What is there to see or do in Brixton & South Kensington London?

I would like to venture further along into South Kensington which I find to be amazingly beautiful and way to posh for me normally and though I have been advised not to, go to Brixton if it's safe. Do people tend to say this just because the rate of violence is higher and the neighbourhoods "underclass?"

Can anyone think of some interesting sites and /or neighbourhoods? Anything to be weary of?  Since beginning work I have definately decided I like the less touristy, laid back "real" London and it's people.

cheers,

Samantha***

There's no reason why you shouldn't go to Brixton... there's a great market there!  And, if you're into that kind of thing, some very popular nightclubs.

And i take it you mean 'wary', not 'weary'?  'Weary' means 'tired'... 'wary' means 'cautious'.
Sorry... just one of my peeves!      

Have a blast, and do what YOU want to do! 

I don't know much about Brixton, but a friend of mine just asked me to go there a few weeks ago for a Pixies concert.  I could not go but she did say we should go back another time because Brixton is just such a cool place to hang out.  Like Broxi said, a lot of night clubs and such. 

I would say most places are fine, just don't go alone and be smart wherever you go.  I say that about most cities really. 

If you are going to explore in the South Ken area why not ride a bike? I found this bike rental service which has loads of mountain bikes locked outside South Ken tube station and they charge only £5.00 a day includes lock.

   bananarent.com

Theres a massive lake in Hyde Park and they rent boats by the hour. Pretty cool thing to do on a sunny day!

There's a little Italian restaurant in Chelsea (Kensington & Chelsea) that you might like. Every time Mart and I find ourselves in London we just have to stop. They are truely the best Italian restaurant I have ever been to - their food is exquisite and reasonably priced (for London) and their dining space is simply beautiful with a very rustic upperclass charm. You can easily go dressed up or in jeans and a tee shirt (we've done both).

Bacio (previously Bucci)
386 Kings Road , SW3 5UZ
Tel:020 7351 9997

Review: http://www.restaurantguides.co.uk/editorial.asp?id=77&archive=9

(This site used to have a great entry on Bucci (Bacio) but I cant find it and Ive complained that it seems to have been removed - I used it not days ago. I'll let you know if it comes back).

I just LOVE this place and I think if you like Italian food you will LOVE it as well.

Can anyone think of some interesting sites and /or neighbourhoods? Anything to be weary of?  Since beginning work I have definately decided I like the less touristy, laid back "real" London and it's people.

I had no idea that touristy areas of London = "fake" London.  Why not try checking out the Up My Street website?  Bet you could find a lot of suggestions there!  Best of luck and enjoy!

If you're going to Brixton, you could go that wee bit further and go to Brockwell Park in Herne Hill, which has a lido (outdoor swimming pool, cafe, etc).  In fact, keep an eye out for when the Lambeth Country Show is... usually July.  They tranform this lovely green park into a county fair-type thing, with fairground rides, great food stands, and loads of farm animals!   I lived in Herne Hill for a short time, and we went to the Show, and it was fab! 

To be honest Samantha, I would not advise Brixton as a place to go at night, except in a group. Daytime you should be fine, but as with most of London hang on to your bag! There is a nice arthouse cinema there and a fantastic gourmet vegetarian restaurant in a Church Crypt, the name of whcih escapes me. Bug Bar.

South Ken - museums, museums and more museums!

Great to see you are exploring different parts of London! Don't forget to check out Brick Lane/Spitalfields area too for markets and great curries!

Brixton has wonderful record/CD shops, fruit/veggie stands, used book stores. I ate at a few wonderful Caribbean restaurants. Have a great time! (Kens. High Street has nice shops!)

agreed about being there at night alone.  my fiancee lived there for 6 years (as it was cheap) and honestly, i hated staying there.

there is an AWESOME cafe called 'basement joe' that our friends own and it's wonderful food and very unique!