- 24/7 maintenance
- Flexible renting options
Plus, all utility bills are included in the rental price and there are no deposits or agency fees.
Start your search for your new home today by exploring our studio flats in Earl’s Court. If you have any questions, get in touch with us and we’ll do everything we can to help.
About Us
At Studios2Let, we manage numerous fully-furnished studio flats in Central, West and North London. All of our studio apartments come with utility bills included, as well as no deposits or agency fees. If you need any extra information and advice on renting a studio in Earl’s Court, West Kensington or other parts of London, be sure to visit our website or get in touch as we’ll be glad to help. We mostly rent studios for professionals and students in London’s most well connected and desirable areas.