Free parking in Kensington, London, is extremely rare and strictly limited in 2026. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is a Controlled Parking Zone (CPZ) where almost all street parking is reserved for permit-holding residents from Monday to Friday (typically 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM) and often on Saturday mornings. Outside of these hours, such as on Sundays and bank holidays, some "Pay and Display" bays or resident bays may become free, but you must check the specific street signage as rules can vary block-by-block. For visitors during the week, you will likely need to use expensive off-street car parks like the one at Kensington Town Hall or use apps like RingGo to pay for limited-stay street spots, which can cost upwards of £5.00 per hour. In 2026, with the expansion of the ULEZ and stricter local emissions surcharges, driving and parking in Kensington is discouraged in favor of the excellent London Underground links at South Kensington, Gloucester Road, and High Street Kensington.
In 2026, finding free parking in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is nearly impossible during standard hours. The borough is divided into strict Controlled Parking Zones (CPZs) where street parking is largely reserved for residents with permits. For visitors, "Pay-and-Display" bays are available but expensive, often costing around £5.00 to £6.00 per hour with a maximum stay of four hours. Restrictions generally apply from Monday to Friday (8:30 AM to 6:30 PM) and often on Saturdays (8:30 AM to 1:30 PM or 6:30 PM). Parking is typically free on Sundays and Bank Holidays, though you must always check the specific street signs as some "Resident Only" bays remain restricted 24/7. For 2026 travelers, the "pro-tip" is to avoid driving into Kensington altogether due to the Congestion Charge and ULEZ fees; if you must drive, use an app like RingGo to pay for metered bays or book an off-street underground car park like the one at Kensington Town Hall to avoid the stress of street-side enforcement.