Notting Hill, an absolutely buzzing and stylish district in London, is renowned for its relaxed cafes nestled along the irresistibly bohemian Portobello Road. This iconic street hosts the ever-popular antiques market and the famous Electric Cinema. Westbourne Grove, on the other hand, impresses with its exquisite restaurants and chic boutiques. The annual Notting Hill Carnival is an unmissable event, attracting enormous crowds to enjoy vibrant parades and upbeat calypso music that celebrate the area’s rich Caribbean heritage.
When it comes to transport, Notting Hill offers fantastic connectivity to the rest of London through three superb Tube stations: Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate, and Westbourne Park. The most centrally located station, Notting Hill Gate, conveniently serves the Circle, District, and Central lines. For a revitalising escape into nature, Holland Park is the perfect choice, featuring the stunning Kyoto Garden and excellent sports facilities. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are also exceptional options for outdoor leisure.
Notting Hill presents an impressive array of housing options, from eye-catching homes with beautifully landscaped gardens to charming Victorian townhouses, sophisticated terraces, and contemporary apartments. The area is especially famous for its elegant terraced houses boasting private communal garden squares, such as the magnificent Ladbroke Square Gardens, which holds the title of London‘s largest private garden square.
The neighbourhood’s artistic and bohemian atmosphere, combined with its trendy cafes, high-end boutiques, and world-class dining options, creates an environment that attracts creative personalities from the worlds of film, music, fashion, and literature. Over the years, Notting Hill has been home to famous actors, musicians, artists, writers, and entrepreneurs, giving the area an unmistakable star-studded allure. Let’s get a closer look to better understand how is it to live in Notting Hill!
Architecture style in Notting Hill
Notable areas
Notting Hill
Composed of vibrant shops and restaurants in Westbourne Grove and Portobello Road, and well known residential areas of Lansdowne Road and Garden Squares and Crescents.
Westbourne Grove
Westbourne Grove and Ledbury Road, two sophisticated streets in Notting Hill, boast an array of trendy fashion boutiques and galleries featuring brands like Joseph, Smythson, Sézanne, and Diptyque. Should you have ever wished to turn your home into a Soho House, you will love Soho.Home.Studio on 230 Westbourne Grove.
Additionally, you can admire art at the Maddox Gallery, savour a delightful lunch or coffee at Farmacy, or treat yourself to brunch at Grange & Co, Sunday Brooklyn or Beam. For those seeking an exquisite dining experience, The Regency offers a fresh option, while The Ledbury on Ledbury Road, a two Michelin star-awarded restaurant, provides the ultimate fine dining venue.
Portobello Road
Notting Hill‘s vibrant heart beats along Portobello Road, home to the world-famous market that draws visitors from far and wide. Every Saturday, delight in the treasure trove of antiques, mouthwatering food stalls, fragrant flowers, stylish new and vintage clothing, and an irresistibly eclectic mix of bric-a-brac. Don’t miss the historic Electric Cinema, housed in a Grade II listed building and recognized as one of England‘s oldest cinemas. Immerse yourself in the street’s captivating array of unique independent shops, delectable restaurants, and cozy pubs. Be sure to indulge in a refreshing coffee at Farm Girl, soak up the lively atmosphere of Gold restaurant with friends, and uncover extraordinary cocktails at Trailer Happiness. Lastly, no mention of Notting Hill‘s dining scene would be complete without highlighting the delightful Italian Osteria Basilico on Kensington Park Road and the equally impressive E&O just a few doors down—both offering unforgettable culinary experiences.
Lansdowne Road
Lansdowne Road is one of the most desirable addresses of Notting Hill. Known for its pastel-coloured, elegant, and luxurious homes, this tree-lined street offers a tranquil and sophisticated living experience for its residents. The idyllic road features a mix of beautifully maintained, classic London architecture, including elegant Victorian townhouses and stylish terraced homes, many of which boast private gardens or access to communal garden squares.
Garden Squares and Crescents
Imagine living in a stunning piece of London‘s history, where in 1823, the visionary architect Thomas Allason first introduced the concept of a garden suburb, complete with enchanting concentric crescents and sprawling communal gardens. In the heart of Notting Hill’s Ladbroke Estate, you’ll find 16 breathtaking squares and crescent gardens, with Ladbroke Square Gardens taking the crown as the largest of them all. Not only is it the most expansive private garden square in all of London, but it also features an exclusive tennis court for residents to revel in! The captivating, curving streets are adorned with distinctive stucco and brick townhouses, offering an unparalleled living experience.
North Kensington
Experience the lively bohemian vibe of North Kensington as you reside in Ladbroke Grove and relish delightful brunches and bustling markets in the vibrant Golborne Grove.
Ladbroke Grove
Discover the vibrant charm of Ladbroke Grove, nestled north of Notting Hill and south of Kensal Green and Queen’s Park neighbourhoods. Often synonymous with North Kensington, Ladbroke Grove entices everyone from families to professionals with its laid-back ambiance and more wallet-friendly prices compared to neighbouring Notting Hill. Boasting top-rated schools and a friendly community, North Kensington is the perfect place to call home. Explore the enchanting Golborne Road market, where you can indulge in delightful brunches and embark on exciting antique treasure hunts.
Golborne Road
This lively street showcases a diverse mix of unique independent shops, vintage boutiques, and antique stores, where you can unearth hidden treasures and one-of-a-kind finds, especially on weekends. It’s the perfect place to live if you enjoy arts and music culture and a relaxed atmosphere. As a melting pot of cultures, Golborne Road is infused with a rich heritage that includes strong Portuguese and Moroccan influences, which are evident in its architecture, street art, and community events. The area’s spirited charm and artistic flair make it a favourite among creative souls and bohemian spirits.
Education
Primary, Secondary State and Independent Schools in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is a beloved neighbourhood for families, since it offers exceptional educational institutions. The area boasts outstanding primary schools, such as Colville Primary School and Avondale Park Primary School, which provide a nurturing environment and strong academic foundation for young learners. Holland Park School serves as an excellent choice for secondary education, fostering a well-rounded and stimulating educational experience.
Notting Hill also features three prestigious independent schools, catering to those seeking a more tailored and exclusive learning journey. Notting Hill Preparatory School, Wetherby Preparatory School, and Notting Hill and Ealing High School each have their unique strengths and ethos, ensuring families can find the perfect fit for their children’s needs and aspirations. With a commitment to academic excellence and supportive learning environments, these schools in Notting Hill make the neighbourhood a prime location for families prioritising top-notch education.
International Schools in Notting HIll
Notting Hill’s diverse and multicultural community is well-served by a range of exceptional international schools, catering to the unique educational needs of students from various backgrounds. Southbank International School is a prime choice for international families, offering the globally recognised International Baccalaureate program. For those seeking bilingual education, there are several options available, including the French-English Stewart Bilingual Nursery, La Petite École Française primary school, and the Italian-English SIAL School. The Vicente Cañada Blanch Spanish School provides a comprehensive Spanish curriculum. These institutions ensure that students receive a high-quality, multicultural education, fostering a global perspective and a strong foundation for their future endeavours.
Expatriates community
Notting Hill is a vibrant and diverse community that attracts a wide array of international residents with a growing number of wealthy expats hailing from the United States, Australia, France, Spain, Italy, and Lebanon. These cosmopolitan individuals are drawn to the area’s unique character and inclusive cultural scene, which includes a plethora of charming eateries and cafes serving up global cuisine. Notting Hill is also a fantastic place for international families, with several outstanding international schools that provide a multicultural and holistic education.
Arts & Entertainment
From photographic exhibitions to electronic music nights, the Notting Hill Arts Club offers an intriguing array of music and arts events. In addition to screening the latest blockbusters and arthouse films, The Electric Cinema and The Gate Cinema are local favourites. For a mix of shows, dance and concerts there is the Victorian-era theatre The Coronet with diverse performance spaces. For a mix of comedy, literary and musical performances, check out The Tabernacle, which also has a bar and kitchen.
It is worth stopping by the Museum of Brands in Lancaster Road, which examines the history of consumer culture from Victorian times to the present day.
Last but not least, we should mention the Notting Hill Carnival is the largest street party in Europe! An Afro-Caribbean culture celebration, the festival attracts millions of revellers who enjoy live music, street food, and float parades. Each year, it transforms the area into a sea of colour and costume during the August Bank Holiday.
Sport & Leisure
The area is boasting two world-class gyms, Harbour Club Notting Hill on Alfred Road and Virgin Active, both offering state-of-the-art facilities for fitness enthusiasts of all levels, you can also swim, or play tennis, for families and kids. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing swim or a high-intensity workout, these clubs have everything you need to achieve your fitness goals. Meanwhile, Porchester Spa is the perfect place to unwind after a long day, with its stunning Grade II listed building that has been recently refurbished to its 1920s glory. Here, you can enjoy a range of spa treatments, including saunas, steam rooms, and heated loungers, providing the ultimate relaxation experience. With these outstanding facilities, Notting Hill ensures that residents can prioritise their health and wellbeing while enjoying the best of London living.
The surrounding area has several top-quality golf courses. In Kensington, Holland Park Golf School offers golf lessons and courses for beginners as well as experienced players. Tennis enthusiasts can also enjoy the high-end facilities at nearby West Kensington Queen’s Club, with its immaculate grass courts. Members of the Harbour Club Notting Hill also have access to several indoor and outdoor tennis courts, while those seeking a more casual game are encouraged to use the park tennis courts.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful village-like atmosphere or a bustling cosmopolitan lifestyle, you’ll find it here. From charming cafes and boutique shops to cultural landmarks and sporting facilities, this area has it all. You’re sure to be captivated by the area’s unique charm and character.
