Top Things to Do in Notting Hill London: 17+ Amazing Activities
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 activities 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.
Things to Do in Notting Hill: 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 places to visit 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