Colourful Kensington & Notting Hill

Kensington and Notting Hill showcase London's refined yet bohemian west side. Kensington High Street blends chain stores with upmarket boutiques, while side streets reveal rows of pristine white stucco-fronted townhouses and hidden garden squares. The area's grandeur peaks around Kensington Palace Gardens, dubbed "Billionaires' Row", where embassies and mansions hide behind high walls and security cameras.

Notting Hill offers a more eclectic vibe, though gentrification has polished its edges. Portobello Road market still brings weekend crowds hunting for antiques and vintage finds, while Westbourne Grove serves up designer shops and trendy brunch spots. The neighbourhood's pastel-coloured houses, made famous by that film, draw Instagram crowds, but quiet streets like Lansdowne Crescent keep their peaceful charm.

The area tells two stories - one of old money around Kensington Palace and the Museums, another of artsy affluence in Notting Hill's coffee shops and independent bookstores. Council estates sit alongside multi-million pound homes, while local pubs share streets with Michelin-starred restaurants. Despite the wealth, there's still a community feel, especially during the annual Notting Hill Carnival when the streets explode with Caribbean colour and sound.Read more