Notting Hill

Overview

Notting Hill is one of London's most famously photogenic, deeply affluent neighborhoods. It is instantly recognizable globally for its brightly colored terraces, the vibrant Portobello Road Market, and the world-famous street carnival.

Highlights

• Portobello Road Market: One of the absolute greatest street markets in the world, stretching for miles and famous globally for its vast array of genuine antique stalls.
• Colorful Streets: The magnificent, breathtakingly colorful painted houses located tightly around Lancaster Road, Westbourne Grove, and St Luke's Mews.
• Electric Cinema: One of the oldest working cinemas in the country, stunningly restored to offer luxury seating with cashmere blankets and a fully loaded bar.

History

A working-class neighborhood heavily damaged during the Blitz, it became a major center for London's Caribbean community in the 1950s, leading directly to the founding of the Notting Hill Carnival. In the 1980s and 90s, the area gentrified incredibly rapidly.

Visitor Tips

• Antique Hunting: If you are seriously hunting for antiques, you must arrive at Portobello Road by 8:00 AM on a Saturday before the crushing tourist crowds arrive.
• The Carnival: The massive, spectacular Caribbean carnival held every August Bank Holiday essentially shuts down the entire neighborhood for a massive two-day street party.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.