A Local’s Guide to Kensington & Notting Hill, London

Staying between Kensington and Notting Hill places you close to Portobello Road, Kensington Palace, Holland Park and Kensington Gardens. Elegant streets, colourful houses, independent shops, markets and some of west London’s best-known attractions are all within walking distance. Here’s how to make the most of the neighbourhood during your stay.

Getting Your Bearings

This part of London sits between two distinct neighbourhoods: High Street Kensington, known for its elegant shopping and museums, and Notting Hill, famous for its pastel-coloured houses and market culture. Both are within easy walking distance of each other, while Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park border the area to the east.

Explore Kensington & Notting Hill

Begin on Kensington High Street, then walk north along Kensington Church Street towards Notting Hill Gate. Continue into Notting Hill to explore Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove and the surrounding streets of colourful houses.

Portobello Road Market runs from Monday to Saturday and is packed with food stalls, vintage finds and antiques. Saturday is the liveliest day, with the largest selection of stalls.

The Notting Hill Bookshop, made famous by the film Notting Hill, is worth visiting even if you are only browsing. Holland Park and Kensington Gardens provide quieter, greener alternatives when you want a break from the shops and markets.

Eat and Drink Nearby

• The Electric Bar and Brasserie on Portobello Road serves a lively, cosmopolitan menu in one of Notting Hill’s most recognisable buildings.
• Black & Blue on Kensington Church Street is a convenient choice for steak and classic grill dishes.
• Planet Organic is useful for fresh produce, groceries and provisions during your stay.

Culture and Sights

• Kensington Palace, the former home of Diana, Princess of Wales and the official London residence of the Prince and Princess of Wales, offers a fascinating glimpse into royal history within the surroundings of Kensington Gardens.
• Kensington Gardens, once the private grounds of Kensington Palace, inspired J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan. Look out for the bronze Peter Pan statue near the Long Water.
• The Design Museum is a short walk away and hosts changing exhibitions covering design, architecture, fashion and technology.
• The Electric Cinema, built in 1910, is one of London’s oldest working cinemas and an atmospheric place to watch a film.
• Holland Park, a quieter and leafier alternative to Hyde Park, is ideal for a walk and includes the tranquil Kyoto Garden.

Getting Around

High Street Kensington station serves the Circle and District lines, while Notting Hill Gate serves the Central, Circle and District lines. Both stations are around a ten-minute walk away, providing convenient connections across London.

From the airports and Eurostar:

• Heathrow: take the Elizabeth line to Paddington, then the Circle line to Notting Hill Gate or High Street Kensington.
• Gatwick: take the Gatwick Express to Victoria, then the Circle line to High Street Kensington or Notting Hill Gate.
• Stansted: take the Stansted Express to Liverpool Street, then the Central line directly to Notting Hill Gate.
• Luton: take a Thameslink service to Farringdon, then the Elizabeth line to Paddington and the Circle line to Notting Hill Gate or High Street Kensington.
• London City Airport: take the DLR to Bank, then the Central line directly to Notting Hill Gate.
• Eurostar: from St Pancras International, take the Circle line from King’s Cross St Pancras directly to Notting Hill Gate or High Street Kensington.

Good to Know

If you’re planning a stay between Kensington and Notting Hill, our own apartment sits at the heart of everything in this guide—a two-bedroom basement flat on a quiet street, with its own private patio and easy walking access to both neighbourhoods.