The best things to do in Notting Hill and Kensington in 2026 are Portobello Road Market on a Saturday, Kensington Palace, the Kyoto Garden in Holland Park, Leighton House's golden Arab Hall, the Design Museum, and a film in the armchairs of the Electric Cinema.
Notting Hill is all pastel terraces, garden squares and Portobello Road, while neighbouring Kensington adds royal palaces, parks and museums. Saturday is market day on Portobello Road, when the antiques stalls are out in force; weekdays are calmer for the shops and cafés. Notting Hill Gate, Ladbroke Grove and High Street Kensington stations all serve the area.
London's most famous street market, with antiques, vintage and food.
Portobello Road Market runs for much of the length of Portobello Road, from antiques dealers at the Notting Hill Gate end to fruit, vegetables, food and vintage clothing further north.
Saturday is the big day, when the antiques stalls are out.
Good to know: Arrive by 9am on Saturday, before the crowds.
Portobello Road, London W11
Queen Victoria's birthplace, in Kensington Gardens.
Kensington Palace has state apartments, exhibitions on royal life and fashion, and the Sunken Garden. Queen Victoria was born and grew up here.
It sits in Kensington Gardens, next to Hyde Park.
Good to know: Combine it with the Diana Memorial Playground or a walk around the Round Pond.
Kensington Gardens, London W8 4PX
A woodland park with a tranquil Japanese garden, free.
Holland Park mixes woodland, formal gardens and the ruins of Holland House. Its Kyoto Garden, with a waterfall, stone lanterns and koi carp, is one of London's most peaceful spots.
Peacocks roam the grounds, and there is an adventure playground for children.
Good to know: Visit the Kyoto Garden in autumn for the maple colours.
Ilchester Place, London W8 6LU
A Victorian artist's palace with a dazzling golden Arab Hall.
Leighton House was the home and studio of the Victorian painter Frederic Leighton, and its Arab Hall, lined with Islamic tiles under a golden dome, is one of London's most extraordinary rooms.
It is a short walk from Holland Park and High Street Kensington.
Good to know: Check opening days before you go; it closes on some weekdays.
12 Holland Park Road, London W14 8LZ
Contemporary design and architecture in a striking modernist building.
The Design Museum on Kensington High Street, in a reworked 1960s building with a dramatic roof, shows product, fashion, graphic and architectural design, with a free permanent display.
Its temporary exhibitions are some of London's most popular.
Good to know: The free permanent display is upstairs; temporary exhibitions need tickets.
224–238 Kensington High Street, London W8 6AG
Armchairs, sofas and beds in one of Britain's oldest cinemas.
The Electric Cinema on Portobello Road is one of Britain's oldest working cinemas, with leather armchairs, footstools and sofas or double beds in the front rows, plus food and drink to your seat.
It is perfect for a rainy afternoon or a date night.
Good to know: Book the front-row beds or sofas for a treat.
191 Portobello Road, London W11 2ED
A nostalgic museum of packaging, advertising and everyday design.
The Museum of Brands traces two centuries of consumer culture through thousands of packets, tins, toys and adverts, in a 'time tunnel' from the Victorians to today.
It is a fun, nostalgic hour, especially for anyone who grew up in Britain.
Good to know: Look for the products you remember from childhood in the time tunnel.
111–117 Lancaster Road, London W11 1QT
Saturday is the main market day, with antiques, food and fashion. Fruit, vegetables and some stalls trade on other days, and Friday has vintage clothing. See our markets guide.
Many of the best-known pastel terraces are on and around Lancaster Road, Westbourne Park Road and the streets just off Portobello Road. Please respect residents' privacy when taking photos.
Yes. Holland Park, including the Kyoto Garden with its waterfall and koi carp, is free to visit.
The permanent collection display is free; temporary exhibitions are ticketed.
Notting Hill Carnival takes place over the August bank holiday weekend each year, filling the streets with parades, sound systems and food stalls.