Notting Hill Overview
Image courtesy of Camerawalker
Notting Hill, London’s version of Paris’ Montmartre. It is a bubbling, vital artistic paradise which stretches from Kensington Gardens all the way to Chelsea and Holland Park.
Over the years it has built a fine reputation as a fashionable area with attractive Victorian townhouses, terraces, front yards and top-notch shopping and plenty of great places to eat and drink!
Travel information
Notting Hill is served by three London Underground stations: Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove and Westbourne Park Station which can take you to such location as Whitechapel, White City and Westminster. Paddington mainline station is a few underground or bus stops from Notting Hill with services to Oxford, the West of England and Wales. The Heathrow Express also operates from Paddington with a journey time of 15 minutes to Heathrow Airport. Notting Hill also has a lot of bus routes which serve the area in the day and in the evening. Some of these bus routes include numbers 31, 52 and 148 which can take you to places such as Camden Town, Victoria and Shepherd’s Bush.
History
Image courtesy of Jim Linwood
Up until the London expansion of the 19th century, Notting Hill was a tiny hamlet on rural land.
The origin of the name “Notting Hill” is uncertain though an early version appears in the Patent Rolls of 1356 as Knottynghull, while an 1871 text, Old and New London, reports that the name comes from a manor which was in Kensington called “Knotting-Bernes”, ”Knuttiing-Barnes” or “Nutting-barns”, and goes on to quote from a court record during Henry VIII’s reign that “the manor called Notingbarons, alias Kensington, in the parish of Paddington, was held of the Abbot of Westminster.”
The reputation of the area changed over the course of the 20th century. During the Blitz many buildings were damaged or destroyed by the Luftwaffe, including All Saints’ Church which was hit by bombs in both 1940 and 1944.
By the 1980s, single-occupation houses began to return to favour with families who were able to occupy them, and because there are open spaces in Notting Hill as well as stylish architecture it has become one of London’s most desirable areas.
Local attractions
If this will be your first time in Notting Hill, you may feel a little overwhelmed as there are so many things to do!
Notting Hill is synonymous with vintage shopping, lush greenery, celebrities as well as an awesome art and music scene.
Portobello Market
Image courtesy of Arpingstone
Going to Portobello is a must-do for everyone who stays in Notting Hill.
From street performers to excellent shopping, Portobello Market has so many things on offer, including wonderful antiques, bric-a-brac, and amazing vintage finds, to marvellous food, it’s no wonder this market is famous all over the word.
Bay Sixty 6
For those who love skating, Bay Sixty skate park is the place to be.
This skate park has been feature in many skate documentaries, movies and music videos throughout the years and is home of many competitions. There are also skate camps available for those who want to pick up the spot or get back on the grind!
Museum of Brands
Image courtesy of Ann Lee
Would you love to step back in time and see an amazing collection of historical branded goods? Then check out the Museum of Brands!
You will get to see old brands from the past which previous generations enjoyed, or learn about the inspiring history behind certain brands and advertising during World War 2.
The display at the Museum of Brands goes back to the 1800’s and features advertising artwork, food, cosmetics and fashion!
Notting Hill Carnival
Image courtesy of Valters Krontals
If you’re in Notting Hill in late August, then you must go to Notting Hill Carnival!
An amazing festival which is led by members of the British African-Caribbean community, and attracts around one million people annually, which makes it one of the largest street festivals in the world, as well as a significant event in Black British culture.
The streets of Ladbroke Grove, Portobello and Westbourne Park sound out wonderful African-Caribbean tunes and vibes. From steel band parades, to soca dancers and amazing music floats showing the colour and beauty of African-Caribbean culture within London!
You would also get the opportunity to try out food you may have never had before. There are several street food stalls offering Jerk Chicken, roti, curry goat, fresh fruits, rum punch and so many other things which should give you the taste of the Caribbean!
Accommodation
Notting Hill Residence (Ladbroke Road) – Click Here
Located just a couple of minutes away from Zone 1 Notting Hill Gate Underground Station, this hostel style residence offers a fantastic option for people looking to stay in a famously vibrant part of West London at an affordable price. The words ‘Notting Hill’ and ‘great value’ are rarely found together in the same sentence. However, this hostel style residence not only meets that brief, it also offers clean and comfortable rooms with some excellent facilities within the building as well. The local area is cosmopolitan and has a unique charm. You can find everything from world-famous events such as the annual carnival to restaurants, cutting-edge galleries and theatres.
