Notting Hill, West London, within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is a captivating location with postcodes W11 and W10. This enchanting area is renowned for its annual Notting Hill Carnival, the film named after it and Portobello Road Market. But there’s so much more on offer, including the Museum of Brands, a choice of two cinemas and a theatre. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the food offerings, from upscale dining to healthy cafes and delightful bakeries. Shoppers can indulge in fashion boutiques, home décor shops and Portobello Road Market’s unique antiques and vintage treasures. The picturesque pastel colour houses and leafy avenues make it a must-visit part of West London. Join me on a tour of the best things to do in Notting Hill.
Best Things To Do In Notting Hill
The Notting Hill Carnival is a vibrant and annual Caribbean festival in the Notting Hill area. Originating in 1966, it has grown into Europe’s largest street festival, drawing over a million visitors yearly. During the August bank holiday weekend, the area comes alive with parades, carnival floats, steel bands, sound systems, music stages, stunning costumes, lots of dancing and plenty of Caribbean food.
Explore the acclaimed Portobello Road Market, a hub for antique enthusiasts with arcades and trader stalls. For vintage fashion lovers, Portobello Green is the place to be. For a mix of street food and live performances, head to Acklam Village Market. Saturdays are the best day to visit Portobello Road Market.
Reminisce at the Museum of Brands with a nostalgic walk through their time tunnel. It showcases the history of brands from the Victorian era to the present day. Also, check out the serene, subtropical garden, inviting cafe and gift shop. It is at 111-117 Lancaster Road, Notting Hill, London W11 1QT.
Regarding entertainment, you’ll find the Electric Cinema at 191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED, part of the Electric House Private Members Club. Pair your film with French-American dishes like Honey Fried Chicken at the Electric Diner. Alternatively, immerse yourself in art house films at The Gate Picturehouse, 87 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3JZ. Discover a diverse spectrum of arts, including theatre, film, dance, music and poetry, at The Coronet Theatre, a Grade II listed establishment presenting. It’s located at 103 Notting Hill Gate, London W11 3LB.
Wander through Notting Hill’s captivating streets. Admire the vibrant Victorian homes, picturesque, cobbled mews and quirky storefronts that warrant an Instagram moment. Architecture fans will enjoy a look at the striking brutalist design of the Trellick Tower. The Grade II* listed building by Ernő Goldfinger looms over Golborne Road. While there, visit the Goldfinger Shop, a venture dedicated to creating sustainable wooden furniture. If walking is your thing, the Grand Union Canal, which you can access near Trellick Tower, is an excellent way to explore the area.
Best Places To Shop In Notting Hill
Portobello Road Market, as previously mentioned, is an antique hunter’s paradise. Especially on Saturdays, the antique arcades peppered along the road unveil their treasures. Notable arcades include Antique 101, Gallery 117, Admiral Vernon Antiques, Harris’s, Red Lion Antiques, and Portobello Green.
When Portobello Road Market isn’t on, there are some great shops to explore. Don’t miss out on the whimsical charm of Alice’s on Portobello Road, reminiscent of an Alice in Wonderland tale with curiosity objects. Katrina Phillips showcases various items, from sacred volcanic stone incense burners to sage bundles. The Cloth Shop is a gem for those on a fabric quest. Also, map enthusiasts should visit Portobello Print and Maps Shop. Those who appreciate street art should browse around the Graffik Gallery.
Fashion fans will appreciate the curated collections on Portobello Road. Dive into vintage styles at Lovers Lane London and The House of Retro. Kin showcases unique handmade corsets crafted from recycled materials. Add a pop of colour with LuxStyle and embrace the preppy aesthetic at Stumper and Fielding. Further fashion finds await Westbourne Grove with brands like Free People and The Kooples on Golborne Road. You’ll find The Store, Yimy Made In Italy and the Sister Jane Townhouse.
For home decor enthusiasts, Golborne Street beckons with its array of exquisite interior shops. Arbon Interiors is the destination for refined fireplaces. Meanwhile, Les Couilles Du Chein offers a medley of decorative antiques. Muirshin Durkin will enthral with its unique vintage furniture. Also, seek out Fez for Moroccan accents, Susan Osbourne for tailored upholstery, A Rum Fellow for artisan rugs, and Trove for premium furniture. You’ll find curious collections at Universal Providers. Don’t forget to explore Soho Home on Westbourne Grove for more decor inspiration.
Music collectors, make your way to Notting Hill’s record stores. From Honest Jon’s and Rough Trade to Blue Grove Soundz, immerse yourself in expansive vinyl collections taking you on a journey from retro to new.
Try the Notting Hill Farmers Market at The Fox Primary School every Saturday from 10 am until 2 pm for fruit, veg, cheese, bread and cakes. Natoora on Elgin Crescent has the best selection of seasonal fruit and veg. For organic food, it has to be Daylesford Organic on Westbourne Grove.
Best Places To Eat In Notting Hill
Regarding brunch, Granger & Co and Farm Girl are top contenders. Sunday in Brooklyn, Beam and Lowry and Baker are also excellent. For a midday meal, consider the savoury quiches and salads at Daylesford Organic, or embrace the deli delights with outdoor seating at Golborne Deli. When evening rolls around, secure a spot at renowned establishments such as The Ledbury, Core by Clare Smyth, Akub, Orasay, Hereford Road, or The Shed. There are also plenty of pubs like The Elgin, The Ladbroke Arms and The Eagle to enjoy a Sunday roast at the weekend. Try.
Notting Hill offers an array of choices for those focused on healthy eating. Farmacy, Klear Labs, Roll Baby, Natoora, Daylesford Organic, Farm Girl and the Portobello Vegan Night Market provide nutritious options that don’t skimp on flavour. Alternatively, for a grab-and-go chance, Ottolenghi’s take-home salads are hard to resist.
When the craving for something sweet strikes, Notting Hill boasts a plethora of bakeries ready to satisfy your sweet tooth. Choose from Sally Clarke, Layla, Buns From Home, Klear Labs, Humming Bird, Kuro and Cheeky Scone.
Watch My Ten Things To Do In Notting Hill Video
Helpful Information About Notting Hill
While my favourite roads include Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove, Golborne Road, Elgin Crescent, Pembridge Road and Ledbury Road, there’s much more to uncover in Notting Hill.
Nearby attractions include Holland Park, The Design Museum and Kensington Church Street, with its antique shopping. If you’re curious about the area’s captivating history, visit the Notting Hill Wikipedia Page. To reach Notting Hill, you travel to many stations, including Notting Hill Gate, Westbourne Park, Latimer Road and Ladbroke Grove.
While you are in the area, you may find these articles of interest:
Best Things To Do In Notting Hill:
Ten Things To Do In Notting Hill
Ten Reasons To Visit Portobello Road
Ten Reasons To Visit Westbourne Grove
Ten Reasons To Visit Golborne Road
Paddington Basin to Trellick Tower Walk
Best Places To Eat In Notting Hill:
Natoora Kitchen And Grocery Elgin Crescent
Best Shops In Notting Hill:
Katrina Phillips Shop Portobello Road
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. Please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit to avoid disappointment.
