Choose a holiday apartment in London Chelsea

Royalty first settled in the area in the 1600s, when William III resided in Kensington Palace. In 1819, Queen Victoria was born in the palace and lived there until she came to the throne in 1837. Because of her love of the area, the title "Royal Borough" was bestowed upon Kensington, which merged with neighboring Chelsea in 1965.

During the 1980s, the Royal Borough was propelled into the international spotlight by local resident Diana Spencer, who would become Diana, Princess of Wales, and who lead the upper-class "Sloane Ranger" fashion movement, named after the borough's Sloane Square, where many of the world's most wealthy and famous reside.

Located in the west of London and bounded by the River Thames in the south of the borough, Chelsea is served by excellent public transportation options in the form of buses, the London Underground and taxis, which provide quick, easy and reliable access to the rest of the city.

There is plenty to stimulate and interest Chelsea visitors, no matter what their ages or interests, and these tips will help them get the most out of their stay:

*Sloane Square, Knightsbridge and South Kensington tube stations serve Chelsea.

* Shoppers will appreciate popular high-end stores such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols, designer boutiques, bespoke tailors and a wealth of independent retailers, all of whom offer exclusive merchandise to suit the pickiest of shoppers.

* Soccer fans should not miss the opportunity to catch a "football" game at Stamford Bridge Stadium, home to the Premier Division's Chelsea Football Club. The season runs September through May.

* Top tourist destinations such as Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey, Piccadilly Circus and 10 Downing Street are all within walking distance of Chelsea.

* The Royal Albert Hall is located in the borough and offers concerts by the world's best entertainers. Check its website to purchase tickets for an event during your holiday in London

* Chelsea abounds with dining opportunities from hip cafes to Michelin star-rated restaurants. World-renowned Gordon Ramsay is just one of the most famous chefs with a restaurant in Chelsea; his establishment "Restaurant Gordon Ramsay" being located on Royal Hospital Road.