Escape the crowds by venturing 30 minutes west of London's city center to discover the charming Notting Hill.
Maybe you're a '90s romcom fan and have watched and rewatched Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant, a couple (dozen?) times. Or maybe you've already hit all the major London tourist attractions and are seeking a change of pace for this visit to The British Captial. For me, it is a healthy mixture of the former and the latter.
While Big Ben and a ride on the London Eye are great, there is so much more to the city than what's right in the center. While I was looking for a quieter, less touristy part of the city to stay in for a couple of days, settling into Notting Hill felt like a no-brainer.
After squeezing everything I possibly could into my short four days in this beautiful neighborhood, I have composed the perfect guide for your stay in Notting Hill.
Things to Do in Notting Hill
Explore the area.
The best way to discover a new area is to simply walk around. In Notting Hill, every corner you turn is cheerfully filled with colorfully painted buildings. Timeless class exudes from the endless streets lined with Georgian-style townhouses. The architecture mimics the area's simple and easygoing lifestyle, to the point where you might just forget you're in the largest city in the UK.
Stroll through a park.
If you're fortunate enough to avoid the rain while traveling to this part of the world, consider yourself lucky. Take advantage of it by getting out to experience the nearby parks. Lace up your walking shoes or grab a book and find a bench. Holland Park and Hyde Park are the two nearest to Notting Hill. Each has its own unique features, but both are excellent for finding a quiet spot and getting a breath of fresh air.
Don't miss the Notting Hill filming locations.
If you're strolling down the street and see a lot of people taking photos of a seemingly random blue door that just doesn't appear special or significant in any way, you're wrong. So, my only pre-trip-to-Notting-Hill recommendation is to watch the movie. I promise it will make the area seem more special!
As previously mentioned, you will find William Thacker's famous blue front door on Westbourne Park Road, right next to none other than Notting Hill's very own Starbucks.
If you head one block south, you will find the Notting Hill Bookshop that Anna Scott fatefully stumbled into during her travels to London.
Take a day trip to Richmond.
Any Ted Lasso fans? A quick 40-minute ride on public transportation from Ladbroke Grove station in Notting Hill will get you to the town of Richmond. My main reason for visiting this town is because my family and I are huge fans of the TV show Ted Lasso, which is filmed in Richmond.
I visited spots like the Richmond Green, the street where Ted Lasso lives, and of course, the pub where all the locals enjoy watching the Richmond Greyhounds while slamming a pint or two.
Places to Eat in Notting Hill
Books for Cooks
I cannot recommend this hidden gem enough! I would have never found it if my Airbnb host hadn't told me about it. It is a bookshop that only sells cookbooks, so from an outsider's perspective, that's all you'd think there is to it. However, every day at noon, the owner and his wife push together tables and cook a three-course meal from the kitchen in the back of the bookshop. They choose different recipes every single day, and you never know what you are going to get.
The best part of the experience (besides the delicious three-course meal only adding up to £7) is the communal-style seating. This is especially nice for solo travelers. I was able to meet new people who were locals of Notting Hill and gave great recommendations.
Portabello Garden Arcade Italian Restaurant
This is true, authentic Italian food right in the heart of Notting Hill. Everything from the decor to the food was perfect. You can tell the pasta is homemade and packed with the freshest ingredients. The staff is also very attentive and personable, which elevates the experience even more.
Cafes Galore!
Every street seems to be littered with cafes and cute restaurants. From my short stay in the area, I learned you can't go wrong with just stumbling into any of these places for a cup of coffee or a small bite. My recommendation, if you do this, is to not be afraid to ask the waiter for their menu recommendations. This way, you know you are getting a popular item or something the restaurant or cafe is known for.
Places to Shop in Notting Hill
Portobello Road Market
You can't visit Notting Hill without shopping around Portobello Road Market. This famous market is lined with vendors selling incredible vintage clothing, fruits and vegetables, unique jewelry and all sorts of little trinkets.
Besides the street vendors, Portobello Road is also full of precious little boutiques and thrift stores for fashionistas shopping on a budget.
Westbourne Grove
Not far from Portobello Road, you will find a shopping area with more high-end stores. Westbourne Grove is a trendy street with stores like Free People, LoveShackFancy, Reformation and more.
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