Notting Hill has got to be the single prettiest neighbourhood I’ve ever stepped foot in. With its cute pastel-hued townhouses, serious brunching culture, the famous Portobello Road market, not to mention being the filming location for THAT Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie, it’s no wonder that Notting Hill has become an icon of London. When I was in London last month, I spent a morning exploring this delightful little pocket, getting wonderfully lost down its colourful streets. I snapped hundreds of photos that morning — there was just too much prettiness to capture! If you’re thinking of visiting Notting Hill on your next visit to London, here is a little snapshot of what I loved best about this gorgeous west London neighbourhood.
Where to explore in Notting Hill:
Portobello Road
Portobello Road is undisputedly the most famous street in Notting Hill and home to one of the world’s most well-known markets: the Portobello Road Market, the largest antiques market in the world. This is the star attraction of Notting Hill and one of the most visited sites in all of London. The Portobello Road Market isn’t the only reason to visit this road, however. Charming cafés, bakeries, historic pubs, antique shops and bookshops line the street, all painted in beautiful colours.
Related: 3 London Markets You Need To Visit
Westbourne Grove
Aside from Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove is one of the most well-known streets in Notting Hill, largely for the pretty cafés and expensive boutiques that line the street. Come here for brunch and have your pick of Granger & Co., Daylesford Organic, 202 any many others.
Related: London Food Diary
The pretty townhouses
Notting Hill is a photographer’s dream. I just wanted to stop and take a snap of every one of the colourful Victorian townhouses that line the streets — they were just so pretty! I wandered aimlessly up and down the roads, admiring each and every one of these gorgeous homes, allowing myself to momentarily slip into a dream of owning one myself. I got wonderfully lost and completely lost my bearings during the morning I spent wandering around — I was so captivated by how charming it all was that I lost my sense of direction! But those moments of discovery when you least expect it are some of the most special aren’t they?
The Mews
Before I came to London, I had no idea what a ‘mews’ was. Historically, a mews was a small service road running behind the grand houses of the Georgian and Victorian elite. Centuries ago, these wealthy families needed space for their horses, coaches and servants, and so rows of stables houses were constructed on small roads at the back of the houses called mews. As time progressed, mews houses became obsolete, especially with the production of the motor car and many were sold off to businesses. Today, mews houses are some of the most highly sought after in the capital, with people truly valuing their unique charm. I loved wandering down the quiet mews of Notting Hill to discover quaint little dwellings tucked away from the busy streets filled with greenery. Who wouldn’t dream of living in a little house like this?
What a beautiful place to visit. You captured it beautifully! X
Thank you! It’s so pretty it’s like it isn’t even real! x
Wow, I’ve heard of Notting Hill but had no idea it was so colorful! The pastels are just dreamy, it looks like a sunny day from the pictures. Thanks for sharing ?
It’s just gorgeous Lauren. If you’re ever in London, you must go — you’d love it!
I’m totally kicking myself for not visiting Notting Hill when I was last in London! It looks so beautiful! I love the pastel town houses-there’s nothing quite like that here in the States.
-Claire
tallgirlbigworld.com
I didn’t visit during my first trip to London, but this time around I was determined to make it there! It really is so pretty and quaint and a real icon of London. You’ll have to go on your next trip! ?
I do love the Mews! Some of the most gorgeous-looking houses are just quietly tucked away
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The little mews houses are so gorgeous Shernae! I would move into one in a flash (if they weren’t so expensive!) ?
hey hey ? which streets would be best to see those gorgeous victorian townhouses???
Hey Romi, any streets off Portobello Road are a good bet! Have fun!
Hi!
I´ve seriously looked everywhere, what are the streets called, where all the pastel houses are? Like the first picture, I´m going to London in a week so I would love if you answered pretty quickly. Oh, and I love all the photos you took, super talented!!
That’s so exciting Alma! If you take the tube to Notting Hill Gate and head down Portobello Road, all the little side streets off here are filled with pretty, pastel townhouses. I can’t remember the exact street names – sorry. Just go walking around the area and you’re sure to find them pretty quickly. Have a great trip!