Places to Go in Notting Hill for a Perfect Day Out

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What to See in Notting Hill

I take my time wandering through the streets, as there’s so much to notice. Whether it’s the colours of the houses, a bookshop that’s luring me in, or a tucked-away alley, I will never tire of this part of London, and recommend it as a place to stay when visiting.

Portobello Road Market is the first stop for many, and for good reason. It stretches for what feels like forever, packed with antiques, vintage clothes, street food, and stalls selling everything from old maps to silverware. I go early before the crowds settle in, grabbing a tea and pastry as I browse without feeling rushed.

The pastel-coloured houses are a Notting Hill signature. I liked walking down Lancaster Road and discovering some of the pretty streets like Lansdowne Rise, Colville Road, and Landsdowne Road. These are the kind of streets that make you slow down just to take them in.

I always stop by a bookshop or two while I’m here. The Notting Hill Bookshop, made famous by the film Notting Hill, is a nice visit, but I’m just as happy browsing the shelves of smaller independent stores. There’s something about flipping through secondhand books in an old shop that feels like its own kind of sightseeing.

Beyond the main streets, the mews and side alleys are some of my favourite spots to explore. They’re quieter, lined with converted stables and flower-covered facades, and they make Notting Hill feel more like a village than part of a big city. Wandering without a plan usually leads to the best surprises. St. Luke’s Mews, in particular, is a quiet little corner—famous for its cameo in Love Actually, but even better in real life.

Things to Do in Notting Hill

Notting Hill is one of those places where you don’t need a strict itinerary or where you’ll find the famous London landmarks. I usually just walk until I find something interesting—which doesn’t take long. But if you’re looking for ideas, here are a few things I discovered.

I like to start the day by supporting a local independent café like Farm Girl. This neighbourhood has plenty of them, and each has its own personality. Some are great for people-watching, others for tucking into a book while the world moves around you. For me, all I need is a good herbal tea and a quiet table by the window, that’s an easy way to spend an hour.

If you, like me, first discovered Notting Hill through the famous Hugh Grant movies, you might want to visit some of its iconic filming locations. William Thacker’s bookshop was inspired by The Notting Hill Bookshop at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent, while the famous blue door from his flat is at 280 Westbourne Park Road. As for that romantic midnight stroll through the private gardens on Rosmead Road—you can’t go in, but you can catch a glimpse through the fence.

Brunch is another must when in Notting Hill. Granger and Co. offer some seriously good options, whether you’re in the mood for something healthy or fully indulgent. Their ricotta pancakes with melting honeycomb butter? That was my pick, and I’d order it again in a heartbeat. If, like me, anything with “Eggs” in the name grabs your attention, Eggsbreak and Eggslut are both great choices for a quick meal—because let’s be honest, eggs done right never disappoint.

For movie buffs, there is the Electric Cinema. It’s one of the oldest cinemas in London, and watching a film here is a completely different experience. Sink into the deep red velvet chairs with footstools with a glass of wine, or even beds in the front row. It’s the kind of place that makes going to the movies feel special again. Had it been a rainy day, this might have tempted me to do this.

For lunch, I had to stop at Ottolenghi Notting Hill—because if you own every one of his cookbooks, it’s basically a requirement. The counter is packed with colourful salads, roasted veggies, and pastries, making it just as good for takeaway as it is for a sit-down meal. And yes, it really is yum-my.

Another great choice is Daylesford, where everything is organic and farm-to-table. Plenty of great vegan options here, plus a deli and bakery downstairs selling fresh bread and artisan cheeses. I grabbed their loaf of the day—banana nut—and let’s just say it didn’t last long.

If you’re up for exploring, Westbourne Grove has some of the best restaurant choices in Notting Hill. Whether you want something casual or a long, lazy lunch, this stretch of road has plenty to pick from.

If it’s the right time of day, I’ll stop at a local pub. Notting Hill has some great ones, from classic British pubs with wooden interiors like The Churchill Arms to spots with pretty terrace gardens like The Ladbroke Arms. A pint, a casual chat with the bartender (he was the one who told me about the Notting Hill Carnival), maybe a Sunday roast if you’re not vegetarian like me.

If you’re visiting in August, the Notting Hill Carnival is something else. The streets turn into one massive celebration, with music, dancing, and food stalls everywhere. It’s loud, crowded, and full of energy—the complete opposite of a slow travel moment, but I’m told absolutely worth experiencing at least once.

Notting Hill Things to Do Off the Beaten Path

While Notting Hill’s well-known spots are hard to beat, there are a few hidden gems I discovered.

The Museum of Brands is a quirky stop, tucked away on Lancaster Road. It’s all about the history of packaging and advertising, which sounds a bit niche, but it’s surprisingly fun. You’ll find everything from vintage cereal boxes to old-school TV ads—definitely worth a quick detour.

For a little quiet, head to Holland Park. Just a short walk from the main action, this park is such a serene spot, especially the Kyoto Garden and its Japanese-style landscaping.

If you’re in the mood for art, which I am, there are some great independent galleries in the area. I found a couple along and near Westbourne Grove (sorry I forget the names).

I found these little gems add that extra layer of charm to a place already full of it.