Things To Do In Notting Hill - London Neighbourhood Guide

Welcome to Notting Hill – a lively London pocket known for its iconic market, unique museums, and colourful character. As locals, we’re sharing everything you need to know: the must-do highlights and the hidden gems we love.

Picture Notting Hill, and you probably imagine rows of candy-coloured houses, the bustling energy of Portobello Road Market, or maybe even that famous blue door.

And you wouldn’t be wrong.

But as locals who’ve happily called this vibrant London neighbourhood home for 20 years, Mark and I know there’s even more charm tucked away behind the famous facades.

Notting Hill has a fascinating story, evolving from a posh enclave in the 1800s, through tougher times, to the unique, culturally rich, and yes, sometimes glamorous, neighbourhood it is today.

It’s this blend of history, creativity, and community spirit that we love.

In this guide, we’re excited to share our Notting Hill with you.

We’ll cover all the must-do sights, reveal a few of our favourite hidden gems and point you towards the best food in the area.

The highlights are all included on our self-guided Notting Hill Walking Tour, which includes a DIY route and map.

WHAT TO DO IN NOTTING HILL LONDON

Here’s our rundown of the must-see sights and best experiences with the practical tips you’ll need to plan your visit.

1. WANDER PAST THE COLOURFUL HOUSES

You can’t visit Notting Hill without admiring its iconic colourful houses.

Once grand homes that saw periods of decline, many have been beautifully restored and painted in the vibrant pastel colours the area is now famous for.

Picking off a street to admire is a great way to get a feel for the area, and it’s an excellent free thing to do.

• The Popular Spot –  Lancaster Road is probably the most famous, partly because it’s so close to Portobello Road. Be prepared for crowds here, especially on market days.
• Quieter Alternatives – For equally stunning colours without the masses, we love exploring the loop formed by Elgin Crescent, Rosmead Road, and Lansdowne Road. You’ll often find these beautiful streets surprisingly peaceful.
• Another Good Choice – Denbigh Terrace is also lovely, but like Lancaster Road, its proximity to Portobello can make it quite busy.

2. EXPLORE THE FAMOUS PORTOBELLO ROAD MARKET

Portobello Road is the heart of Notting Hill, but its beating pulse is the vibrant chaos of Portobello Road Market.

It’s the neighbourhood’s central focus point, especially for tourists. Buzzing with crowds, colour, and the thrill of the find, a weekend stroll along the market is a very popular thing to do in Notting Hill.

MAIN MARKET DAYS

While parts of the market run throughout the week, its character changes depending on the day.

• Antiques market – The main event. The famous antiques arcades and stalls come alive primarily on Fridays and Saturdays. This is when the market is most iconic (and busiest!).
• Vintage & Bric-a-Brac Market – Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Fashion & Accessories – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday.
• Household Goods – Friday.
• Fruit & Veg Market – Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

If you want the full buzz, Friday or Saturday are the best times to visit. This is when most of the stalls are operating, and the atmosphere is electric.

However, it’s also extremely busy. If crowds are not your thing, you should avoid Friday and Saturday. We’d also suggest arriving before 11 am to beat the worst of the crowds, especially on Saturday.

Monday to Wednesday is better if you’re looking for a more relaxed experience. There are fewer antique/vintage stalls, but you can stroll around the fashion and accessories and have a proper browse without the crowds.

The main antiques market is closed on Sunday, but there’s a smaller market focusing more on vintage clothing, crafts, and food; plus, the permanent shops are open.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

• Opening Hours – In summer, the stalls are usually open from 9 am to 6 pm (Mon-Wed, Fri, Sat). In winter, the market is open from 9:30 am to 5 pm. 
• Thursdays – Thursday is half-day, and the stalls operate from 9 am to 1 pm. 
• Sunday – Most of the market is closed on Sunday.
• Bring Cash – Most vendors take cards, but if you want to make a smaller purchase or negotiate at the antique stalls, you’ll be a lot more successful with cash.

3. GET CREATIVE AT GRAFFIK GALLERY

The Graffik Gallery on Portobello Road is an interesting space dedicated to street and urban art.

This cool space specialises in urban and street art, showcasing works by some of the biggest names in the genre, including Banksy, Stik, Dotmaster, and Alec Monopoly, alongside emerging talent.

They offer private graffiti masterclasses where you can learn street art techniques, including stencil work and freehand spraying.

Sessions provide a hands-on opportunity to create your own canvas to take home.

It’s a great activity for kids, and they also take groups, making it a fun team-building exercise.

You can also purchase art from the store or visit one of the exhibitions throughout the year.

Opening Hours: The gallery is open daily from 10:30 AM to 6:30 PM.

4. CATCH A FILM AT THE ELECTRIC CINEMA

The Electric Cinema is one of the UK’s oldest working cinemas, first opening its doors in 1910. Despite a few intermittent closures, it has remained a beloved fixture of Notting Hill, offering a timeless moviegoing experience.

Originally designed in the Edwardian Baroque style, the cinema once seated 600 people. Today, with just 83 plush leather armchairs, it provides an intimate and stylish setting to enjoy everything from the latest blockbusters to indie gems and classic films.

Guests can choose from luxurious armchairs with footstools, cozy back-row sofas, or back-row beds for the ultimate in comfort.

The fully licensed bar serves up a curated selection of cinema-friendly snacks alongside cocktails, beer, and wine—perfect for that special movie night.

• Address – 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED​
• Booking – Tickets can be purchased through the ​Electric Cinema’s official website.
• Contact – For inquiries, email boxoffice@electriccinema.co.uk.

5. REFUEL WITH A NOTTING HILL BRUNCH

Notting Hill is our go-to destination for brunch in London. After strolling the market, indulging in a delicious brunch is practically a Notting Hill ritual—and trust us, it’s one of our favorite things to do here.

Some of our brunch highlights in the Notting Hill area include Beam for their Middle Eastern-inspired plates, Lowry & Baker for its delightfully unpretentious brekkies and Golbourne Deli & Wine Stores for its fantastic produce and market-side location.

These are just a few highlights to whet your appetite. We have so many favourites that we’ve put together a dedicated post – find all our top recommendations in our guide to the best brunch places in Notting Hill.

A quick word of warning: Brunch spots in Notting Hill are getting seriously busy, and it’s not unusual to queue for over an hour on the weekends. As long-time locals, we can assure you that the places with the longest lines—many of which are listed in our guide—are well worth the wait.

If you want to avoid the queues, go early in the morning if possible.

6. SHOP AT THE WESTBOURNE GROVE BOUTIQUES

One of Notting Hill’s charms is its diversity. Just a few minutes’ walk from the eclectic energy of Portobello Road, you’ll find Westbourne Grove, offering a completely different vibe – high-end boutiques, designer labels, and stylish eateries.

The stretch of Westbourne Grove between Colville Road and Chepstow Road is particularly worth exploring.

At the Colville Road end, you’ll find a selection of designer stores, including Soho Home Studio, Max Mara, Orlebar Brown, The Kooples, Toast, and Aesop.

For food lovers, the area offers a fantastic mix of dining options, from the authentic Mexican flavors of Taquería to the modern Japanese cuisine at Sumi. You can also enjoy fresh, seasonal dishes at Wild Notting Hill or unwind with a drink at Barbury Notting Hill.

7. BROWSE NOTTING HILL’S CHARMING BOOKSHOPS

Beyond the market buzz and colourful houses, Notting Hill is also a haven for book lovers. You’ll find some truly unique and cool bookshops tucked away, perfect for whiling away an hour or two.

Here are our must-visit favourites:

BOOKS FOR COOKS

Books for Cooks is a treasure trove of cookbooks, with shelves packed full of culinary inspiration. Cozy, well-worn sofas are tucked into corners, perfect for cookbook enthusiasts to flip through new finds.

The real highlight, though, is the test kitchen at the back of the store. Here, cooks experiment with recipes from the books, whipping up a daily-changing menu based on fresh ingredients sourced from Portobello Market.

NOTTING HILL BOOKSHOP

We hate to break it to you, but the Notting Hill Bookshop at 13 Blenheim Crescent isn’t actually the one from the film. However, it has been designed as a loving recreation of William Thacker’s bookshop, making it a fun stop for movie fans.

If you can make your way past the crowds snapping photos outside, you’ll find a charming independent bookstore that’s well worth a look.

DAUNT BOOKS

Recently taken over by Daunt Books, this beloved Notting Hill bookshop—formerly Lutyens & Rubinstein—remains as delightful as ever.

Thankfully, it retains its lovely neighbourhood feel and beautiful interior. Expect Daunt’s signature curated selection, known for arranging books by country, with a particularly excellent travel section (a Daunt hallmark).

8. TAKE A NOSTALGIC TRIP THROUGH THE MUSEUM OF BRANDS

The Museum of Brands takes you on a nostalgic journey through 200 years of consumer culture, offering a fascinating glimpse into how everyday products have evolved over time.

Inside, you’ll find a treasure trove of memorabilia spanning from Victorian-era packaging to modern-day advertising. The collection includes vintage prints, household products, old magazines, classic toys, and more. We highly recommend it for anyone interested in design.

The building itself has a poignant history—it was once the world’s largest center for people living with HIV. Princess Diana was a frequent visitor, offering comfort to patients in the memorial garden, which today forms part of the museum’s café.

9. NOTTING HILL FILM LOCATIONS

It’s hard to say whether Notting Hill sparked the ongoing interest in the film or if the movie helped elevate the area’s status—either way, the connection has certainly left its mark on both the neighborhood and its house prices.

If you’re a fan of the film, here are some key locations to visit during your trip:

The Blue Door (280 Westbourne Park Road): Instantly recognisable, this is the location of William Thacker’s flat entrance. It’s a private residence, so while you’ll likely spot fellow fans snapping photos, please be respectful of the occupants. The door itself has changed colour over the years but is currently back to its iconic blue!

Notting Hill Bookshop – As mentioned above, the bookstore located at 13 Blenheim Crescent is not the one that was used in the film. It is a faithful recreation, so there’s no harm in grabbing a selfie out front.

The Actual Travel Bookshop Location (142 Portobello Road): For the film buffs wanting the real filming spot, this is it. During filming, it was an antiques shop dressed up as “The Travel Book Co.” Today, it’s a souvenir shop – somewhat ironically playing up its film connection with a sign that reads “The Travel Book Shop” (a slight difference from the movie sign).

The Coronet Theatre (103 Notting Hill Gate, W11 3LB): Remember William watching a sci-fi movie with Spike? That scene was filmed here. While no longer primarily a cinema (it’s now a theatre and arts venue), the historic building still stands.

Rosmead Gardens (Access via Rosmead Road): These are the beautiful, locked private gardens that William and Anna famously hopped the fence into. You can peek through the railings, but please remember they are private property.

10. SOAK UP THE BUZZ AT ACKLAM VILLAGE MARKET

Located just opposite the Vintage Market (featured on our Notting Hill walk), Acklam Village Market is an excellent destination for live music and street food.

The International Street Food Market on Acklam Road sells an eclectic mix of street food from around the world. You’ll find everything from noodles to falafel, plus Thai, Chinese, and of course, a decent curry.

The market is open Friday to Sunday, making it a great spot for weekend foodies.

If you like live entertainment, the Acklam Village Market Bar (open Saturdays only) is tucked away inside an old sports hall, and it’s a hidden gem for live music in West London.

The bar serves locally sourced spirits and craft beers, along with a seasonal cocktail menu. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a drink while catching some of the best live acts in the area.

To see what’s on during your visit, check the Acklam Village website.

11. HUNT FOR NOTTING HILL’S SECRET BANKSY

Tucked away next to the food stalls at Acklam Village Market is one of London’s hidden Banksy murals: “The Painter”.

This striking piece features a bow-tied Spanish painter (likely a tribute to Velázquez) holding an easel and brush, with the word “BANKSY” painted in bold red lettering.

First appearing in 2008, it’s one of the oldest Banksy works in London. After being obscured by construction for several years, it made a reappearance in 2020, continuing to capture the imagination of those lucky enough to spot it.

You can find it on the wall of the Grand Hotel, located at the corner of Portobello Road and Acklam Road. However, be aware that the mural is only visible when Acklam Village Market isn’t in operation.

Your best chance to actually see it is usually Monday to Thursday, or very early morning or later evening on market days before stalls are fully set up or after they’ve packed down.

12. BROWSE THE LEGENDARY ROUGH TRADE WEST

As the original (and smallest) of the iconic Rough Trade shops, Rough Trade West on Talbot Road is a piece of independent music history.

While it’s renowned for its curated selection of vinyl – spanning new releases, classics, and obscurities – you’ll also find music books, band merchandise, and audio gear.

It’s more than just a shop – there’s a real sense of community here, and it’s always worth popping in for a browse.

They host regular in-store performances and Q&A sessions, often featuring incredible artists in stripped-back acoustic sets. It’s a fantastic (and often free) way to experience live music up close.

Check their schedule and see who’s playing at roughtrade.com.

13. WANDER DOWN ST LUKE MEWS

A mews is a quaint, traffic-free street typically found behind grand 18th and 19th-century mansions, originally used to house horses and staff.

Today, these charming streets have been transformed into beautiful residential properties, adding a unique character to Notting Hill.

St Luke Mews is one of the most picturesque mews streets in the area and even made an appearance in the film Love Actually.

While Colville Mews is often mentioned as a notable mews, it’s best to respect the privacy of the locals there. It was once known for its striking Union Jack artwork, but it has since been removed.

Colville Mews is now a strictly residential street, so it’s better to give it a pass during your visit.

14. SHOP LIKE A LOCAL AT THE NOTTING HILL FARMERS’ MARKET

As locals, the Notting Hill Farmers’ Market is one of our favorite weekend rituals. Even if you’re just visiting, it’s well worth stopping by to soak up the atmosphere and sample some incredible produce.

You’ll find a fantastic selection of organic goods from local farmers, including fresh seasonal fruit and veg, wild mushrooms, top-quality meats and fish, homemade pasta, and some of the best goat’s cheese you’ll ever try.

Beyond the market, this part of Notting Hill is also worth exploring. Just around the corner, you’ll find Kuro, one of our favorite cafés, along with excellent Greek restaurants Suzi Tros and Mazi.

The Farmer’s Market is in the Fox Primary School on Edge Street W8 7PP.

15. EXPERIENCE THE ENERGY OF THE NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL

If your visit coincides with the August bank holiday weekend, prepare yourself for something truly spectacular: the Notting Hill Carnival.

This massive celebration of Caribbean culture transforms the streets into Europe’s largest street festival. Expect an explosion of vibrant colour, pulsating rhythms, dazzling costumes, and the aroma of Caribbean street food.

Born from the community’s powerful response to racial tensions in the 1950s, the Carnival grew throughout the 60s and 70s into the incredible expression of heritage and unity it is today.

Around 2 million people now join the celebrations each year.

If you plan to attend, be prepared for huge crowds and significant travel disruption. Check the official Notting Hill Carnival website well in advance for dates, parade routes, safety advice, and transport information.

HOW TO GET TO NOTTING HILL?

Getting to Notting Hill in West London is straightforward, thanks to excellent public transport links.

BY LONDON UNDERGROUND (TUBE):t

The tube is usually the easiest way to get around London. There are several station choices depending on which part of Notting Hill you want to explore first:

• Notting Hill Gate: This is generally the most convenient station. Served by the Central, Circle, and District lines, it puts you right at the southern end of Portobello Road Market and within easy walking distance of many key sights like the colourful houses and Westbourne Grove.
• Ladbroke Grove (Hammersmith & City and Circle lines): A great option if you want to start exploring the middle or northern sections of Portobello Road Market, near the vintage clothing stalls and Acklam Village Market.
• Westbourne Park (Hammersmith & City and Circle lines): Also useful for the northern end of Portobello Road and areas towards Golborne Road.
• Royal Oak (Hammersmith & City and Circle lines): Located slightly further east, this can be a useful entry point if exploring the eastern edges of the neighbourhood.

BY BUS

Numerous bus routes run through and around Notting Hill, connecting it to various parts of London. Using buses can be a scenic way to arrive.

Your best bet is to use the official Transport for London (TfL) Journey Planner (available online or via the TfL Go app) to find the most direct bus route from your starting point.

It provides real-time information and helps navigate any changes.

WHERE TO STAY

Notting Hill is a beautiful part of London that’s slightly out of the main tourist areas but easy to get to via public transport. Paddington and Bayswater are both nearby (5 to 15-minute walk to Portobello Road) and provide much better value for money.

For other options, we have a full guide about where to stay in London.

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OUR FAVOURITE NOTTING HILL RESTAURANTS

We’ve lived in Notting Hill for a long time now and we’ve seen many restaurants come and go. Here are our current picks for the best places to eat:

Gold | ££ – The focus here is on cooking over a flame to produce tasty morsels that are ideal for sharing. The room is dark, moody and perfect for date night.

The Barbary | £££ – Even better than the originals in Covent Garden, The Barbary Notting Hill delivers punchy flavours inspired by the Mediterranean and North African coasts. The setting is glamour.

Akub | ££ – This intimate space behind a Notting Hill townhouse serves up some of the best Persian food we’ve ever had. It gets even better when you get to dessert.

The Ledbury | ££££ – We first went to the Ledbury before they received their three Michelin stars. This is fine dining in London, where the quality and creativity are hard to match.

Mazi | ££ – This is one of our favourite Greek restaurants in Notting Hill. They do punchy takes on Greek classics in a very relaxed setting.

The Shed | ££ – This completely seasonal restaurant is sourced entirely from their own farm using sustainable practices. The cooking is excellent and the space is cool and relaxed.

Aphrodite | £ – We love this place and we’ve been going for years. It’s a traditional Greek restaurant where the portions are plentiful and the service is like eating with your own Greek family.

Walmer Castle | ££ – British seasonal menu using quality ingredients from local suppliers in a cosy pub atmosphere.

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• Find your perfect neighbourhood with our guide to the best areas in London to stay in.
• Enjoy the colourful side of the city with our top places to visit in Notting Hill, including the best film locations.
• Get in the festive mood with our best of London Christmas.
• Take our South Bank walk for an iconic stroll along the Thames.
• Hit the best of London’s Christmas markets with this guide, updated every year.
• Breakfast in Notting Hill is always a great way to start the weekend.
• Soak up the atmosphere with our London Christmas Lights walk – updated every year.