Visiting Notting Hill in London makes for a lovely, unmissable walk that is perfectly suitable for children. I first discovered Notting Hill many years ago on my own, but I always enjoy returning with the family. Notting Hill is known for its rows of pastel-coloured houses and its antiques market on Portobello Road. It is an upmarket neighbourhood, and it seems to become smarter every time I return. Yet it was originally a working-class, cosmopolitan district and the birthplace of the famous Notting Hill Carnival, a musical celebration held in late August. Today, Notting Hill is very popular with tourists, especially on the main market days and since the film Notting Hill. Below is my little guide to visiting Notting Hill with children:
Visiting Notting Hill as a family: what is there to see and do?
Start your walk at Notting Hill Gate Underground station on the Circle, District or Central line. From Notting Hill Gate, head north to join and follow Portobello Road as far as Lancaster Road. Then loop—or rather zigzag, following your fancy, because all the streets are beautiful—back to your starting point by a different route. Allow half a day to enjoy Notting Hill at a leisurely pace.
Portobello Road
Portobello Road is the neighbourhood’s best-known street, with its shops, market, atmosphere and, naturally, tourists!
- Portobello Road Market is at its fullest on Fridays and Saturdays. With children, my first piece of advice is therefore to avoid those two days unless you enjoy large crowds! Monday to Thursday is quieter, with a smaller selection of stalls. Sunday trading varies by season and by section of the market, so check the official programme before visiting.
- Introduce children to street art: there are several pieces on Portobello Road and around Notting Hill. You could, for example, head to the Graffik Gallery at 284 Portobello Road. Sadly, a Banksy work I loved—the girl with the balloon, pictured below—has been removed. However, another Banksy, The Painter, can still be found at the corner of Portobello Road and Acklam Road.
- The Electric Cinema, at the northern end of Portobello Road, is one of London’s oldest purpose-built cinemas. Depending on the programme and your children’s ages, you can try this historic auditorium, where you can stretch out on large velvet daybeds! See the programme. Naturally, the films are in English. As you continue north along Portobello Road, you begin to get a sense of what Notting Hill may have been like some years ago…
- Sadly, Alice’s Antiques has closed. This old Portobello Road shop was wonderfully charming, packed with delightful little antiques, and appeared in Paddington 2!
Of course, do not limit your walk to Portobello Road. Wander into the much quieter side streets. You will also come across Westbourne Grove, with its smart boutiques and lovely restaurants.
Biscuiteers
In a street parallel to Portobello Road, take the children to see this shop specialising in beautifully iced biscuits. I find it rather expensive, but it is still a feast for the eyes! You will find it at 194 Kensington Park Road.
At Christmas, the biscuits are especially adorable!
Admire the pastel-coloured houses
Notting Hill is particularly beautiful, cheerful and colourful. It is famous for its pastel houses, but you will also see homes painted in vivid colours and majestic all-white terraces. Walk along, for example:
- Denbigh Terrace
- Colville Square
- Arundel Gardens
- Pembridge Road… and so many others! I will let you get lost among them.
If you have not had your fill of colour, I recommend exploring south of Notting Hill Gate, around Callcott Street. The advantage is that there are hardly any tourists on this side! You will still find pretty pastel façades and can stroll around in peace:
The charm of Notting Hill’s mews
Notting Hill is not only about streets lined with Victorian houses. Look out for the little lanes known as mews, where you will find charming small brick houses.
Among the neighbourhood’s many mews, St Luke’s Mews was used as a filming location for Love Actually. There was nobody there when we visited. I suspect most tourists are more interested in following in the footsteps of Notting Hill.
The Churchill Arms
This pub south of Notting Hill Gate is an institution. Its exterior decorations are especially impressive at Christmas! Apparently, one Christmas tree simply was not enough. We will have to return to see it at night.
Take a break in a Notting Hill garden square
For example, Ticoeur and I stopped for a break in Colville Square Garden. Be aware that some of the small garden squares are not open to the public, as they are reserved for residents of the surrounding houses—a common arrangement in London. I found the photo taken in this square… My Ticoeur has grown so much!
Buy a few London souvenirs
In the souvenir shops, I rather liked the Notting Hill baby bodysuits and the little London socks:
Where to stay in Notting Hill
There are relatively few hotels in Notting Hill because it is a residential and rather expensive area, but a few options are available. For example, Ravna Gora offers a small quadruple room near Holland Park.
Visiting Notting Hill as a family: where should you eat?
- Gail’s: for coffee or breakfast—or a breakfast substantial enough to count as lunch. It is simple and family-friendly, with highchairs available. Gail’s is a bakery chain with several branches around London. If you visit at Christmas, try their mince pies; Gail’s version has the lovely tangy flavour I enjoy. 138 Portobello Road.
- Granger & Co: excellent lunches and brunches in a lovely setting. The only drawback is the noise, although that is often the case in London! It is best to arrive early. 175 Westbourne Grove, London.
- Honest Burgers: a chain serving good burgers. Try the special Portobello burger! It is at number 189.
- Daylesford Organic: a large organic food shop with tasty treats for an afternoon snack. In the photo, the treats on the right are mince pies, the little cakes traditionally eaten at Christmas. 208–212 Westbourne Grove, London.
Near Notting Hill
To continue your London walk, you will find the following near Notting Hill:
Holland Park
A leafy, hilly and very charming park where children can run around. Do not miss the little Japanese pond, and watch out for the very bold squirrels!
Little Venice
I love this part of London, which reminds me of Amsterdam and never seems to have many tourists. You will see narrowboats and canals. There is also a cheerful, colourful café nearby, perfect for lunch: Beany Green, 6C Sheldon Square, London.
All that remains is to watch Notting Hill again—in English, of course—the film that made me fall for Hugh Grant, followed by the first two Paddington films with the children, both of which feature the neighbourhood. Then it is time to head to London and Notting Hill!
Next time, Ticoeur and Titpuce will take you to another part of London. Would you like to explore the capital with us, neighbourhood by neighbourhood? I will cover the famous sights as well as some lesser-known places.
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And you? Was it love at first sight, or did Notting Hill simply win your heart?
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