‘I’m just a girl standing in front of a boy asking him to love her’… Well no not really, but how else was I meant to start a post about what to see in Notting Hill London? 😉
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How to get to Notting Hill (Notting Hill station) –
Before we delve into all the amazing things to see in Notting Hill, I’ll start my guide by explaining how best to reach the London Neighbourhood. Thankfully it’s very accessible as the Central Line stops inches away from the main Notting Hill attractions at the Notting Hill Gate station.
Another Notting Hill tube station worth using (if it’s easier for you to travel on either the Circle or Hammersmith lines) is Ladbroke Grove station. This too is only about a 10minute walk away from Notting Hills centre! In this way, it couldn’t be easier to squeeze a trip into even the busiest London Itinerary.
Where To Eat In Notting Hill –
A Notting Hill guide wouldn’t be complete without suggestions of where to eat, and since I’d been exploring the nearby ‘Kensington Palace’ on the morning of my own visit to Notting Hill, I arrived in the area around midday with one thing on my mind – food! Thankfully I quickly learnt that the Notting hill food scene has a lot to offer!
READ MY ULTIMATE GUIDE TO VISITING KENSINGTON PALACE HERE
Westbourne Grove is home to some of the best restaurants in Notting Hill. I opted to have lunch at the 202 café on my own visit here which is linked to a boutique clothing store. This means you can eat and shop at the same time… and what’s better than that? Although a tad expensive, the food was to die for!
TOP TIP: If you visit on a Saturday, Notting Hill Portobello market comes alive with many hot food stores that serve delicious treats! There’s even a section where you can sit down and enjoy the spoils, making it the perfect place to eat in Notting Hill. 🙂
Things To Do in Notting Hill –
Shop at Portobello Market –
Out of all the things to do in Notting Hill, a trip to Portobello Market is top of everyone’s list… As I mentioned briefly above, every Saturday the bright and vibrant Portobello road comes alive with an antique’s market, which happens to be the biggest in the world. Portobello Market is undoubtedly the most famous of Notting Hill attractions and is the perfect place to find one of a kind antiques and vintage clothes.
Visting in the week, I sadly missed the market, but a visit to Portobello Road is still worthwhile whatever the day! Plus it’s along this road that you’ll also find some of the very best Airbnb’s in Notting Hill…
As I wasn’t staying, I simply enjoyed browsing the plentiful shops that permanently line the street. Moreover, as the ‘backbone’ of Notting Hill, it’s a fantastic place to take in the ‘vibe’ of the neighbourhood
Visit a vintage Cinema –
A more unique suggestion of what to see in Notting Hill is the Electic Cinema, one of the oldest working cinemas in Britain. This provides the opportunity to watch the latest blockbuster films in unparalleled comfort. This is thanks to the cinemas vintage leather armchairs and footstools. There are even double beds available for couples!
Bear in mind you’ll need to book online in advance and tickets start at £20 per person.
Drown your sorrows at ‘The Distillery’ –
Slightly further up Portobello road, the famous street has even more to offer in the form of ‘The Distillery‘.
Home to the internationally renowned ‘portobello road gin’, this working distillery has a quirky cocktail bar (with an extensive gin menu). I opted for the ‘Gin Mare’ Cocktail on a visit here which was certainly a very strong (but tasty) afternoon ‘pick me up’. 😉
In this way, I’d certainly suggest a visit to The Distillery to anyone asking me where to go in Notting Hill for a drink.
Gaze at colourful houses –
What I personally enjoyed the most about Notting Hill London, was its endless rows of colourful houses. The fabulous hues around every corner could brighten even the most overcast London day!
Highlights of what to see in Notting Hill include Lancaster Road (found at the top of Portobello Road) which features a rainbow of brightly coloured houses. Painted, red, purple and even green, these homes are certainly bold!
However, my favourite street in Notting Hill is actually the less famous Denbigh Terrace which has a more subdued feel, as pretty pastels hold rank.
While I can’t help but feel a little sorry for the homeowners whose houses are on everyone’s list of what to see in Notting Hill, I couldn’t help but stop for a little ‘Instagram shoot’ on this picture perfect street…
Explore Timeless Mews –
If Lancaster road and the Denbigh terraces weren’t enough to make you envious of anyone living in Notting Hill London, another of my top places to see in Notting Hill are the areas labyrinth of hidden Mew’s.
St Lukes Mews (near to Lancaster road) is certainly Instagram-worthy with its ivy-covered houses and white painted doors.
Colville Mews also deserves an honourable mention in my Notting Hill guide, although I did not personally have time to explore what it has to offer.
Finish the day with Gelato –
Exploring Notting Hill in summer can make you pretty hot! Therefore my final suggestion of what to do in Notting Hill is to grab some Gelato on Portobello Road, which has some of the best Gelato stores in the UK.
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To summarise my Notting Hill guide, the area offers the perfect mix of everything I love about London: adorable cafes, beautiful streets and unique shopping experiences. It also has a unique charm and vibrancy that can only be appreciated by visiting.
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what are your top things to do when exploring Notting hill? Let me know in the comments below:
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I used to live in London and this definitely made me miss the city *sobbing*. I remember visiting Portobello market as well but what I don’t remember is that Notting Hill was so beautiful. I want to go back!
Author
Awww a little nostalgia is good for the soul haha – you’ll have to return for sure 🙂
Ahhh I can’t wait to go back to London! Although living in Notting Hill would most likely be a little out of my price range, a girl can still dream. I will definitely be saving this for my trip back!
Author
The dream is certainly to live in one of the areas adorable houses for me too! Hope you enjoy your next trip
Oh my God, I have to here one day. I would be looking at the colorful houses all day long… And eating ice cream of course.
Author
That’s pretty much all I did aha
I love Notting Hill. Your post was well written and organized. Enjoyed reading, beth http://www.wisemommies.com
Author
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment x
Great post, i’m from London myself and love this particular area (I go to the carnival every year). Its nice to read about other things to do in the area
Author
You’re so lucky to live nearby! I haven’t been to the Carnival yet… But I am thinking of going with friends this year so am very excited, any tips?
Seriously, the best intro to a post ever! Haha.
Lancaster Road reminds me of The Painted Ladies in San Francisco. I’m sure when people buy those houses, they understand what a popular location they choose to live and just deal with the constant pictures. Hopefully visitors understand that they’re actual dwellings that people live in and act accordingly.
Author
There’s just no other way to start such a post haha.
That’s sure a good comparison! I loved all the beautiful buildings in San Francisco when I visited,
And I couldn’t agree more… I’d actually be flattered if people thought my house was pretty enough to Instagram haha
In all of my trips to London, I’ve never made it to Notting Hill. Ugh….such a regret. I really want to scour the Portobello Market for some treasures. Next time!
Author
The only problem in London is there’s so much to see! You should visit next time for sure 🙂
Notting Hill looks adorable!!! And that ice cream has won my heart haha! I wasn’t able to explore it during my last visit. Thanks for the great suggestions. I will definitely check it out during the next trip.
Author
It’s such a cute area! Ice cream is my weakness too haha
First off- I love the layout of your blog! Secondly- you have me missing LONDON! My friend is going this summer so I am going to send her your blog so she can have these tips! <3
Author
Awww Thankyou!! Hope she enjoys her trip x
I haven’t been to Notting Hill but it looks lovely! I’d love to visit Portobello Road, and then have a yummy gelato
Author
Pretty houses and gelato are definitely the best combination 🙂
This was a lovely read! I used to go to London a lot, but never went to Notting Hill. Feel like I’ve missed out reading your post. Oh well, off I must go!
Author
Hahaha it’s a tough revelation 😉
I used to live in London but unfortunately I didn’t get to explore Notting hill that much! Next time I go back I’ll need to go there hehe. Love all the photos!
Aw, Notting Hill was one of the first places we explored when we first moved to London… isn’t it gorgeous! Those colourful houses are ALL of our house goals 😍
Author
So gorgeous! mine too haha
Love Notting Hill! Great suggestions in this post 🙂 I especially love the colourful houses and the mews