A Guide To Notting Hill London

This upmarket West London neighbourhood has come a long way since 1356 when it was known as Knottynghull. Today, it’s one of the most vibrant and diverse pockets of the city, steeped in tradition, character and cinematic fame.

Located north of Kensington within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Notting Hill has no official geographic boundaries but comprises the real estate surrounding Notting Hill Gate, Royal Oak, Westbourne Park, Ladbroke Grove and Latimer Road tube stations.

Some of its most famous landmarks include Portobello Road Market – an outdoor emporium of antiques, vintage fashion and street food that runs all the way up Portobello Road on Fridays and Saturdays. The rows of pastel-coloured terraced houses have become a photographic staple for Instagram bloggers in recent years, and the picturesque mews roads are perfect for sauntering around on a sunny day. The blue door from the film Notting Hill, from which Hugh Grant famously emerges with that undeniable British charm in his eyes and perfectly floppy hair to save Julia Roberts from a particularly bad day, is also worth seeing.

The biggest event of the year for Notting Hill, however, is Carnival. Notting Hill Carnival, with its elaborate costumes and mind-blowing sound systems, attracts up to two million attendees every August. The now iconic two-day festival started as a response to the 1958 race riots that occurred in the neighbourhood, the idea being to proudly display African and Caribbean culture and bring the community together through music and dance. Over time, it has become one of the biggest street parties in the world with people travelling from all over the globe to join in the revelry.

There’s plenty to do in the area even if you’re not in town for one of Europe’s biggest parties. It’s home to some of London’s best restaurants, from the two-Michelin-star The Ledbury to the much more casual but equally paradise-like Ottolenghi. There are also some ultra-charming pubs, including the florally decorated Churchill Arms serving some of the capital’s tastiest Thai food alongside your pint or summer Pimms. And if it’s a night on the town you’re after, hidden gem nightclubs like The Globe and Rum Kitchen are the perfect spots to dance the night away.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.