There’s so much to do in the west London wonderland that is Notting Hill – and whilst we wait for our dreams of living in one of those dreamy, pastel-fronted mews houses to come true; a visit for the day will have to suffice. From antiques markets to pretty pubs; here are the best things to do in Notting Hill.
1. Wander around the world famous Portobello Road Market
Did you know that anything and everything a chap can unload is sold here? Well, believe it, because Portobello Road Market is treasure trove of antiques, curiosities, and pretty much anything else you could want or need.
📍 London, W11 1LJ.
2. Hit up a rather gorgeous pub
The Churchill Arms is the pub that everybody’s seen splashed across social media. You know? The one with the £25k yearly flower budget and the outrageous Christmas display. There’s no denying that it’s a pretty good looking pub, but the whole area is full of charming boozers just begging for you to sink a pint at.
📍 119 Kensington Church Street, London, W8 7LN.
3. Check out the area’s famous filming locations
Yes, that is indeed the famous blue door from Notting Hill. We’d advise you don’t pose in front of it in your underwear, but it’s nice to dream about living here. Notting Hill is also the setting for that scene in Love Actually – you know, the one where the guy confesses his undying love to his best mate’s wife – yep, that one. If you want to follow in the footsteps of rom-com couples and learn intriguing tales about your favourite celebs then book yourself in for an enlightening celebrity and film location tour of the cinematic area.
4. Marvel at the ridiculously dreamy houses
Talking of that Love Actually scene, St Luke’s Mews is the exact street where it takes place – and the houses down there are absolutely gorgeous. But then again, so are the houses down most streets in Notting Hill – so get your camera and your walking shoes at the ready, folks.
5. Get a proper eyeful of colour
Even if you’ve never been to Lancaster Road before, you’ll have definitely seen it on Instagram. That stretch of colourful goodness is like catnip to content creators (and a curse on the long-suffering owners). Just remember – if you’re planning on paying a visit, don’t do anything you wouldn’t want someone doing on your own doorstep.
6. Sip on a very aesthetically pleasing coffee
Credit: @farmgirlcafe via Instagram
If you like your caffeine fix to be picture-perfect, head to the Notting Hill branch of Farm Girl. Boasting ‘farmhouse meets Californian coast’ vibes, this artfully on-trend cafe will serve you coffee in a range of vibrant colours, in the form of lavender lattes, liquid gold latte, and butterfly matcha.
📍 59A Portobello Road, London, W11 3DB.
7. Explore a rather famous bookshop
We’ll get this out there nice and early: the charming little bookhop from the film Notting Hill doesn’t technically exist in real life. I know, we were disappointed when we found out too. But, there’s always The Notting Hill Bookshop, which heavily inspired the one from the film, and Lutyens & Rubinstein, where you’ll discover modern classics aplenty.
8. Munch on hand-iced biscuits at this gorgeous little café
Credit: @biscuiteersltd via Instagram
Put down the custard creams and head to Biscuiteers if you’re looking for a proper biscuit. Handmade and painstakingly iced, these creations are delightful to look at and even more delightful to eat. They also hold biscuit icing classes so you can have a go yourself.
📍 194 Kensington Park Road, London, W11 2ES.
9. Catch a flick at a ritzy old cinema with double beds in it
For the ultimate cinematic relaxation, plonk yourself in the front row of the Electric Cinema. Or more specifically, into one of their double beds – preferably with a nice blanket to huddle under. Essentially, it’s a pimped up version of Netflix in bed – what more could you want?
📍 191 Portobello Road, London, W11 2ED.
10. Watch a captivating performance at a Grade II listed theatre
Whilst you’re in the area, be sure to pay a visit to the Coronet Theatre and see what’s on. Home to a carefully curated programme of exceptional international arts, this restored Grade II listed theatre is a must visit when in Notting Hill.
📍 103 Notting Hill Gate, London, W8 7TA.
11. Sip on some locally distilled gin
Credit: @portobelloroaddistillery via Instagram
Also nestled away in Notting Hill is the Ginstitute, one of the world’s leading gin experiences. Head on a detailed journey through the history of the spirit, be expertly guided through the blending process, and created your very own bespoke gin. We’ll drink to that!
📍 171 Portobello Road, London, W11 2DY.
12. Party all day long at the kick-ass Carnival
We’ve possibly saved the best until last here. Every August bank holiday, the streets of Notting Hill are flooded with a spectacular dancing parade. This vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture is a true staple of summer in London and it’s got to be done at least once in your life!
So, there you have it – a roundup of the best things to do in Notting Hill. From pubs to antiques markets, there’s plenty of stuff to do here. So what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to W11 and see what you find!