Notting Hill: London's Hidden Oasis

During this time of uncertainty, travel is the last and first thing on almost everyone's mind. It's the last thing because travel is very unrealistic right now. However, it's the first thing because so many people are ready to get up, get back to normal and change their scenery (at least I know I am)!

So, even though travel may not be possible right now I thought I would still post about some of my favorite spots to allow people to take virtual trips or inspire destinations for future travel!

Today's oasis sits right outside the center of London: Notting Hill. Notting Hill is a quaint area of London filled with adorable shops, a weekend market, and beautiful homes that boast tranquil colors.

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Transportation and Timing

Getting to Notting Hill from the center of London is super easy ... you just take the Tube! It is a bit of a tube ride depending on which side of London you are traveling from but regardless, it is inexpensive and easy to get there! In my opinion, the best time to go is the weekend because that is when the have Portobello Market. This is a beautiful outdoor market with many different vendors from denim vendors to soap vendors to food vendors.

Highlights

1. Biscuiteers

This little bakery is just off of Portobello Road. They serve hand-iced biscuits and even offer classes where you can go and ice your own biscuits (biscuits meaning cookies in American English). It is absolutely adorable and fits right into the quaint neighborhood. While I didn't get the chance to ice my own biscuit, don't worry because I will definitely be back to do so.

2. Notting Hill Bookshop

This was one of my favorite shops in Notting Hill. Sitting on a corner, this bookshop sells all of your favorite classics with beautiful covers. It is small, it is tight and it is popular but wow is it worth it. Whether you love the classics or just want a book for your shelf, this is the place to be. Talk about a souvenir...

3. Portobello Market

Now, I have mentioned this a few times already but Portobello Market happens on Portobello road over the weekends. The whole street is filled with vendors in the street and the street itself has all of its cafes and shops open as well! This is such a fun weekend activity and if you're lucky, you might even spot someone famous!

4. The Blue Door from Notting Hill

Would I really be a tourist still without going to the main tourist sight in Notting Hill? I don't think so. The famous blue door from the 90's rom-com Notting Hill can be found on Westbourne Park Road. Whether you want to get a picture with the door or just admire it for it's rom-com symbolism, it's worth the stop in my book.

5. Colorful Streets

Now, this is really one of the main reasons why a lot of younger adults are drawn to Notting Hill: for the "gram." Notting Hill is filled with streets (such as Lancaster Road) that are lined with beautiful, colorful houses making a great background for a photoshoot. While you can get some really cute pictures here, do remember that real people and real families live here so please be respectful.

6. Electric Cinema

I definitely recommend heading over to the Electric Cinema for an experience. My friends and I went and reserved two velvet beds in the front row to see a movie and it was an amazing experience. The theater is filled with red leather couches, chairs, and velvet beds. There is also a concessions stand in the back. You truly do feel like you are transported in time at this movie theatre. It is a different experience that ended up being one of the most fun movie experiences I had in London (even though I thought the movie we saw was a bit boring).

Food

1. Farm Girl

This organic brunch location is guaranteed to have a wait but is also guaranteed to provide you with an amazing meal. If you're into organic and local foods, this is the place to be. It has a beautiful interior design and the food is delicious to the mouth and the eye.

2. Hummingbird Cafe

If you know me, you know how much I love chocolate. Especially when it's in the form of a cake or cupcake. While everyone else was trying to figure out the best place to get brunch, all I could focus on was the bakeries and ... chocolate. Not only does this cafe have AMAZING chocolate cupcakes but it is pink! How much better could it get?