Where to Stay in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a loosely defined area in west London known for being a cosmopolitan and multicultural neighbourhood, hosting the annual Notting Hill Carnival and Portobello Road Market. Portobello Road is a popular location for people looking to stay in the area, as it stretches almost all the way across Notting Hill and is therefore perfect for exploring the area. On the western side is Ladbroke Grove, which is something of a cultural melting pot and is one of the key locations for the famous Notting Hill Carnival. Those looking to experience a quieter side of the area will be best suited to Westbourne Green - a predominantly residential area that is still in the heart of the neighbourhood. Alternatively, North Kensington will be recognised by many as the location for most of the Notting Hill movie, however, it is a more vibrant area and many prefer not to stay in the immediate vicinity.
Facts About Notting Hill
Notting Hill was of course immortalised in the eponymous movie, but the area had a long and rich history long before the Hollywood A-listers descended upon it. Notting Hill was once known as an area of poverty before investment, development and changing fashions transformed it into the affluent area it is today. Below are a few interesting facts about Notting Hill:
- The name Portobello (from the famous Portobello Road) honours the capture of Puerto Bello from the Spanish in 1739.
- Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street festival in Europe.
- Many areas in Notting Hill are named after the Ladbroke family - wealthy bankers who developed much of the area during the 19th-century building boom
- The ‘Notting Hill Set’ has been used to refer to a group of Conservative politicians, including David Cameron and George Osborne, who was once based in Notting Hill.
- The hill from which Notting Hill takes its name has its summit in the middle of Ladbroke Grove.
Things to Do in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a vibrant and diverse area that benefits from being close to many of London’s other popular areas. As such, many of the capital’s famous landmarks and attractions are within easy reach, making Notting Hill one of the best neighbourhoods from which to enjoy the wider city. From fascinating museums to world-famous carnivals, Notting Hill really does have something for everyone.
What is there to do in Notting Hill?
There are different things to do in Notting Hill depending on the time of year. Of course, the area is most well-known for its carnival - the biggest in Europe - which occurs every year over the August bank holiday. However, there are also plenty of other things going on throughout the year - from world-famous markets to specialty film festivals. There is also always the option to head into London central and enjoy its excellent cultural attractions.
Are there many outdoor attractions in Notting Hill?
Notting Hill is a fantastic place in which to spend the summer months. Not only does it host its famous carnival in August, but there are also several parks and gardens to enjoy the sunshine. In fact, Notting Hill is just a short walk away from London’s famous Hyde Park, which offers sprawling greenery and hosts several events throughout July and August.
What are some free things to do in Notting Hill?
London has a reputation as an expensive city, however, this is a little unfair, as England’s capital also offers plenty of free things to do. In Notting Hill, visitors can enjoy perusing antiques, partaking in some extreme sports or exploring ornate parks - and all for free. Alternatively, many of London’s major museums are within easy reach of the neighbourhood and offer free entry all year round.
Are there many family-friendly attractions in Notting Hill?
Notting Hill is an ideal location for families - with plenty of parks and green spaces to enjoy games in the summer and numerous family-friendly attractions, such as museums, theatres and cultural events. What’s more, children are often more than entertained by the eclectic stalls and vendors at the famous Portobello Market.
Places to Visit in Notting Hill
There are numerous landmarks and attractions in Notting Hill, ranging from the traditional to the modern and its central location means it is also the ideal place from which to explore London. As a hip and upscale part of the city, Notting Hill welcomes a huge amount of both domestic and international tourists and this is reflected in its myriad amenities and places to see. Some highlights include:
- Portobello Market - iconic antique market - the world's largest with over 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectable.
- The Electric Cinema - stylish cinema showing popular and art-house movies and offering much more space than most commercial venues.
- Bay Sixty 6 - famous skatepark and recreation area that has been the backdrop for numerous movies and music videos.
- Museum of Brands - a 12,000-strong collection of packets, adverts, and items from the Victorian era to the present day.
- Kensington Palace - royal palace and gardens, with exhibits on former residents like Queen Victoria and Princess Diana.
- Hyde Park - a sprawling national park with plenty of grassy areas as well as a stunning aquatic display.
- Leighton House Museum - the former home of Lord Leighton with intricately tiled Arab Hall, paintings and sculpture collection.
Places to Eat in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a diverse, multicultural neighbourhood and this is more than reflected in its eclectic array of restaurants and eateries. In fact, visitors to the area will find they can choose from anything and everything - from fine dining to street food, with cuisine from all over the globe represented.
The following are good options for those looking for high-end dining experiences:
- Westbourne Green.
- The Ledbury.
- Flat Three.
Alternatively, for more casual eating:
- The Fish House.
- Granger and Co.
- Saporitalia.
- Portobello Ristorante Pizzeria.
Notting Hill is also famous for its ethnic cuisine, with popular places including:
- Mestizo Mexican Restaurant.
- Ottolenghi Notting Hill.
- Fez Mangal.
- Durbar Tandoori Restaurant.
Street Food in Notting Hill
The area’s diversity also makes it a great location for trying ethnic and convenience foods. In fact, street food in Notting Hill is some of the best in London. Portobello Road is a great place to start for those looking to enjoy some local specialties - especially up towards Ladbroke Grove. Some of the more popular vendors include:
- Panella London Sicilian Street Food.
- Gecko Street.
- Taqueria.
- MAM - Vietnamese BBQ.
Shopping in Notting Hill
There are a few options when it comes to shopping in Notting Hill. Firstly, like many iconic London neighbourhoods, Notting Hill offers its own high street with plenty of character. Instead of the usual chain stores, visitors will find plenty of independent retailers, from specialist booksellers like The Notting Hill Bookshop and Books for Cooks to local fashions such as Matchefashion, Woodhouse Clothing, and Oliver Spencer. Alternatively, those seeking more familiar brands can head to one of the many shopping malls within easy reach of Notting Hill.
These include:
- Westfield London.
- Portobello Precinct.
- Rogers Gallery.
- Broadway Shopping Centre.
- W12 Shopping Centre.
- Kings Mall Shopping Centre.
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Transportation in Notting Hill
Notting Hill benefits from being covered by Transport for London services, offering one of the biggest and most comprehensive public transport networks in the world. The London Underground is usually the preferred means of getting around the city centre, and Notting Hill is served by several stations, including:
- Notting Hill Gate.
- Queensway.
- Holland Park.
- Ladbroke Grove.
- Latimer Road.
- Bayswater.
As it has so many tube stations in its vicinity, Notting Hill can be reached via the Circle Line, Central Line, and the Hammersmith and City Line. Journeys can be paid for using the Oyster card system, which offers the most cost-effective means of paying for transport - particularly for those planning to make regular trips.
Notting Hill is also well served by London Buses, with around five different routes operating locally, as well as three-night bus services.
Weather in Notting Hill
London has a reputation for being something of a rainy city, however, the south-east of England has four distinct seasons - ranging from hot summer months from June to September, where temperatures can exceed 30°C, to winter months where it is common to see snowfall. Many people prefer to visit Notting Hill in early autumn, as the weather is slightly milder and the area is particularly picturesque during this season, however, August is when the neighbourhood welcomes the most visitors, thanks to the famous carnival. However, London’s reputation for rain is not completely unfounded and there is always a chance for showers, so visitors should pack accordingly!
