17+ Fun Things to Do in Notting Hill from a London Local
Thinking about what to do in Notting Hill? Discover one of London’s best areas with our Notting Hill area guide and the best things to do in Notting Hill.
Notting Hill is one of London’s trendiest neighborhoods. Full of music, markets, and all things hipster and bohemian, London Notting Hill has seen much change in recent years yet it’s still managed to retain a truly fun and influential air about it.
Head to Notting Hill at the weekend and you’ll be able to shop for antiques and eat at some of the best cafes in the area. Not only that you can also check out the iconic sights like the Electric Cinema and the Notting Hill movie filming locations. The Notting Hill area makes for the perfect day out in London with friends, family or your other half.
If you’re wondering what to see in Notting Hill, keep reading this Notting Hill area guide. Find out about the best attractions, restaurants, and cafes and what to do in Notting Hill for the perfect day out in London.
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Where is Notting Hill?
Notting Hill is a lovely, mainly residential neighborhood in West London. It’s trendy and fashionable and one of London’s most desirable places to live. It’s located close to Kensington, Hyde Park, Paddington, and Shepherd’s Bush.
How to Get to Notting Hill?
Notting Hill is located fairly centrally in London and it’s easy to get to. Depending on where you’re coming from, you’ll be able to access Notting Hill by bus, car or tube.
The best way to get to Notting Hill is by tube. Notting Hill station is the best place to start your day out in Notting Hill. It’s served by the Central, Circle, and District Lines.
Alternatively, you can also alight at Ladbroke Grove or Westbourne Park to start exploring from the north. These are both served by the Circle and Hammersmith and City lines.
If you’re coming from nearby getting a bus to Notting Hill might make more sense. There are many buses that crisscross the area including the 27, 28, 52, 328, 452, 94, and 148.
To plan your journey to Notting Hill Gate you can use the TFL Journey Planner here.
It’s also possible to drive but unless you have a local parking permit it might not be worth it. London traffic is pretty chaotic and parking is difficult to find and can be expensive. It’s a much better idea to get the tube.
Wonderful Things to Do in Notting Hill
There are so many things to do in Notting Hill, from the iconic Portobello Market to lesser-known gems like Tabernacle Theatre and Graffik Gallery. It’s one of the best places in London to search for antiques, see some of London’s loveliest properties and explore different cultures of the world.
You could easily spend the whole day in Notting Hill in London just soaking it all in. These are the best things to do in Notting Hill.
When visiting Notting Hill, make sure to download our very own Notting Hill map on Google Maps here.
Wander through Portobello Market
One of the things Notting Hill is most famous for is Portobello Market (also referred to as Notting Hill Market).
The iconic market is one of London’s best. Portobello Market has always been there throughout history but it was really in the 1940s when locals started selling their wares. It later attracted more and more traders specializing in antiques and brick-a-back. To this day it’s still antiques that Portobello Road Market is known for.
During the week Portobello Road is filled with quirky independent Notting Hill shops, cafes, and restaurants but it really comes alive at the weekend.
Portobello Road Market is one of the best things to do in London on a Saturday, when the street fills up with antique dealers, farmers, and souvenir sellers all selling a variety of eclectic products. Things to look out for at Portobello Road Market include clothes, antiques, brick-a-back, and gifts.
Right next to Portobello Road Market you’ll also find Notting Hill Farmer’s Market, the perfect place for buying some organic produce at the weekend- think freshly baked sourdough loaves, fruit, and vegetables, cheeses, and meats as well as ready-made food to go.
One of the best shops in Notting Hill to look out for is Alice’s antique shop which was featured in the Paddington movies.
If you prefer a guided tour through Notting Hill and Portobello Market rather than just walking around alone make sure check out this tour. This Classic Notting Hill Walking Tour will take you around the area with a local expert guide and even show you where the famous residents live.
Watch a Movie at the Electric Cinema
Electric Cinema on Portobello Road is one of London’s oldest cinemas and it’s absolutely beautiful. If you’re planning to head to the cinema when you’re in London skip the rest and head straight here. A movie at the Electric Cinema is one of the best Notting Hill activities.
With some of its original decor still in place, you can opt for a sofa for two, order food and drinks at the bar, and sit back and watch a movie in style. Other seating options include leather armchairs, large sofas, and even a velvet double bed. Seats include side tables, footstools, and cashmere blankets! – yep, the most luxurious cinema experience you’ll get.
They screen many different types of movies from popular hits to award-winning independent cinema. To check what’s on click here.
Have Brunch at Farm Girl
There are quite a few amazing cafes and restaurants that have popped up in Notting Hill over the last few years. One of the best cafes in Notting Hill is definitely Farm Girl. This beautifully decorated, Aussie-style cafe is one of the best spots for brunch in Notting Hill so make sure to arrive with an empty stomach.
Grab a rose latte, an açai bowl, avocado toast, or some fruit pancakes, and start your morning in Notting Hill in the best way possible.
If you’re looking for some other best places to eat in Notting Hill make sure to check out Farmacy, a plant-based restaurant for brunch, lunch, and dinner as well as The Ledbury, Sumi, and Sunday in Brooklyn.
See art at the Graffik Gallery
One of the best places to go in Notting Hill for art lovers is the Graffik Gallery. Located at the top end of Notting Hill, the Graffik Gallery is one of the best independent galleries in the area showcasing the best of young talent in London.
The focus here is urban and street art and you’re very welcome to come in and take a look around. Most work is for sale so if you’re in the market for a new piece of art, make sure to stop by.
Visit the Filming Locations of Notting Hill
You’ve probably seen the iconic 90s film that made Notting Hill one of the most famous areas in London today. The movie was almost entirely filmed in London and many parts of it in Notting Hill.
When thinking about Notting Hill things to do, checking out the Notting Hill movie filming locations is one of the most popular.
The Notting Hill bookstore is a must, the very place where Anna and William met for the first time. It’s worth noting that since the movie, a number of ‘fake’ bookstores have sprouted in the area claiming to be the original movie bookstore. The original store is on Blenheim Crescent, just off Portobello Road.
Next, make sure to also visit the famous blue door- located at 280 Westbourne Park Road.
Finally the Notting Hill movie park, the one where they drunkenly break-into at night? This park is actually Rosmead Gardens, also in Notting Hill. Just make sure not to break in, these gardens are private property and trespassing here is illegal.
Visit the Museum of Brands
The Museum of Brands is one of the most unique and colourful things to do in Notting Hill England. If you’re a marketing guru or a brand lover then make sure to come along to this wonderful and quirky museum in London.
The Museum of Brands will take you on a journey of the history of brands, past marketing campaigns, and a few examples of ads 100 years ago. Their permanent collections are such a fun way to discover the history of consumer culture.
The museum is located in Colville Mews, near Ladbroke Grove tube Station.
Get a coffee at Electric Diner
The Electric Diner is another super trendy spot for drinks, coffee, brunch, or a late bite. Located right next to the Electric Cinema, the diner is the perfect place for a meal or drink after a movie. Feast on plates of all-day breakfast or opt for a salad or just coffee.
Don’t forget that if you’re heading to see a film at the Electric Cinema from Monday-Thursday you’ll get 50% off your meal here.
Grab a Pint at The Churchill Arms
While in Notting Hill make sure not to pass up the chance for a drink at London’s prettiest pub. The Churchill Arms is one of the best pubs near Notting Hill Gate tube station. It’s also London’s most photographed pub, thanks to its amazing flower displays on its exterior.
As a traditional London pub, you can grab a pint of beer or ale. The Churchill Arms Notting Hill Gate also does some really great Thai food which I recommend to finish the day.
Some other great pubs in the Notting Hill area include The Elgin, The Ladbroke Arms, The Prince Albert.
Party at the Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival is one of London’s most spectacular events. The Notting Hill Carnival takes place every year during the August Bank Holiday Weekend, generally towards the end of the month.
Join the UK’s most colourful street party and get a glimpse at all the amazing dancers and floats, street bands, Caribbean food, and more. You’ll be able to get the best of London’s Caribbean culture while also being able to see some of the best of Notting Hill.
Snap a Photo at Colville Mews or St. Luke’s Mews
The London borough of Kensington is famous for its mewses, small alleyways, or courtyards dating back to much before the 20th Century. Before the invention of the motor vehicle, mewses were built as rows of stables or carriage houses with living quarters above them.
During the 20th Century, these alleys were converted into garages for cars and much later, homes. Today, cobblestone mews can be found all over Kensington and many of them boast gorgeous modern houses with beautiful finishings.
Notting Hill also has some lovely mewses. St. Luke’s Mews is probably one of the most famous, mainly due to having been used as a filming location for the Christmas movie hit, Love Actually. Colville Mews is also another lovely mews to take a walk through and snap some pictures.
Just remember that these are quiet residential streets with locals living in them so make sure to be respectful.
Sample Michelin-star dining at The Ledbury
The Ledbury is easily the best restaurant in Notting Hill and a splendid spot to treat yourself to some Michelin-starred cuisine, uh-hum, sorry, that’s double Michelin-star cuisine.
Head chef Brett Graham serves up a beautiful tasting menu in a neutrally decorated restaurant which we adore. The food is expertly crafted and presented and it’ll have you sampling the best of modern British cuisine.
If you can’t make it for dinner, they also offer a lunchtime tasting menu and they also adapt to vegetarian requirements. The Ledbury is closed on Sunday and Monday.
Buy Art at The Maddox Gallery
Located a little further towards Westbourne Grove, the Maddox Gallery is another great gallery to visit in the area. It’s a great place to learn more about London’s leading contemporary artists and their work.
Exhibitions here change frequently so it’s always a good idea to walk past and see what’s on. To see what’s on before your visit check out their website here.
Admission is free and you’re welcome to explore the art at your own pace. There’s always someone around to answer any questions you might have.
Visit the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park
So maybe this isn’t quite Notting Hill but that doesn’t mean you can’t finish the day in one of London’s most underrated parks. Holland Park is just a 15-minute walk from Notting Hill Gate and is well worth it for a peaceful walk or picnic. In the autumn time especially this park is simply gorgeous.
One of the best things to see in Holland Park is the pretty Kyoto Garden, a Japanese Garden with distinct features.
Kyoto Gardens is the place to walk through, relax on a bench, do some meditation, and enjoy being surrounded by nature.
Visit Trellick Tower- London’s Ugliest Building
Not exactly one of the best Notting Hill attractions, Trellick Tower is a ghastly building just north of Notting Hill. No, it’s not pretty and you probably won’t want to get close but it is an interesting part of London’s architectural history.
Trellick Tower is a Grade II listed tower block designed by architect Erno Goldfinger. It was built in the Brutalist style in the 70s. The building sought to update social housing in the area. When completed, however, Trellick Tower became a center for drug abuse, crime, vandalism, and prostitution.
Since then many various security measures were put in place and crime rates began to lower until the 90s when it became quite a desirable place to live. Today the block has a mixture of private and social housing and it’s still as imposing as ever.
Try World Cuisine at Acklam Village Market
Located just by Ladbroke Grove station, Acklam Village Market is a wonderful world food marketing located right in Notting Hill. As if there weren’t enough eating options in Notting Hill already, Acklam gives you an opportunity to try different foods from around the world.
It’s a great, budget spot to eat and perfect for grabbing a quick bite while walking around Notting Hill and Portobello Market. Here you’ll find food from all over the world including Spanish, Jamaican, Indian, Venezuelan, Chinese, and more.
Make sure to also browse the rest of the market for vintage clothes and jewelry, vinyl records, antiques, and more.
Grab a Show at The Tabernacle
The Tabernacle is a cultural and arts entertainment venue. It’s one of the best places in Notting Hill for shows and exhibitions. Throughout the year, you’ll find many different events held at the theatre from classical music concerts to Christmas pantomimes. It’s also a lovely place for catching a local exhibition.
Not only that, but the building is also pretty impressive. The red brick and terracotta facade building is a grade II listed building with unique spires on each side. It was actually originally built as a church back in 1887.
To see what’s on at the Tabernacle, check their website here.
Take a photo with the Pastel Colored Houses
Ask a Londoner what comes to mind when they think of Notting Hill and they’ll say the beautiful pastel-colored houses. Notting Hill is famous for them and if you want to brighten up your Instagram feed then make sure to seek out these homes.
Where the best houses are for you will depend on what kinds of colours you want to go for. If you’re looking for strong, bright colours then head to Lancaster Road. If you want more subdued pastels then I recommend going for a walk right next to Notting Hill Station.
My personal favorite streets for colourful houses are Hillgate Place and Hillgate Street as well as Farmer’s Street. The houses here are also in great condition.
If you are taking photos in front of the colourful houses then just remember to be respectful. These are people’s homes so make sure to behave accordingly.
Are you ready to explore what to do in Notting Hill? Let me know your questions and comments below, I’d love to hear from you.
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