In this article, I present the Notting Hill districtA place of culture and color to discover without delay.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Notting Hill
- What you can find in this neighborhood
- How to reach him easily
- Practical information and tour tips
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Notting Hill, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Notting Hill: article summary
Notting Hill: the former cosmopolitan district now home to exclusive residences
Visit Notting Hill district will surely be familiar to you, as it is the setting for one of the most famous romantic comedies in the history of the 7e art : Love at first sight in Notting Hill (1999), with the beautiful Julia Roberts and the charming Hugh Grant.
But this posh area of London has many other assets, which I invite you to discover!
Introducing Notting Hill
Notting Hill is located in West Londonin the northern borough of Kensington. It's a district that can easily be described as chic and upmarket, as evidenced by the string of superb Victorian mansions that can be admired along its main avenues. But it wasn't always so.
Enter the 13th and early 19th centuriesthis London district was inhabited by brick manufacturers (as in Brick Lane) and pig farmers. A very popular area, and one that will remain so for a long time to come.
In the space of just 3 hours, we show you the the best of the historic center of London (must-sees + secret spots) with a French-speaking guide just for you.
From now on, Notting Hill is a chic residential neighborhood (like Mayfair), popular with wealthy Londoners. Magnificent estates with private gardens and luxury boutiques are a far cry from its humble origins!
Facts and figures about this district
- The in 1356 the first mention of the district, under the name of Knottynghull
- Its carnival attracts over 2 million people every year
- The district has undergone a very strong gentrification, almost similar to that of Shoreditch
- Notting Hill is often referred to as London's most Instagrammable districtdue to its numerous restaurants and its colorful facades
What can you see and do in Notting Hill?
If you choose to wander around Notting Hill for a few hours, you won't be disappointed! For one thing, it's less frequented than the most central areas of the capital, where the its monumentsOn the other hand, it exudes a romanticism that's sure to delight enthusiasts!
Here are the must-sees in this district 100 % british from London!
Portobello Market
This is certainly the first reason why you should discover Notting Hill.. This market is held mainly on Fridays and Saturdays at Portobello Road Market. On other days, stalls are set up, but it's at the end of the week that the real interest lies.
Divided into several zonesThe market serves as a flea market, fruit and vegetable market, street food area and antique-hunting zone. There's even an area for toys and souvenirs, for an unmissable open-air shopping session.
Colorful facades
Notting Hill's distinctive atmosphere is due in part to its magnificent facadeswhich can be seen in its main arteries.
Take a stroll along Lancaster Road, Elgin Crescent or Colville Terrace, and you'll be amazed.
The museum of brands and advertising
The Brand Museum is dedicated to advertising and packaging and offers a fascinating journey through the history of consumerism.
You'll relive over 200 years of advertising and marketing, to better understand the evolution of consumer methods, as you discover the immense collection of nearly 500,00 objects on display. It's fun to revisit the packaging of our youth, and the products that no longer exist!
- Address: 111-117 Lancaster Road, W11 1QT, London
- Price: €10
The Graffik Gallery
A contemporary art galleryfamous for exhibiting works by today's graffiti artists (Banksy, Bambi, Dotmaster, etc.). You can admire paintings, buy them and even take part in a graffiti workshop. street artfor the most creative. Fun and playful, for an unusual experience in London!
- Address: 284 Portobello Road, London W10 5TE
Electric Cinema
Built in 1910, the Electric Cinema is one of oldest cinemas from all over the country. It has retained its period style, with neon lights on the facade and a crazy interior that will take you back in time.
It's the perfect place for a very original evening in Londonand/or for a unique experience: there are sofas and beds in the room!
- Address: 191 Portobello Road, Notting Hill, London W11 2ED
- Price: from £20 (classic seat) to £50 (sofa for two)
The fascinating Alice's store!
Alice's is one of the the most astonishing of London, in a style quite different from the quirky Cyberdog. It's a real bric-a-brac, small and cluttered, where you might find a few original antiques.
A must-see, at least for its remarkable exterior.
- Address: 86 Portobello Rd, London W11 2QD
A drink in a unique pub
Visit London pubs are true institutions of English life, and one of the capital's most original is in Notting Hill! It's called Churchill Armsfamous for its facade covered with plants and flowers.
What's even more surprising is that inside, you get Thai food!
- Address: 119 Kensington Church St, London W8 7LN
The carnival
As mentioned above, this carnival celebrates the Caribbean and attracts several million visitors every year. A a real popular festivalwhich takes place the weekend before the last Monday in August.
An event that brings the whole area to a standstill, during which music (soca, reggae, hip hop or drum and bass) and dancing take center stage. For exotic West Indian street food, it's the perfect time!
Make a pilgrimage linked to the film love at first sight in Notting Hill
The name Notting Hill is definitely associated with the film, and it's possible, for fansto see several of the film's iconic locations, including :
- Hugh Grant's bookshop at 142 Portobello Road
- The famous blue door of the English beauty at 180 Westbourne Park road
- The Coronet Theatre at 103 Notting Hill Gate, where the lovebirds are going to see a film!
How do I get to Notting Hill in London?
The district is located in West London, which you can easily reach via :
- Visit metroCentral, Hammersmith and City, District and Circle lines, Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove, Latimer Road and Holland Park stops
- By buswith N° 23, 52 and 452
- With a London cab
Notting Hill: visit tips and practical information
During your stay in London, I recommend that you spend half-day in Notting Hill: you won't regret it.
The district boasts a very British atmosphere that at times you'll feel like you're in the middle of a romantic comedy. And even those who aren't fond of this slightly romantic atmosphere won't mind. gnan gnan and original tours to suit all tastes. Victorian architecture admirable.
It's a popular spot for Reggae fanswith a lively local scene and plenty of concerts/sound systems; and a pleasant area to eat out, with trendy restaurants and a few gems, such as the The Ledbury, a two Michelin stars for the gourmets among you.
As you can see, there's something for everyone in this neighborhood!
What to see and do in the area?
Leaving this soothing neighborhood, you'll have a wide choice of activities in the vicinity, including :
- Visit Kensington Palace to the southeast and its superb parkbefore continuing with Hyde Park
- If you continue eastwards, you'll come to the Oxford Street and the Sohoto discover one of London's trendiest areas!