Notting Hill

If you’re after a taste of London’s fashionable side then be sure to make Notting Hill your destination. Known for its annual carnival and market, there’s a lot more going on in this part of west London than you might think.

It was the famous blue door that featured in the 1999 romantic comedy Notting Hill, starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, that helped bring this part of central London worldwide fame. And while visitors from across the globe might flock to the area simply to have their picture taken on the street outside, there’s plenty more going on all around. There’s a great selection of hotels near Notting Hill and if you’re planning on staying in the area for a few days, take the opportunity to find out more about what this intriguing part of London has to offer.

Thriving street market

Portobello Market on Portobello Road is the world’s largest antiques market, although the huge range of stalls that turn up from Monday to Saturday sell everything from fruit and veg to clothes, bric-a-brac and crafts. Pay a visit on a Saturday and you’ll get a real feel for just how vibrant and colourful the area can be when the market is in full swing.

Carnival fun

The annual Notting Hill Carnival is another reason people pour into this part of Kensington and Chelsea. During the festival weekend the streets of west London come alive with colour, calypso music, the smell of Caribbean food and, of course, dancing. The event has been held each August since 1966 and in recent years has attracted in excess of a million people.

Hidden gems

Aside from the district’s major events, there are plenty of other reasons to consider staying in a hotel near Notting Hill during your visit to the capital. Go exploring to find everything from fashion boutiques to hidden pubs, pretty cafés and excellent restaurants. While the area has certainly become increasingly fashionable, it hasn’t lost its artistic charm. You can always be sure there’ll be something new to discover on your next visit.