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Notting Hill – London Travel Guide

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Notting Hill – London Travel Guide

Notting Hill is one of London’s most famous districts, with the Notting Hill film helping to raise its international profile. The area is also well known for Notting Hill Carnival which is renowned as one of the largest and best street festivals in the world. Portobello Road is similarly lauded as the host of a truly one-off market unlike anything else.

This affluent area has more to offer than just well-known events though as there are shops, bars, restaurants and other attractions that make this an exciting destination to visit any time of the year. With London just a couple of hours away from two of our ports, it’s a must-visit destination and Notting Hill may be one of the best districts to visit for an authentic London experience. From trendy bars to kitsch museums, this is a cultural hotspot that has it all.

Header image credit: Nora Julianna Kovacs

Getting there

The port at Dover is the closest major destination that DFDS operates at, and is less than two hours’ drive to the very centre of London. The M20 motorway leads straight from the Dover area to the M25 London circular, from which accessing any of London’s districts is straightforward. Alternatively, the port at Newhaven is also just a short distance from London, with the M25 accessible in around an hour via the A26, A23 and M23.

How to get to Notting Hill

How to get to Notting Hill

Located in West London, Notting Hill is best accessed by car from the M4 and M1 motorways, both of which connect to the M25. The A40, also known as Westway, is the major A-road that runs past the district. Street parking is dotted all over Notting Hill, but is often very busy and shouldn’t be relied upon. If you do arrive by car, multi-storey car parks in neighbouring Bayswater are the best option. Public transport connections are excellent in Notting Hill which does make park and ride a good idea, too. There are three tube stations in the vicinity; Notting Hill Gate on the Circle, District and Central lines, and Westbourne Park and Ladbroke Grove on the Hammersmith & City line.

Image credit: Simone Graziano Panetto

​Where to stay in Notting Hill

Where to stay

Affordable accommodation in Notting Hill is plentiful, with British chains such as Travelodge and the Premier Inn nearby. However, if you’d prefer something more in keeping with the area’s ambience, then you won’t be disappointed. The Portobello Hotel is a truly authentic option, with wonderful four poster beds and a traditional London design. It’s a charming place and is perfect for a romantic getaway. Alternatively, The Laslett is a seriously trendy choice. Covering five interconnected townhouses, this hotel is decorated with all manner of quirky-yet-traditional pieces of furniture and artwork. This cool hotel also places a focus on local input, with food and design both sourced from the area.

Notting Hill

Notting Hill’s famous attractions are well known but that doesn’t mean that the area doesn’t have more to offer. Here at DFDS, we know that our passengers are often looking for something a little more interesting, which is why we recommend you dig a little deeper. If you’re a food lover then Notting Hill won’t disappoint - there are two Michelin-starred restaurants in the area, along with a host of independent cafes and restaurants. The Walmer Castle pub offers the quintessential British pub experience along with excellent food, or pick 202 London for a typically trendy place to eat.

If you’re looking for entertainment on your short break, then you don’t have to leave the area either - there are a couple of great independent cinemas nearby. The Museum of Brands, Packaging and Advertising is also in the area and takes visitors through the quirky and interesting journey of British consumer culture. And of course, you can always take a stroll through Notting Hill’s streets and gardens - there’s lots to see, from posh terraces to multicoloured townhouses.

Image credit: Adrian Scottow

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