17+ Lovely Things to Do in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is just as pretty as I imagined it would be. Rows upon rows of colourful houses, eye-catching doors, and hidden mews. Layer in the boutique shops, bookstores, antiques, and endless eateries, this London neighbourhood checked all my boxes and I know it will for you too! Here is my guide to the loveliest things to do in Notting Hill.
Table of Contents
Things to Do in Notting Hill
1. Admire the Rows of Colourful Houses
There’s no mistaking it. The rainbow colourful houses of Notting Hill will have you swooning.
Homes and doors are painted every colour you can think of and there are no two alike. This Instagrammable area of London is a photo op waiting to happen.
Admiring these pretty pastel homes and colourful doors is an absolute must.
2. Walk the Prettiest Streets in Notting Hill
There’s no denying it, this lovely neighbourhood has some of the prettiest streets in London. And the colourful houses in Notting Hill play a big part.
What to see in Notting Hill are some of the best streets that are so swoon-worthy. Stroll…
- Colville Road, Colville Terrace
- Denbigh Terrace, Denbigh Road
- Hillgate Place, Farm Place
- Lancaster Road
- Lansdowne Rise, Landsdowne Road
- Rosmead Road
- Elgin Crescent
- Uxbridge Street
3. Find the Hidden Mews
There are hidden mews scattered all around London. But some of the best ones can be found right here.
You might be wondering what exactly a mews is. It refers to a small side street converted from stables. Although they were once the most basic accommodation for horses, now they’re hidden gems down a long alley often with pretty gardens framing their doors.
One of the most well-known is St Luke’s Mews, with its Instagrammable pink house, painted doors, and Love Actually film fame.
Others that stole my heart as well are Pencombe Mews and Colville Mews. Colville Mews is home to colourful shops and picture-pretty homes. Streets like Simon Close are worth peering into, too. Powis Mews is another one to seek out, although not as charming as others.
4. Hang out in a Notting Hill Cafe
Of all the things to do in Notting Hill, most simply come to this neighbourhood to hang out and catch up with a friend. And, they love to do that in a cafe. There’s no shortage of charming cafes in Notting Hill.
From chic cafes like Farm Girl cafe or the no-frills Coffee emporium for your coffee supplies and fresh brew.
5. Scout out The Notting Hill Movie Locations
Like most of us, I was introduced to Notting Hill through the famous Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie. If you’re a fan too, visit some of the most memorable locations is something you’re going want to do.
William Thacker’s bookshop was inspired by The Notting Hill Bookshop at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent. The famous blue door where characters William and Spike lived can be found at 280 Westbourne Park Road. And, the romantic midnight stroll through the secret gardens that William and Anna Scott took can be found on Rosmead Road. The gardens are private, so you can only catch a glimpse through the fence.
6. Spend some time on Portobello Road
Walk down Portobello Road, one of the most famous market streets in London. There’s an endless array of antique stalls, vintage boutiques and artisan shops from bakeries to cheese to fishmongers.
It’s one of the largest concentrations of antique stalls with over 1,000 dealers selling their treasures. This lively street also offers some delicious street food stands. You can easily spend an entire day strolling this 3 km-long street.
If the flea market is more to your taste, then head to the end toward Golborne Road. This area is known for finding the odd diamond in the rough, so if you’re patient and love to sift through a lot of junk you might just be lucky.
Travel Tips: Saturdays are the busiest day to visit the Portobello Street. Although it adds to the vibe, expect crowds. Notting Hill shops will be busier. Favourite restaurants might be tough to get into too.
7. Stop by the Museum of Brands
One might think that a museum about advertising is not worth seeing unless you’re really into media. But this is one of the most interesting and unusual museums in London.
It’s educational with a touch of nostalgia. A walk down memory lane featuring marketing materials throughout history. As well as learning the psychology behind advertising is a real eye-opener.
8. Peruse the Bookshops
From Books for Cooks to The Notting Hill Bookshop and Lutyens & Rubinstein, this neighbourhood is full of little bookshops. Grab your coffee and peruse the tiny shops that are ever so quaint.
9. Watch a Movie
One of the top things to do on a rainy day in Notting Hill would be to go to Electric Cinema.
It’s one of England’s oldest and most romantic movie houses. Sink into the deep red velvet chairs and enjoy a glass of wine, that’s right- no pop stand at this movie theatre.
10. Support the Local Arts & Culture
Visit The Tabernacle, a reformed old church now houses cultural activities and events everything from musicals to theatre to literary events.
The calendar of activities is always changing, so check out what activities might be on when you’re in this London neighbourhood.
11. Notting Hill Carnival
Visit over the August Bank Holiday weekend (toward the end of August) and be sure to join in on the multi-day party.
For 3 days, the streets shut down and celebrate Caribbean culture through food, music and costumes.
The Carnival began in the 1960s as a way to bring diverse communities together in this immigrant neighbourhood. The tradition continues and grows with every passing year.
12. Pass through Notting Hill Gate Farmers Market
By happenstance, I lucked out! I visited Notting Hill on a Sunday and stumbled upon the neighbourhood’s lively farmers market. Mere steps from the Underground you’ll find locals coming out in droves which creates this fun community vibe. Wondering what to do on a Saturday in Notting Hill, don’t forget to visit the Farmers Market.
13. Go for Brunch in Notting Hill
You don’t have to look very hard to find a yummy brunch place.
Granger and Co offer some scrumptious options that are both healthy and decadent – ricotta pancakes with melting honeycomb butter, anyone?
I don’t know about you, but anything with Eggs in the name gets my attention. Try Eggsbreak or Eggslut, they both have a great menu and atmosphere.
14. Linger over Lunch
Having every cookbook of star chef Yotam Ottolenghi, I knew I needed to try his Notting Hill location. Yum! It’s a great place for lunch or takeaway.
You can’t go wrong with the menu at Daylesford. An organic farm-to-fork menu featuring a lot of yummy vegan options, while the deli and bakery at street level sell freshly baked loaves and artisan cheeses.
Or, head to Westbourne Grove, where there is one of the best concentrations of restaurants in this neighbourhood.
15. Best Restaurants in Notting Hill
For fine dining quality without the stuffiness and formality go to Core by Clare Smyth, the female chef who won 3 Michelin stars.
Known as the best Greek restaurant in Notting Hill, Mazi, offer a modern take on Greek specialties.
16. Best Pubs in Notting Hill
Tucked away on a quiet street, seek out The Ladbroke Arms, for the best patio pub in Notting Hill, or The Hillgate located on one of the prettiest streets in this neighbourhood too.
The Portobello Star has been serving alcohol since 1740 and is known for its G&T- my kinda place!
The last notable pub is often thought of as Britain’s prettiest pub, The Churchill Arms.
17. Take a Guided Tour
Make the most of your time here and take a guided tour. Learn from a local expert as they whisk you to some of the best places.
- Notting Hill Walking Tour. Discover the neighbourhood with a local expert guide. Visit the Portobello Road market, see the famous blue door and music studios, and more.
- Notting Hill Photography Session. If you are looking for unique photos of yourself with your partner or family you are in the right place. With some of London’s prettiest locations as a backdrop, enjoy a professional photo shoot as a memento of your time in London.
FAQ About Notting Hill
How to get to Notting Hill?
Getting to this London neighbourhood is super easy. Take the underground and exit at any of the tube stations of Notting Hill Gate in the south and Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove in the north. Or, walk from Hyde Park and Kensington Palace.
Is Notting Hill worth visiting?
Yes, Notting Hill is worth visiting. The village-y feel is incredibly charming. Notting Hill is considered London’s most picturesque area due to its colourful houses. Lively streets, markets, events and festivals also make this a popular reason to visit this west-end London neighbourhood.
What’s the history of Notting Hill?
The history of Notting Hill has changed over the decades. From brickmaking in the 1800s through prosperity in the Victorian era, slum housing in the mid-20th century and migration from the Caribbean. Today, it’s largely an area of pretty townhomes and private gardens and is considered one of the most expensive areas to live in London.
What is Notting Hill famous for?
Notting Hill is famous for its colourful houses, the annual Notting Hill Carnival and Portobello Road Market. It’s also famous for its bookshops, especially after the movie The Notting Hill.
Where to Stay in Notting Hill
If you decide to make this neighbourhood your home base while visiting London, here are some recommendations for places to stay.
- The Laslett – a modern boutique 5-star hotel
- The Portobello Hotel – a boutique 4-star hotel famous for its rock-star guests who make this their go-to place to stay in the neighbourhood
- Or, do your own search here
Read more The Best Places to Stay in London + Vacation Rental and The Best Affordable Luxury Boutique Hotels in London and Best London Landmarks to add to your itinerary
As a holidaymaker…
I fell in love with Notting Hill. Of all the things to do in Notting Hill, I simply enjoyed gazing upon the rows and rows of colourful houses, eye-catching doors, and hidden mews. I lingered in bookstores, antique shops and cafes. Go here and you too will spend one of the loveliest days with so many things to do in Notting Hill.
