Notting Hill is one of the most renowned and beloved of London neighborhoods.
With its colorful houses, vibrant markets, and lush parks, it’s a great place to explore on foot.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll, an invigorating hike, or a combination of both, there’s something for everyone.
Here are the 15 best walks in Notting Hill, ranging from the well-known to the hidden gems.
From the grand Kensington Gardens and the lively Portobello Road Market to the lesser known Ladbroke Grove Nature Reserve and the Hill Garden and Pergola, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
This article will help you plan your perfect Notting Hill walk.
Kensington Gardens
You’ll love exploring Kensington Gardens with its lush greenery and stunning architecture – it’s a truly breathtaking experience!
This sprawling garden is located in Notting Hill and is home to the spectacular Kensington Palace, a 17th-century structure with a vibrant history.
Within the grounds, you’ll find a variety of beautiful flowers, trees, and shrubs – perfect for a leisurely stroll.
You’ll also find the famous round pond, which is a popular spot for boating and birdwatching.
The gardens also have a playground and a cafe, so you can take a break and relax with a cup of tea or a light snack.
The magnificence of the grounds makes Kensington Gardens one of the best walks in Notting Hill – a must-see for anyone visiting the area!
Westbourne Grove
Taking a stroll along Westbourne Grove offers a unique opportunity to explore the grandeur of Notting Hill. It’s a great place to window shop and get lost in the bustling atmosphere of the area. With its grand mix of luxury boutiques, chic cafes, and independent stores, it’s the perfect place to take a leisurely walk and admire the grand Victorian architecture of the area.
When the sun is out, it’s also a great time to stop by the Portobello Road market. It’s one of London’s most iconic markets and a great place to find unique souvenirs. The market offers a wide array of vintage clothes, antiques, and delicious food stalls. It’s the ultimate Notting Hill shopping experience.
The Portobello Road Market
Exploring the Portobello Road Market is a must-do for anyone visiting Notting Hill; it’s an iconic market with an incredible selection of vintage clothes, antiques, and delicious food stalls.
The market is located in the center of Notting Hill and is open from Monday to Saturday. It’s best to visit on Saturday when the market is at its busiest.
With over 1,000 stalls, you’ll find everything from vintage clothes and antiques to handmade crafts, jewelry, books, art, and more. The unique atmosphere and lively street performers make it a great place to explore.
You can also sample the delicious cuisines from the various food stalls. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a unique item, the Portobello Road Market is the perfect place to find something special.
The Grand Union Canal
Stroll along the Grand Union Canal and discover a tranquil oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city.
The canal stretches from Birmingham in the Midlands, all the way to London’s Little Venice, and it’s popular with Londoners looking for a peaceful walk.
You can take a leisurely stroll along its banks, admiring its many locks and bridges, and the stunning scenery along its length.
The canal is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including swans, ducks, and even kingfishers.
Keep an eye out for boats moored along the banks, and take some time to stop and chat with the friendly boat owners.
The canal is also home to many cafes and pubs, making it the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner.
The Grand Union Canal is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.
The Ladbroke Grove Nature Reserve
Nestled amongst the bustling streets of Notting Hill, the Ladbroke Grove Nature Reserve offers a peaceful sanctuary to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
This beautiful reserve is home to a variety of wildlife and nature, including ponds, trees, and wildflowers. It is a great place to take a peaceful stroll, as the paths meander through the trees and along the canals.
Birdwatchers will love seeing the variety of species that call the reserve home, and the abundance of wildflowers in the surrounding meadows. There are also plenty of benches and picnic tables for visitors to relax and take in the beauty of the reserve.
The reserve is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon, whether you’re looking for a peaceful walking route or a spot to enjoy a picnic lunch.
Little Venice
Take a break from the city and explore the beauty of Little Venice, a picturesque area in the heart of London. Located in Notting Hill, this area is home to magnificent canals, lined with charming houseboats and lined by greenery.
Stroll along the canals and enjoy the tranquility of the area, while taking in the sights of the unique architecture. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the vibrant wildlife that can be spotted along the way, such as swans, ducks, and herons.
As you meander along the canals, take a break and enjoy a meal at one of the many local restaurants. Stop in for a traditional pub lunch or enjoy some of the delicious cuisine from the area’s international restaurants.
Little Venice is also the perfect place for a romantic evening walk, so don’t forget to appreciate the spectacular sunsets over the canal. With so much to explore, Little Venice is the perfect place to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Hyde Park
Embark on a journey through one of London’s most iconic parks, Hyde Park, and be amazed by its natural beauty.
Spanning over 350 acres, Hyde Park is located in central London and is one of the largest parks in the city.
As you enter the park, you’ll be met with a diverse array of wildlife, greenery, and landscapes.
The park houses a variety of different species of trees, plants, and flowers, from lush evergreens to bright and vibrant flowers.
It also has a lake, surrounded by a variety of trees and wildlife.
There are a number of areas that are great for walking, including the Serpentine, which is a large lake that is perfect for a leisurely stroll.
You can also take a walk through the Long Water, which runs the length of the park and is particularly beautiful in the early morning.
Hyde Park is also home to a number of monuments and statues, which provide a great backdrop to your walk.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous walk, Hyde Park is the perfect destination.
Kensal Green Cemetery
Explore the beautiful landscape of Kensal Green Cemetery, an iconic London graveyard located in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
This stunning cemetery is a peaceful oasis for locals and visitors alike. From the majestic entrance gates to the winding paths, this cemetery offers plenty of opportunities to take in the tranquil atmosphere and appreciate the history of the area.
The cemetery is also home to some of the most beautiful and oldest memorials and tombs in the UK. The sheer range of monuments, tombs, and sculptures is a testament to the diversity of the area and the cemetery’s history.
For the more adventurous, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the overgrown areas and discover hidden gems. From the ornate Victorian monuments to the peaceful lake, Kensal Green Cemetery is a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take in the beauty of nature.
The Paddington Trail
Discover the vibrant art and culture of London’s Paddington neighborhood on the Paddington Trail! This 2.5-mile walk takes you through the iconic Paddington Station and its surrounding areas, including the famous Little Venice and the picturesque Regent’s Canal.
From here, you can follow the trail to the grand Portobello Road Market and explore the diverse range of shops and cafes that make up this vibrant district. Along the way, you’ll be able to admire the stunning architecture of the area, as well as its vibrant street art and graffiti.
From the Regent’s Canal to the iconic Westway, the Paddington Trail offers plenty of opportunities to take in the sights and sounds of this unique neighborhood. You’ll also be able to stop by various attractions, such as the celebrated Paddington Bear Statue, the tranquil Paddington Green, and the historic Paddington Library.
With its mix of culture, art, and nature, the Paddington Trail is a must-see for any visitor to London.
The Harrow Road
After exploring the Paddington Trail, another great option for a walk in Notting Hill is the Harrow Road.
This route takes you through the heart of the area, offering a chance to see some of the iconic sights of the area.
The path starts at St. Mary’s Church and winds its way through the bustling streets and grand houses of Notting Hill.
As you walk, you’ll pass by the famous Portobello Road Market, the colourful houses of Kensington Park Gardens, and the Grade I listed St. John’s Church.
Along the way, you’ll be treated to a variety of sights and sounds, from the hustle and bustle of the market to the peaceful tranquillity of the gardens.
You’ll also get the chance to take in the beautiful architecture of the area, from the grand Victorian homes to the colourful terraced houses.
At the end of your journey, you’ll be rewarded with some stunning views of the city skyline.
The Holland Park
Once you’ve finished exploring the Harrow Road, why not take a stroll in the beautiful Holland Park?
Located in the affluent Notting Hill district, Holland Park is a magnificent 54-acre public park that features a variety of amenities, from a fully stocked café to a large children’s playground.
Its lush green spaces feature a variety of trees, plants, and wildflowers, and its pathways are perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Holland Park is home to several historic buildings, including the Kyoto Garden, a traditional Japanese garden that transports visitors to a tranquil oasis.
There are also several other attractions, such as a large lake, a large aviary, and a cricket pitch.
The park also hosts several cultural events, such as outdoor cinema screenings and live music performances.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an exciting day out, Holland Park has something for everyone.
The Holland Park Japanese Garden
Surrounded by lush greenery, the tranquil Holland Park Japanese Garden provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life. The garden is a great place to take a leisurely stroll and admire its beauty.
The garden’s centerpiece is a large pond, which is surrounded by a variety of trees, including cherry blossom and maple. As you stroll around the pond, you can admire the koi fish swimming beneath the surface and the colorful blossoms that float in the water.
Further along, you can find a wooden bridge that leads to a small island with a pagoda-style pavilion and a teahouse. The garden also features a variety of rock formations, traditional lanterns, and a waterfall.
The garden is a great place to take in the sights and sounds of nature, as well as to reflect on life and appreciate the beauty of the world around you.
The Notting Hill Carnival
Gathering hundreds of thousands of revelers each year, the Notting Hill Carnival is an explosion of music, dance, and festivities. It’s the biggest street party in the world and takes place every August in the streets and parks of Notting Hill, London.
The carnival is a wonderful celebration of Caribbean culture and traditions, as well as a great opportunity for people from all walks of life to come together and enjoy a day of festivities. It has been running since 1966 and is a fantastic event that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s faces.
The carnival is a true spectacle, with colorful costumes, vibrant music, and a lively atmosphere, all of which make it a truly unique event. There’s also plenty of delicious food to be had, from traditional Caribbean dishes to more international fare.
It’s a fantastic way to spend a day in Notting Hill and a great way to experience the diversity and vibrancy of the area.
The Notting Hill Farm
You’ll find a unique oasis of green amid the hustle and bustle of the Notting Hill Carnival at the Notting Hill Farm.
Situated in the heart of Notting Hill, the Farm is a much-loved community space. It has been home to a range of activities over the years, including various growing, gardening, and educational projects.
The Farm is open to the public and welcomes visitors to take a stroll through the peaceful gardens. As you walk around, you can enjoy views of the surrounding area, visit the animals, or take part in a workshop or activity.
The Farm offers a great opportunity to soak up some of the local culture, learn about the history of the area, and experience a more rural atmosphere amidst the city buzz.
From the Farm, you can explore the rest of the neighborhood on foot, with a range of walks available to suit all levels of fitness. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or an invigorating hike, Notting Hill Farm provides a peaceful and pleasant respite from the hustle and bustle of the Carnival.
The Hill Garden and Pergola
Leaving the Notting Hill Farm behind, I continued my exploration of the best walks in Notting Hill with a stroll to the Hill Garden and Pergola.
This small but beautiful garden is full of surprises. There are winding pathways that lead to tucked away benches, a tranquil pond, and a rustic pergola. The garden is full of vibrant colors from the many flowers and plants, creating a truly magical atmosphere. It’s a great place to relax and appreciate nature in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city.
The pergola is the highlight of the garden, with its tall, elegant columns and intricate carvings. The whole structure is made of wood, and is covered with ivy and other climbing plants. It’s the perfect spot to sit for a while and soak in the tranquility of the garden. It’s also a great spot to take a few photos, as the pergola is one of the most photogenic places in the area.
The Hill Garden and Pergola is truly a sight to behold and a must-see when visiting Notting Hill.
Conclusion
I’ve covered some of the best walks in Notting Hill, from the famous Kensington Gardens to the lesser-known Hill Garden and Pergola.
Each walk is unique and offers something special for the keen explorer.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there’s something for everyone here.
It’s an excellent way to get to know the area, and the locals are always welcoming and friendly.
So why not grab a map, some comfortable shoes, and explore all that Notting Hill has to offer?
You won’t regret it.