Living in Notting Hill | Move to vibrant West London
Are you considering a move to one of London’s most vibrant areas and are keen to know more about living in Notting Hill?
Through its unique blend of history, culture, and modern amenities many would find that Notting Hill is a vibrant multicultural neighbourhood- home to the Portobello Road Market.
Where is Notting Hill?
Notting Hill is a cosmopolitan neighbourhood in West London within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. The neighbourhood is widely known for hosting the annual Notting Hill Carnival and for the famed Portobello Road Market.
The history of Notting Hill
Notting Hill’s rich and diverse history has had a direct influence on its unique character and charm. Historically, 18th Century Notting Hill was famed for its brick-making and pig-farming industries but a lot has changed since then.
One of the most significant events in Notting Hill’s history is the annual Notting Hill Carnival, which has been taking place since 1966. The carnival is a celebration of Caribbean culture and features music, dancing, and colourful costumes.
W11 has been home to many creatives for much of the 20th Century, including painters, poets, and musicians.
Parks near Notting Hill
Not only is Notting Hill a wonderfully green part of London, with many tree-lined streets, but it also has some of London’s best parks and green spaces on the doorstep.
Holland Park
Holland Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including peacocks, and boasts a Japanese garden, a picturesque pond, and a children’s playground. Holland Park is a beautiful 55-acre park located in Kensington, just a short walk from Notting Hill. It’s a great place for a picnic or a leisurely stroll.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of London’s largest and most famous parks, covering over 350 acres of land. Located just a short distance from Notting Hill, Hyde Park offers a wide range of activities, including boating, cycling, and horse riding. The park is also home to a number of famous landmarks, such as the Serpentine Lake.
Garden Squares
Surrounded by elegant Georgian and Victorian houses, Notting Hill’s garden squares are perfect for a leisurely stroll. Popular squares in the area include Portobello Square, Kensington Square, and Pembridge Square.
Schools in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is ideal for families with children as there is a variety of primary and secondary schools. Parents and carers can opt for both state-funded and independent schools.
Primary Schools
In Notting Hill, there are multiple primary schools of high repute like Thomas Jones Primary and Colville Primary. Thomas Jones Primary, situated on St Mark’s Road, is renowned for its academic excellence and provides students with a variety of extracurricular activities such as art, music, and drama.
Similarly, Colville Primary, located on Lonsdale Road, also has a strong reputation and offers a comprehensive and balanced curriculum.
Secondary Schools
If you’re looking for secondary education options in Notting Hill, there are several great choices available, such as Kensington Aldridge Academy. This state-funded academy situated on Silchester Road offers a comprehensive and diverse curriculum, along with an array of extracurricular activities. Recently, in 2017, the school received the highest possible rating of “outstanding” from Ofsted.
In addition to Kensington Aldridge Academy, there are several other outstanding state-funded secondary schools in the area, including Holland Park School and Westminster Academy. Notting Hill is also home to several independent schools, including La Petite Ecole Bilingue – The Stewart Bilingual School.
Shops in Notting Hill
Notting Hill is famous for its buzzing shopping scene, which includes everything from high-end boutiques to street markets. Here are some of the best places to shop in Notting Hill.
Portobello Market
Throughout the week- except Sunday -Portobello Road is home to one of the most famous street markets in the world. Hundreds of vendors set up stalls and sell everything from antique furniture to fruit and vegetables. Street food vendors also line the street, providing a unique and eclectic shopping experience.
Boutiques
Notting Hill is home to some of the best independent boutiques in London. Maje is a French fashion brand that offers chic and stylish clothing for women. For delicious organic food, Farmacy is a health-focused restaurant which also has a small boutique that sells natural skincare products.
Lutyens & Rubinstein is an independent bookstore, perfect for book lovers.
Restaurants and cafes in Notting Hill
Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee or a meal, there’s something for everyone in this charming neighbourhood.
Portobello Road Area
If experiencing homemade West Indian cuisine appeals to you, a visit to Acklam Village Market is essential. This vibrant market offers a variety of street food stalls that serve authentic dishes.
However, If you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, try Granger & Co, a stylish eatery that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. The menu features a range of international dishes, from Japanese-style breakfasts to classic British brunches.
Westbourne Grove Area
Westbourne Grove is home to some of Notting Hill’s most fashionable restaurants and cafes. Ottolenghi is a must-visit for foodies, with its delicious Middle Eastern-inspired dishes and mouth-watering pastries.
For a taste of the local nightlife, the Notting Hill Arts Club, hosts regular live music events and DJ nights. Or, for a more laid-back evening, head to the Electric Cinema to catch a film.
Learn more about living in Notting Hill
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