by Dorothee Schröder
A West London District
Notting Hill is a district in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea.
From Hamlet to Suburb
Once a rural hamlet in Middlesex, Notting Hill developed into a London suburb during the nineteenth century.
A Cosmopolitan Community
Notting Hill has long been a cosmopolitan area, shaped by waves of immigration, particularly from the Caribbean in the 1950s and 1960s.
Gentrification and Change
After decades of gentrification, the district is now one of London’s most desirable places to live.
Green Spaces Nearby
With Holland Park, Kensington Gardens and Portobello Green close by, Notting Hill offers excellent opportunities for leisure and relaxation.
Portobello Road Market
Portobello Road Market, dating back to the nineteenth century, is one of the world’s most famous street markets, known for its antiques, unique finds and vibrant atmosphere, as well as its North African and Caribbean street food, set against a backdrop of iconic pastel-coloured houses.
Notting Hill Carnival
Notting Hill Carnival, Europe’s largest street festival and second only to Rio de Janeiro’s Carnival, takes place every August, attracting around a million visitors who celebrate Caribbean culture with music, dance and colourful parades.
A Film Location
Notting Hill has served as a setting for numerous films, including Notting Hill, the Harry Potter films and the James Bond franchise, and guided tours explore these famous locations.
Portobello Film Festival
The Portobello Film Festival takes place each September at various venues across Notting Hill, showcasing independent films from a wide range of genres.
Notable Residents
Notting Hill has been home to a wide range of notable figures, including Thomas Hardy, Arthur Machen, George Orwell, David Cameron and Stella McCartney.
Cover picture: Portobello Road Market (Photograph: Dorothee Schröder)
