Things to Do in Notting Hill: A Guide to Exploring the Best of the Neighborhood

Notting Hill is a diverse area in London, known for its blend of upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and vibrant street life. The neighborhood is also famous for its annual carnival, which attracts visitors from all over the world. With so much to see and do, Notting Hill is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to London.

This article will provide readers with a comprehensive guide to Notting Hill, including brilliant things to do in the area, practical information, and details about the famous Notting Hill Carnival. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this exciting neighborhood.

Key Takeaways

• Notting Hill is a diverse and vibrant area in London, known for its upscale boutiques, trendy cafes, and lively street life.
• This comprehensive guide will provide readers with information about the best things to do in Notting Hill, practical tips for visitors, and details about the famous Notting Hill Carnival.
• Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this exciting neighborhood.

Brilliant Things to do in Notting Hill

Take a Peek at the Colourful Houses of Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a neighborhood of contrasts with both brutalist concrete towers and pretty pastel houses. The rows of pastel houses are a hit on social media and in movies. Visitors can enjoy the little details and the overall atmosphere of these houses. It’s important to remember that these are people’s homes before taking pictures. The best place to spot the pastel houses is near Portobello Road, but other roads like Lancaster Road, Clarendon Road, and Westbourne Grove also offer up plenty of pastel-y goodness.

Portobello Road Market

The world’s largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market, is a dream come true for those who love the Antiques Road Show. With over 1,000 stalls, visitors can find anything from retro fashion to collectible stamps and antique porcelain. While visitors may have to sort through a fair bit of trash to find treasure, it’s all part of the fun. The market also has a great selection of food stalls, including Jake’s Vegan Steaks.

Visit Trellick Tower

Trellick Tower is one of the city’s most striking pieces of architecture. Built in 1972 in the “brutalist” style, it was supposed to lead the way in social housing design. It became a hotbed for crime and vandalism for a number of decades. By the 1990s, however, gentrification stretched out its grasping hand over Notting Hill, and Trellick Tower became cool again. It was Grade II listed back in 1998 and is today one of Notting Hill’s most iconic buildings.

Dig into a World of Street Art at Graffik Gallery

Notting Hill has a discernibly urban edge, and it plays host to one of the capital’s premier street art galleries, Graffik Gallery. The gallery is an ultra-cool space devoted to some of the world’s best street art, including works by Banksy, Stik, and Dotmaster. While not everyone will be able to take a piece home, everyone can drop by and admire the works of some of street art’s biggest names.

Catch a Flick at Electric Cinema

Electric Cinema is one of the oldest and most charming cinemas in the UK. When the beautiful building was constructed in 1910, it was one of the first purpose-built cinemas in Britain. Today, the cinema shows all the latest releases as well as a selection of artsy flicks. Visitors can find it sitting proudly on Portobello Road.

Hang Out in One of Notting Hill’s Chic Cafes

Notting Hill is full of cafes that match its quaint, bohemian vibe. There are so many ultra-adorable places where getting a coffee is a true excursion rather than a pitstop. Some of the best cafes include the charming Farm Girl and Biscuiteers with its impossibly photogenic exterior.

Get Lost in a Book in one of Notting Hill’s Independent Bookstores

Independent bookstores are a perfect match for picturesque streets, to-die-for cafes, and retro-chic. Notting Hill boasts quite a few good ones, including the Notting Hill Bookstore, which inspired the iconic film of the same name. Book and Kitchen combine two of our favorite things and is a definite must-see in Notting Hill.

Pop into the Museum of Brands

The Museum of Brands takes a critical look at the advertising industry and considers how branding shapes and reflects our society. It also strips back some of the psychology behind advertising. Visitors can see marketing materials throughout history, as well as frequent events, speakers, and workshops.

Hunt Out the Spots from The Notting Hill Film

Hunting out the filming locations from the 1999 film, Notting Hill, is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Notting Hill. The famous Notting Hill Bookstore is the setting for Anna and William’s meeting, and the blue door that led up to Wills’ humble abode can be found at 280 Westbourne Park Road.

Grab Lunch at Acklam Village Food Market

Acklam Village Market is a cool place to grab lunch after all the hunting down of movie sets and vintage shopping. It’s located a stone’s throw from Portobello Market or the famous Notting Hill blue door. Visitors can dine out on street food from around the world.

What About Notting Hill Carnival?

Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture that takes place annually in London. The carnival features colorful costumes, lively music, and delicious food, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting Notting Hill. With over two million visitors, the carnival has grown significantly from its humble origins in the 1960s.

The carnival takes place during the August bank holiday weekend and attracts people from all over the world. Visitors can expect to see a variety of performances, including steel pan bands, calypso singers, and reggae artists. In addition to the music, there are also plenty of food stalls serving up traditional Caribbean dishes.

Notting Hill Carnival is a family-friendly event that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to dance the day away or simply enjoy the atmosphere, the carnival is sure to be an unforgettable experience. So, if you’re in London during the August bank holiday weekend, be sure to check out Notting Hill Carnival.

Notting Hill Area Guide: Practical Information

Notting Hill is a neighborhood located in West London, specifically in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea. For those seeking accommodation in the area, The Distillery London is a recommended option. This distillery offers gin tastings and lodgings in a charming atmosphere that matches the neighborhood’s character. The Distillery is conveniently located near Notting Hill gate shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Visitors can easily access Notting Hill through public transport, which is highly recommended over driving due to the heavy traffic. Notting Hill Gate station, serviced by the Central Line, is the most central station and provides easy access to the neighborhood’s attractions. Additionally, Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove stations, on the Hammersmith and City and Circle lines respectively, are also close by.

Overall, Notting Hill is a vibrant neighborhood with a lot to offer. Visitors can enjoy the area’s unique character by staying at The Distillery and exploring the neighborhood’s attractions via public transport.