17 Best Things to Do in Notting Hill: A Local’s Guide [2026]
Looking for the best things to do in Notting Hill? Look no further. Here’s my personalised Notting Hill area guide including how to spend a day in the neighbourhood — from a local!
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Whether it’s from the iconic film or Instagrammable wanderings, any London lover is sure to have heard of Notting Hill.
One of the first London areas I fell in love with (among many), the neighbourhood sits pretty in W11 surrounded by candied pastel houses, the buzzing Portobello Market, and a slew of charming cafes and foodie favourites.
Without further ado, here are some amazing activities in the West London neighbourhood to turn any time in the area into your fondest memories in London!
About the Author
Hi, I’m Candace — a London-based travel writer and content creator who traded the East Coast of the US for the charm of the UK back in 2016. London’s been my home ever since.
On this blog, you’ll find hundreds of thoughtfully crafted London, UK, Europe and Worldwide travel guides alongside lots of insider London tips, honest hotel and restaurant reviews and advice for content creators.
P.S. – For more trip inspiration, travel videos, and behind-the-scenes adventures, be sure to follow along (and say hello, if you fancy) on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube.
🗞️📺As featured on the BBC, USA Today & Recipe.TV.
Things to Do in Notting Hill: A Local’s Guide
P.S. – Explore London like a local with my London Explorer Guides 🇬🇧
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TOP HOTEL IN NOTTING HILL
Looking to stay in the area? The best hotel in Notting Hill is The Portobello Hotel.
✔️ Situated in a grand Georgian terrace house
✔️ Includes locally-sourced continental breakfast
✔️ Luxury décor in all rooms, like stand-alone baths
Related Posts: 5 Stunning Boutique Hotels in Notting Hill
(A Quick) History of Notting Hill
To fully appreciate the area, it’s worth it to know a bit of history behind the Notting Hill district.
Before its claim to fame, Notting Hill was a manufacturing area, taking a turn in the 19th century when wealthy landowner James Well Ladbroke (the inspiration for Ladbroke Grove) decided to transform it into a suburban hideaway.
Over time, this attracted London elites with terraced houses, vibrant gardens, and all the Notting Hill charm we see today.
But post World War II, many of the houses were left destroyed. And the area’s rebuild introduced new housing systems for landlords to capitalise on, changing the character of the area altogether with an influx of slums.
In 1948 the British Nationality Act allowed Afro-Caribbean’s from Commonwealth countries to settle in the UK, bringing their culture and heritage into the streets of the area.
This birthed the Notting Hill Carnival, a celebration of African and Caribbean heritage following the race riots of 1958.
Present-day, the area shows heavy gentrification as many of the slums have been transformed back to terraced estates.
But despite its return to the home of the wealthy and elite, Notting Hill still holds a local charm that’s hard to miss.
Top Things to Do in Notting Hill: What to See in Notting Hill
1. Shop on Portobello Road
The world’s largest (yes largest) antique market — Portobello Road is a half-mile of every bit and bob you could think of and the biggest Notting Hill attraction.
From the real Notting Hill Bookshop to one-of-a-kind antiques, there’s never a boring minute walking around and googling at all the quirky goods on offer.
Be sure to follow my Portobello Market guide to make the most of your time here!
Related Posts: The Best Antique Markets in London
2. Dip into Portobello Green Arcade
Walk down the half-mile stretch and you’ll stumble on one of Notting Hill’s hidden gems, Portobello Green Arcade.
A mix of streetwear shops, a Chinese Tea Company, beauty goods, and a game or two will make you wonder how this all came together under one roof. Regardless, you’ll be pleased it did.
They also do a fab Portobello Vintage Market with local vendors selling antique fashion outside of the Green Arcade too on Saturdays (with great food from the Acklam Village Market right across!).
3. Relive the Movie at the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop
Back to the bookshop.
If you want to bring all your Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant fantasies to life, head to 13 Blenheim Crescent to experience the bookstore scene and all the other Notting Hill movie locations (including the famous blue door) the area has to offer.
The movie’s claim to fame has attracted so much buzz that people even propose here — what an I do!
P.S – If you want to find the famous blue door from Notting Hill and more — read my ultimate guide to the Notting Hill Travel Bookshop!
4. Take an Icing Class (or have a treat) at Biscuiteers
As yummy as it is Instagrammable, if you’re looking for something on the sweeter side of things, take an icing class at Biscuiteers.
A boutique café, Biscuiteers is famed for their handcrafted treats and picture-perfect biscuits of course. You can pop in for a treat or get in on the action with an intimate icing masterclass. Yes, you heard that right!
Read More: 5 Insanely Charming Notting Hill Cafes You Must Visit (+ Map!)
5. Take in the Pastel Coloured Notting Hill Houses
It couldn’t be Notting Hill without a pastel house or two. In fact, they make the best Notting Hill photo spots!
One of the best things to do near Portobello Road is take in all the colourful houses — specifically on Lancaster Road, Colville Terrace, and Elgin Crescent.
P.S. – Please be mindful while taking pictures outside the properties as these are people’s home.
6. Browse Notting Hill’s Mews
On par with Notting Hill’s vibrant streets is its ever-charming mews.
The former horse stables turned into some of London’s most sought after real estate.
And given London mews are as pretty as they are exclusive — you’ll most definitely want to have a browse.
These include St. Luke’s Mews (the one from the Love Actually movie!), Colville Mews, Pencombe Mews, and Simon Close.
Read More: A Visit to Kynance Mews: Everything You Need to Know
7. Pop into Lutyens & Rubinstein’s
Roaming London’s bookshops will always be one of my favourite things to do in the city, and there’s nothing quite like browsing paperbacks with the backdrop of Notting Hill.
So, satisfy the bookworm in you and visit Lutyens & Rubinstein’s, a cosy independent bookshop filled with every type of book under the sun, and a homey ambience to match.
8. Visit the Graffik Gallery
If you’re looking for something on the “cooler” side of Notting Hill, visit the Graffik Gallery.
Featuring some of the world’s best street art (hey, Banksy!) the public gallery is open for business.
The price tags are rather hefty, but if you’re not keen to buy, simply have a quick peek and admire all the artwork on offer.
9. Buy Records Rough Trade West
There’s nothing a good record can’t fix.
Spend some time browsing records at Rough Trade West’s music emporium, a chain of independent record shops sprawled across the UK and US with plenty of tunes to take home.
10. Catch a Film at Electric Cinema
There’s movies, and then there’s movies from Electric Cinema.
Opened in 1910, London’s oldest cinema has replaced its days of silent films with your favourite blockbusters, fine dining very much included.
Movie experiences at Electric Cinema are truly like no other, so be sure to end your day in the area here. It’s also one of the most romantic things to do in Notting Hill, in my opinion!
11. Get Your Skate on at Bay SIXTY6 Skate Park
If you want to go beyond the tourist experience, grab your skates (or a seat) at Bay SIXTY6 Skate Park.
I stumbled on this place years ago on a random walk in Notting Hill, and although my skate skills are well… non-existent, it’s still nice to sit back and watch the pros at work.
If you’re keen to learn, they also have a skate school and tons of live events year-round too.
12. Browse the Museum of Brands
Go past London’s standard museums and indulge in an interesting pastime at the Museum of Brands.
Revealing the curtain behind consumerism (and how easily we fall for products), this interesting museum gives you a first-hand look into the psychology of advertising.
Have a browse at the endless nostalgia products alongside the permanent exhibitions on display!
13. Gawk at St. Peter’s Church
A wrong turn led me stumbling onto St. Peter’s Church, and I’m so glad it did!
A Victorian Anglian church tucked in the West End, the pungent yellow will immediately make you stop in your tracks (and turn your camera on).
The two-year masterpiece designed by Thomas Allom is a working church and easily missed by most tourists. But if you’re willing to escape Portobello Road to the edges of the neighbourhood, you can take in this beauty too.
14. Have a Look at Trellick Tower
Notting Hill is so much more than meets the eye, and Trellick Tower is all the proof you need.
Brutalist architecture has become a staple to London’s character thanks to the Modernist movement, and Trellick Tower embodies this perfectly, alongside reminders of the area’s striking contrasts.
A social housing building rode with crime, gentrification quickly turned the building’s desireless image into Notting Hill’s most architecturally prized possessions.
15. Enjoy the Notting Hill Restaurant Scene
In standard West London fashion, the restaurant scene in Notting Hill is absolutely fabulous. Some of my favourite places to eat in Notting Hill include:
– Osteria Napoletana – Genuine Neapolitan cuisine in a picturesque Notting Hill setting
– Sunday in Brooklyn – Modern American with ‘your friendly neighbourhood restaurant’ vibes
– Granger and Co. Notting Hill – Aussie-founded international dining with a focus on fresh and healthy foodie favourites
16. Indulge in a Notting Hill Cocktail (or two)
If you’re fancying a tipple in Notting Hill too, not to worry!
Notting Hill is home to dozens upon dozens of mouthwatering bars and upscale cocktail hubs just waiting for your next dry martini order. Here’s a few of my favourite places to drink in Notting Hill:
– Love – live music every week with an intimate vibe and speciality cocktails
– The Little Yellow Door – iconic flat turned ‘yellow’ door bar with late night cocktails and great vibes
– Tappo Enoteca Wine Bar – a delicious Spanish wine bar on Westbourne Grove
16. Have a Pint (and a pic) at Churchill Arms
If you’re craving beauty and a meal you’ll have to stop by London’s most Instagrammable pub, the Churchill Arms right in Notting Hill/Kensington.
The Notting Hill/Kensington pub has claimed its fame through stunning light displays and decor year-round, plus a menu of random yet delicious Thai food.
From spring flowers to beaming Christmas ornaments, it’s always worth the visit.
17. Brunch Notting Hill Style
Out of all the brunch spots in London, Notting Hill’s breakfast places are hard to beat. Here are some of my absolute favourites!
Farm Girl Cafe
The perfect place to spend a morning in Notting Hill for a guilt-free brunch. Order their signature ‘damn good coffee’ or treat yourself to a Rose or Lavender Latte before eyeing up their breakfast menu.
Chucs Westbourne Grove
When they’re not being Notting Hill’s favourite Italian restaurant during the week, Chucs serves a Sunday brunch that flocks droves of Notting Hill locals and tourists alike (so make sure you book in advance!).
Golborne Deli
The fine wine & deli hub is a neighbourhood favourite, smack in the middle of town spilling with Mediterranean and Italian classics. Perfect for a ‘treat yourself’ brunch.
17. Notting Hill Carnival
Of course, if you’re heading to Notting Hill you’re probably curious about the Notting Hill Carnival.
If you just so happen to find yourself in the area during the August bank holiday (at the end of the month), then you have no excuse not to celebrate.
Grab your most colourful fit and spend the day eating away, watching street performers, and dancing away to Caribbean beats.
In fact, more than one million people attend carnival weekend. So trust me when I say it’s a good time!
P.S. – Given the amount of people, be sure to be mindful of your belongings and safety when you go.
Notting Hill FAQ
How to Get to Notting Hill
If you’re wondering ‘where is Notting Hill and how do I get there?’ reaching your day in the neighbourhood is as easy as hopping on the Central (or Circle) line. You’ll get off at Notting Hill Gate station and voilà! From there, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Portobello Road.
You can also take bus 148, 228, 23 or 52, depending where you’re coming from.
Be sure to download Citymapper to make sure you’re on the right track.
➡️ How do you spend a day in Notting Hill?
Spending a day in Notting Hill is like stepping inside a London dream – think leisurely brunch at a beautiful cafe, hunting for vintage treasures at Portobello Road Market, and strolling past those oh-so-Instagrammable colourful houses! A day spent here should include all of the above.
➡️ Is it worth visiting Notting Hill?
Asking if it’s worth visiting Notting Hill is like asking if it’s worth having a second helping at a Sunday Roast – absolutely, unequivocally yes.
➡️ What is special about Notting Hill?
There’s a lot to love about Notting Hill, but the real magic is its unbeatable blend of cosmopolitan cool and village charm with a colourful twist – you won’t find anywhere else quite like it.
➡️ What day is Portobello Road Market open?
Portobello market is open every day 8am – 7am, however the main market with the most street and antique traders are open on the weekends 8am – 7am, so I’d save your visit for then!
➡️ When should I go to Notting Hill?
You can enjoy the neighbourhood anytime, but I suggest saving your visit for a sunny weekend to visit Portobello Market or in August for Notting Hill Carnival.
Thanks for reading my Things to Do in Notting Hill Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
CHECK OUT MORE NOTTING HILL & LONDON RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Your Ultimate Guide to Portobello Market: Tips from a Londoner!
- 5 Stunning Boutique Hotels in Notting Hill
- The Best Notting Hill Lunch Spots
- The Best Co-Working Spaces in Notting Hill — from a Londoner
- The BEST Notting Hill Walking Tours — from a London Travel Blogger
- A Visit to Notting Hill Travel Bookshop: Everything You Need to Know
- 5 Insanely Charming Notting Hill Cafes You Must Visit (+ Map!)
- The Best Brunch & Breakfast Spots in Notting Hill
- A Quick Notting Hill Walk
- 10 Best Things to Do in Ladbroke Grove: A Local’s Guide
- 12 Best Things to Do in Shepherd’s Bush: A Local’s Guide
Happy Londoning,
