Notting Hill
Best things to do in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is undeniably one of the most famous areas of London. It was popularised for many by the hit film of the same name, featuring a young Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts. Since then, it’s experienced an intense tourist boom, with many coming to see the colourful town houses and cafes made famous by the film. In truth, Notting Hill had a vibrant life before the film and remains an area of extreme contrast – in which some of the poorest areas of London lie alongside the most affluent. The Notting Hill Carnival – an event that celebrates the caribbean influence in the area – is not to be missed, but the visitor to Notting Hill will find amazing things to do all year round. To help you out, here’s our guide to the best things to do in Notting Hill!
Portobello Road Market
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Top of our list of the best things to do in Notting Hill is Portobello Road. Portobello Road is probably the world’s best known market. Though famous for antiques, that’s not all that you can find perusing the colourful market stalls. It’s also a haven for lovers of fashion, food, books and music; and anyone who wants to find something unique or loves a bargain. We recommend spending a good few hours hunting for treasure, and meeting some of the characters of west London!
Opening Times: Sun-Thu: 09.00-18.00, Thur: 19.00-22.00, Fri-Sat: 09.00-19.00
Getting Here By Tube
Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith&City and Circle Lines)
Notting Hill Gate (Central, District&Circle Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 and 452.
Getting Here By Car
Arthur Court NCP, (020 7229 9381), Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 4QH.
Notting Hill Carnival
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Famous Carnival
The Notting Hill Carnival is centred around a huge parade that makes its way through the Notting Hill area of London every August Bank Holiday weekend. The carnival is a gigantic celebration of Caribbean culture, where people dress up in traditional carnival costumes and dance to the beats of the drums and the speakers that line the route. It’s a mostly free event, where you can follow the crowd and enjoy the traditional Caribbean fare from the pop-up street sellers on the side of the road, as well as a few rum cocktails!
August Bank Holiday, 10.00-Late
Getting Here By Tube
Notting Hill Gate Station (Central, District&Circle)
Getting Here By Bus
27, 28, 52, 328
Getting Here By Car
Q Park Queensway (0113 238 4200), 26 Queensway, London W2 3RX
The Gate Theatre
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Famous Theatre
The Gate Theatre sits above the Prince Albert pub in Notting Hill. Since its opening in 1979, it has been producing fantastic, high quality theatre that aims to tackle “big ideas of global concern”. If you’re into getting to the beating heart of British theatre, then The Gate is definitely worth a visit on your trip to Notting Hill. Just listen to the famous British actor Bill Nighy: ”The Gate is our oxygen. It should be on the NHS.”
You can find out more about Notting Hill on our amazing London Walking Tour
See website for show times
Getting Here By Tube
Notting Hill Gate Station (Central, District&Circle Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
27, 28, 52, 328
Getting Here By Car
Q Park Queensway (0113 238 4200), 26 Queensway, London W2 3RX
The Tabernacle
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Community Centre
Built in an old church, The Tabernacle is now a secular centre serving the needs of the community. Head there to find inventive shows and delicious Jamaican food in a beautiful setting. The place served as a rehearsal place for The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd in the 90s, and has been visited by Malcolm X and Muhammad Ali.
You can find out more about the Tabernacle on our amazing London Walking Tour.
Opening Times: 9am-23:30pm
Getting Here By Tube
Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith&City and Circle Lines)
Notting Hill Gate (Central, District&Circle Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 and 452.
Getting Here By Car
Arthur Court NCP, (020 7229 9381), Queensway, Bayswater, London W2 4QH.
Holland Park
Holland Park used to be the grounds of Cope Castle, a large Jacobean Mansion. It was then renamed Holland House before being badly damaged in WW2. It is now one of the best parks in London. Take a refreshing stroll around Holland Park and you’ll soon feel like you’re in the heart of the English Countryside. Be sure to check out the peaceful Kyoto Gardens or play with the giant chess-set. The soup and carrot cake from the cafe is delicious, but the pigeons will try to steal it from you if you decide to sit outside!
Opening Hours: 9am-9pm
Getting Here By Tube
Holland Park (Central Line)
Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith&City, Circle Lines)
Notting Hill Gate (Central, District&Circle Lines)
Getting Here By Bus
7,12, 23, 27, 28, 31, 52, 70, 94, 328 and 452.
Getting Here By Car
Holland Park Car Park, Abbotsbury Rd, Kensington, London W14 8EP