Now perhaps best known for the famous movie Notting Hill, this area was always considered the poor neighbour to nearby Chelsea and Kensington.  However it is now considered to be one London’s most desirable (and expensive!) residential areas.
It is also known as the location of the largest street carnival in Europe. Following the Second World War Notting Hill became home to a large number of immigrants from the West Indies and in 1959 they staged the first Notting Hill carnival, although it was a relatively low key event compared with it the modern highly stage-managed extravaganza of today. The carnival usually takes place during the last weekend of August each year and at other times of the year Notting Hill is a quiet residential area. There are some outstanding restaurants and gastro pubs to be found nearby.

                                                                                                                    Notting Hill Carnival

Most people come to the Portobello Road for the Saturday antiques market, although some shops and stores are open on other days of the week. It is the longest street market in the capital and has a unique charm and character which attracts Londoners, tourist and the occasional celebrity!
Our sightseeing tour does not go into this part of London, but the market is a short walk away from the Big Bus Notting Hill stop.

Portobello Road market bargain hunters

Holland Park is leafy and intimate and is considered by many to be the most romantic park in London! In the summer months the park hosts a number of events including open air opera and outdoor theatre productions. It is also the site of a Japanese garden, the Kyoto garden, as well as the more formal Rose and ecology gardens. It is a ten minute walk away from our Notting Hill stop.

A Holland Park Squirrel poses for the camera.