Notting Hill Carnival
NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL
For over 50 years, Notting Hill Carnival has been a must-see event in London, with the first carnival taking place in 1966. The carnival is considered one of the most famous events in Europe and sees the streets of Notting Hill in Kensington alive with parades and parties.
The event occurs annually on the last weekend in August, which is a bank holiday weekend in England, meaning the party continues all the way through Monday.
Diversity and Dancing at Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival unites all kinds of people together in one neighbourhood. The street festival is on for three days and everyone goes for one thing – to dance to the rhythm of Caribbean music while immersing themselves in Afro-Caribbean culture. Colourful costumes and a lively atmosphere make the carnival an unforgettable experience for everyone.
Notting Hill Carnival Activities
The carnival begins with the Panorama Steel Band Competition, allowing groups to compete to be crowned the Steel Drums Champion. This competition takes place in Emslie Horniman Pleasance Park, London. The second day of the festival is best known as Family Day where a children’s parade takes place through the streets of Notting Hill. The last day is the final celebration where people wear eccentric, expressive Afro-Caribbean inspired outfits and party their hardest.
Getting to Notting Hill Carnival with DFDS
Hop on the Calais-Dover, Dunkirk-Dover or Dieppe-Newhaven ferry to reach England in no time. Take your car with you and reach London in just 2 hours from our Newhaven and Dover ports!
You can also travel on a ferry crossing from Amsterdam to Newcastle and utilise England’s excellent motorway network, driving to London. Alternatively, hop on a train and be in London in under 4 hours.
Our Routes to the UK
Amsterdam-Newcastle Ferry Crossings
Travel comfortably with your car, campervan, or motorcycle and with no luggage limits on the Amsterdam–Newcastle ferry to the gates of Scotland.
From
€79
Dunkirk-Dover Ferry Crossings
Sail across the English Channel with ease on a short crossing between Dunkirk and Dover.
From
€103
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Calais-Dover Ferry Crossings
Our Calais to Dover route is the shortest crossing we provide and is the perfect way to cross the Channel to the UK.
From
€103
per car + up to 4 people, one way*
Dieppe-Newhaven Ferry Crossings
Crossing the Channel from Dieppe to Newhaven provides you with the ideal gateway to the UK.
From
€118
per car + 2 people, one way*
Travel Guides
London
Visit London for iconic landmarks like the London Eye, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace, as well as the charming boroughs of Kensington, Notting Hill, Shoreditch and more.
Dover
Discover Dover’s ancient heritage and iconic White Cliffs when you travel on a ferry crossing from Dunkirk or Calais.
Kent
Known as the Garden of England, Kent is renowned for its natural beauty.
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