If you're staying in one of the excellently located Kensington hotels, there are plenty of options for things to see and do in the area. For movie buffs, or lovers of romantic films, there’s one...
If you're staying in one of the excellently located Kensington hotels, there are plenty of options for things to see and do in the area. For movie buffs, or lovers of romantic films, there’s one particular neighbourhood that may be of interest – Notting Hill. Fans of the romantic comedy will enjoy wandering around and exploring where the film was shot, but even for those who haven't seen the movie, the eclectic Notting Hill is a treasure trove of delightful experiences.
About Notting Hill
Known as an affluent and fashionable area, a walk around Notting Hill and its Victorian houses and gardens will definitely offer a lovely leisurely excursion within easy access of the nearby Kensington hotels. Handsome, stucco-fronted houses with private gardens abound around Pembridge Place and Dawson Place, and the streets coming from the south end of Ladbroke Grove, many of which lead onto substantial communal gardens, make for a lovely stroll. There are grand terraces like Kensington Park Gardens, and large opulent villas in Pembridge Square and around Holland Park.
While there are no official boundaries, historically, Notting Hill includes the area north of the road known as Notting Hill Gate. The hill after which it is named is clearly visible and the highest point is in the middle of Ladbroke Grove, a main road in North Kensington.
Portobello Road
One of the most recognisable places in the film, where many of the scenes were filmed, is Portobello road, which is an easy walk from many of the Kensington hotels. Running parallel to Ladbroke Grove, the best time to visit is on Saturdays, when Portobello Road Market is buzzing. The market is famous for its wares that include second-hand clothes, antiques, food, and produce stalls.
Unfortunately, the blue door made famous in the movie is no longer there, as it was sold, but there are plenty of other sights to see. The independent Portobello Film Festival held every August (since 1996), premiers some 700 new films every year, including features, shorts, animation, documentaries and more. Screenings are held in various areas around Portobello Road.
Westbourne Grove
For shopping and fashion, the up-and-coming Westbourne Grove is the place to head. It's very easily accessible from the Kensington hotels by foot or using the London Underground. Running from Kensington Park Road to Queensway, shoppers can find a mixture of independent and chain retailers, including fun and funky boutiques, designer clothes and accessories, and avante garde furniture shops.
Notting Hill Carnival
Aside from the Portobello Film festival, Notting Hill has another big event in August with the famous Notting Hill Carnival. The parade, starting from Westbourne Grove, is led by members of the West Indian community and has been an annual affair since 1966.
The colourful three-day street festival includes food, music, dancing and parades. It has its roots in the Caribbean Carnival - which was created in 1959 as a response to the race riots - as well as the London Free School-inspired festival of August 1966.
Article Tags: Notting Hill, Kensington Hotels, Ladbroke Grove, Portobello Road, Westbourne Grove
Tidak ada komentar:
Posting Komentar