The streets of Belgravia are dotted with terraced stucco townhouses, elegant garden squares, upmarket hotels and international embassies. Antique shops, designer fashion boutiques, and trendy galleries line Pimlico Road and Motcomb Street, while stylish cafes serve up the food and drink of the international rich. If you don’t have time to spend the entire day shopping, here are some things to do in Belgravia.
Royal Court Theatre
The Royal Court Theatre, sometimes referred to as the New Chelsea Theatre, the Belgravia, and the Court, is a small, intimate theater in the heart of Belgravia, London. Its long list of names include The New Chelsea and the Court Theatre. The theatre has also performed in a variety of styles, including musicals, plays, and comedies. The theatre is located at Sloane Square, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
The theatre was originally a dissenting chapel in 1870, but it opened in 1870 as the Chelsea Theatre, and later became the Belgravia Theatre. It was converted into a cinema in 1934, and stayed in use as a cinema until 1942, when the building was closed due to German bomb damage. In the late 1990s, the theatre began falling apart. The National Lottery and the Arts Council stepped in and provided PS16.2 million to finance the redevelopment of the theatre. This restored the theatre to its former glory, and in February 2000, it opened again.
Although the Royal Court Theatre is famous for its contemporary style and new writing, there is still some controversy surrounding the place. Some say it’s a sham, and others say it’s worth a visit. Nevertheless, it is a great place to watch new plays and watch emerging talent. The theatre is a stone’s throw from Sloane Square Station, and it’s also within walking distance of many London attractions.
Cadogan Hall
If you’re planning on attending a concert in the capital, Cadogan Hall in Belgravia is an excellent choice. Its 950-seat capacity makes it an intimate venue that provides an exceptional listening experience. Located in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the hall offers a wide range of musical genres, including classical, pop, jazz, and contemporary. The acoustics of the Cadogan Hall are also remarkably evocative of its location.
The auditorium is large and steeply raked, and the gallery seats a lower level. The venue has beautiful stained glass. Baron Arild Rosenkrantz learned the art of stained glass from Tiffany in New York and used it as a blueprint for Cadogan Hall’s interior. The minimalist patterning is also a highlight of the venue, and there are no allegorical images anywhere.
A truly magnificent architectural landmark, Cadogan Hall is the home of the Royal Philharmonic. Its beautiful acoustics and luxurious surroundings have made it one of the most desirable concert venues in London. Founded in 1907 as a New Christian Science Church, the New Christian Science Church had a congregation of up to 1400 people in its heyday. Sadly, the church moved in 1996, and the building fell into disrepair for several years. In 2000, the Cadogan Estate purchased the building and converted it into a concert hall. The concert hall has since become a regular proms venue for the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
Holy Trinity Sloane Square
The Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity with Saint Jude with Upper Chelsea, also known as Holy Trinity Sloane Square or Sloane Street, is a parish church in Belgravia, London, United Kingdom. It is a popular destination for tourists, as it is located near the Belgravia tube station. The church was built in 1730. Until 1904, it was a Roman Catholic church. Today, it is a Church of England parish church.
The church is the largest building in the area, covering an area slightly smaller than St. Paul’s Cathedral. The building was built between 1888 and 1890 to replace a 60-year-old gothic revival church. The new structure was built to accommodate the area’s increasing population. It has a capacity of about 900 people. In addition to the church, a nearby concert hall, the Cadogan Hall, has a capacity of 950 people.
The church is associated with the Arts & Crafts movement in the UK. It is a wonderful monument to late nineteenth-century decorative art. The movement celebrated hand-crafted craftsmanship, over mass-produced goods. It wanted to give back the jobs of artisans who had been displaced by industrialisation. Its message was to make even the most common objects beautiful, and to honor nature through art.
Princess Diana/Dodi Fayed Memorial
A bronze statue of the Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed has been unveiled at Harrods in London. The memorial is dedicated to the two, who died in a car crash in Paris. The statue was commissioned by the father of Dodi, Mohamed al-Fayed, and was created by renowned artist Bill Mitchell. The sculpture depicts Diana and Dodi dancing in the Mediterranean sea, with Dodi’s right arm releasing a large bird – an albatross – which is a symbol of freedom and eternity. Waters lapping around their bodies evoke the sea.
Haines of Sloane Square
Located on the corner of Sloane Square and Oxford Street, Haines of the Station is the oldest family news kiosk in London. This newsstand, which has been in the same family for 46 years, has been in business for over a hundred years. It was designed by Thomas Heatherwick, the same person who designed the Olympic Cauldron for London 2012 and the iconic red London Routemaster bus.
The building itself is a small, hard-landscaped square located on the boundaries of Belgravia, Knightsbridge, and St James’s. The Houses of Parliament, Tate Gallery, and Westminster Abbey are all within walking distance.
Belgrave Square
If you love history and architecture, you should visit Belgrave Square, a large 19th century garden square in London. It is the centrepiece of the Belgravia district. The architecture is based on the original scheme of property contractor Thomas Cubitt. Moreover, it features terraced buildings designed by George Basevi for the 2nd Earl Grosvenor and the 1st Marquess of Westminster.
If you like gardens, there are plenty of things to do in Belgrave Square. The garden is 4.5 acres of greenery, and the two-acre plot is completely surrounded by gorgeous townhouses. The garden is home to statues of prominent people and beautiful pergolas covered with Wisteria. If you’re a fan of tennis, you’ll find a tennis court in the square, too. While you’re here, make sure to check out the other Belgrave Square attractions.
If you have time to spare, you can visit the Royal Court Theatre, which is a non-commercial venue that showcases the work of local and international writers. You can also visit the Royal Court Gardens, which are located in Belgravia. Designed by Thomas Cubitt and George Basevi, these gardens feature statues of famous people and pergolas. They also have a tennis court, but you must have a key before you can enter.
Christopher Columbus Statue
The statue is a prominent symbol of Christopher Columbus, a Spanish navigator who sailed westward across the Atlantic Ocean in search of a route to Asia. In doing so, he gained fame.
Italian Cultural Institute
The Italian Cultural Institute in Belgravia, central London, is an Official Italian government institute dedicated to promoting Italian culture and language. Events and courses are held there, as well as information on Italian cuisine and culture. Whether you’re looking for a cultural event or an educational course, the Italian Cultural Institute in Belgravia, London, is a must-visit. It offers many benefits and events that are sure to appeal to your interests.
Located in Belgravia, London, the Italian Cultural Institute promotes Italian culture and language, organises events on its premises, and supports many other Italian cultural activities. The building itself was restored by architects Crawford and Gray for the Crown Estate, which owns the freehold of the building. Moovit allows users to navigate the city with ease and provide directions to their destination. There are various types of membership available for individuals and organizations.
The Italian Cultural Institute offers classes in Italian language, film, and art. The center also features an authentic Italian cafe that overlooks the beautiful garden. The food here is affordable and incredibly delicious. The cafe is also known for its extensive selection of delicious desserts and buffets. The Italian Cultural Institute also hosts interesting events, including workshops and lectures. There is always something to do in Belgravia, so visit the Italian Cultural Institute in London today!
10 Interesting facts about Belgravia
- Belgravia is a district in the City of Westminster in central London.
- It is known for its grand, white stucco terraced houses and garden squares.
- Many famous people have lived in Belgravia, including actor Hugh Grant and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.
- Belgravia is home to several embassies, including those of France and Brazil.
- The district is named after one of its original developers, Richard Grosvenor, 2nd Marquess of Westminster, who was also known as the Earl of Grosvenor.
- Belgravia was one of the first districts in London to be developed with gas lighting.
- The district is home to the Royal Hospital Chelsea, which was founded in 1682 by King Charles II.
- The first ever department store in the world, Bon Marche, was founded in Belgravia in 1852.
- The district is known for its luxury shopping, with stores such as Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior located in Belgravia.
- The area has a number of well-known restaurants, including the Michelin-starred La Gavroche.