Best things to do in Notting Hill - visitlondon.com

Notting Hill area guide

Let the unique charm of cosmopolitan Notting Hill captivate you as you explore the neighbourhood's best things to do.
Woman in a blue sequined and feathered costume at Notting Hill Carnival in London.
Discover the vibrant personality of the Notting Hill neighbourhood at Notting Hill Carnival. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Notting Hill in west London is one of the capital's most desirable and Instagrammable areas, with iconic pastel-coloured houses and a thriving market.

You can find everything from world-famous events and restaurants to cutting-edge theatres in Notting Hill. Perhaps you'll even meet a film star in a travel book shop.

How to travel to Notting Hill

Notting Hill Gate is the main Tube station in the area, and it's served by the Central line, the District line and the Circle line. Alternatively, use Westbourne Park station or Ladbroke Grove station on the Hammersmith and City line and Circle line and then walk along Portobello Road towards Notting Hill Gate.

A number of London bus routes serve Ladbroke Grove and Notting Hill Gate. Download a free London travel map and plan your journey in advance.

Notting Hill Carnival

Every August bank holiday, a million people come out to celebrate Notting Hill Carnival, Europe's biggest street festival.

Notting Hill Carnival has a Caribbean festival theme, bringing a welcome splash of colour to west London. A huge parade of floats and performers runs along the Notting Hill Carnival route, filling the streets with intricate costumes, steel drum bands, marching bands, Calypso music and a variety of mouthwatering food. 

It's recommended to plan your visit to Notting Hill Carnival in advance because the festivities cover a wide area. Some London Underground stations in the area are closed or are exit only during the carnival weekend. Have a map of the carnival route, plus information about public toilets, bars, sound systems and medical centres.

Check the London weather forecast before you leave for Notting Hill Carnival. Put on sun cream and carry a pair of sunglasses, an umbrella and a bottle of water.

Portobello Market

Colourful buildings along Portobello Road in Notting Hill, west London, on a sunny day
Portobello Market in Notting Hill is one of London's best places to shop. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

The popular Notting Hill market is known as Portobello Market, so called because it runs along Portobello Road. Pay a visit to one of the best markets in London, and you'll discover something interesting to take home with you. 

The main day at Portobello Market is Saturday, although traders set up some market stalls from Monday to Friday. The main market on Saturday is a big day for antiques and bargain hunters, but you can also buy fresh fruit and vegetables, second-hand goods and vintage clothing.

Nearly a kilometre long, this bustling west London market offers an endless variety of merchandise. Dive in and you're sure to find a unique souvenir.

Notting Hill movie

The Notting Hill movie, directed by Roger Michell, was released in 1999. The romantic comedy starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant was a box office hit, and Notting Hill became a popular place to visit as much of the film was shot in and around the area.

Take the Notting Hill Film Tour to see some of the famous locations that were integral to the film and learn about the history of the area.

Things to do in Notting Hill

Two women walk down Portobello Road, which is filled with market stalls, in London
Shoppers love browsing the markets and unique shops in Notting Hill. Image courtesy of Shutterstock.

Find more than 12,000 original items that chart the evolution of consumer culture at the Museum of Brands, one of London's best unusual museums. Notting Hill is also a fantastic place to find small, independent art spaces such as Graffik Gallery, dedicated to urban art.

The crowning jewel in Notting Hill's entertainment scene is the Gate Theatre which, despite its tiny size, has gained a global reputation for fostering a wealth of new theatrical talent.

You can also see a fantastic mix of shows, dance and concerts at the Coronet Theatre, a Victorian-era theatre with diverse performance spaces. For a mix of comedy, literary and musical performances, check out The Tabernacle, which also has a bar and kitchen.

To see the latest movie releases in luxurious surroundings, the Electric Cinema on Portobello Road is well known for providing a comfy movie-going experience thanks to the plush sofas, footstools, side tables and bar service provided.

As well as the hundreds of market stalls at Portobello Market, Notting Hill has even more shopping opportunities to enjoy. Spend time browsing in Daylesford Organic for wholesome goods or in The Hummingbird Bakery for delicious cakes.

Find your next great read at the Notting Hill Bookshop and stock up on top cosmetic products and treatments at Space NK.

Restaurants in Notting Hill

Notting Hill is a hub for fashionable places to eat in London. The Notting Hill restaurant scene has a variety of options for every taste.

The Ledbury is one of many Michelin-starred restaurants in London. Find exquisite English cuisine at nearby Hereford Road.

For more international flavours, head to the buzzing pan-Asian tapas restaurant, E&O. Stop at Valentina Fine Foods for a spot of artisan charcuterie or book a table at Essenza for a hearty Italian meal.

Seek out Electric Diner for doughnuts and coffee. Farm Girl and Biscuiteers are worth a visit for their delicious Instagram-famous lattes, cakes and cool interiors.

Bars, pubs and clubs in Notting Hill

Uncover some of the best London bars and pubs around Notting Hill. For a quiet pint in the area, head to traditional pubs such as The HillgateThe CowThe Ladbroke Arms and the Cock & BottleThe Elgin is also a popular pub which puts on a diverse mix of live music throughout the week. 

If you're searching for something more glamorous, sashay your way to Beach Blanket Babylon, where you'll find some seriously tasty cocktails. At Trailer Happiness, head down the stairs to discover a retro Californian hideaway. For the best Notting Hill club, get down at Notting Hill Arts Club.

Accommodation in Notting Hill

Notting Hill's convenient location a short distance from central London and Westfield London shopping centre means it is one of the great places to stay in London.

For a boutique hotel in Notting Hill, book at the London House Hotel or Garden Court Hotel. If you need a bit more space, try the Grand Plaza Serviced Apartments. For a peaceful sleep in a quiet garden square, stay at The Premier Notting Hill.

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