Some days in London feel like you’re doing too much- rushing between places, trying to make the most of the day instead of actually enjoying it. This wasn’t one of those days.
I ended up in Notting Hill without much of a plan. just a free day, decent weather (rare win), and the thought of walking somewhere nice. I didn’t expect much beyond a wander and some food, but I left feeling oddly settled. It was calm, lived-in, & easy, the kind of area that lets you slow down without trying.
Nothing dramatic happened, but it was just one of those genuinely good days that leave you feeling happy. And those are usually the ones worth writing about.
Getting there
We took the tube to Ladbroke Grove. The station isn’t wheelchair accessible and doesn’t have step-free access. Taking the bus is a much better option and is wheelchair friendly. Cabs are easy enough, too.
Once you’re in the area, getting around is straightforward. Most pavements are wheelchair friendly, and everything you’d want to see is close together, which makes walking around feel relaxed rather than tiring.
First stop: coffee (always)
We just picked a local coffee place nearby and grabbed a proper cuppa. That’s one thing Notting Hill does well: loads of small coffee spots within easy walking distance. Nothing feels miles apart, and you don’t need to queue for half an hour to get something decent.
We stood around for a bit, watching stalls being set up and people heading about their day. It felt very normal in the best way.
Portobello Road Market, taken slowly
From there, we walked towards Portobello Road Market. If you’re planning a visit, 10–11 AM is a good time to arrive. busy enough to feel lively, but still easy to move around.
The market has a bit of everything: jewellery, clothes, accessories, fresh bakes, vintage stalls, and lots of small independent sellers. It’s the kind of place where you should take your time rather than rush through.
I picked up a Notting Hill tote bag (predictable, but I stand by it) and some postcards. We also stopped by the Notting Hill bookstore, which I really liked. It’s been around for years and has that slightly old, comforting feel. Even if you’re not buying anything, it’s worth popping in.
Pastel houses & a quick pause
After that, we carried on walking and stopped by the pastel houses of Notting Hill. It’s a short stretch and an easy stop- nice for a breather, a couple of photos, then back on your way. By this point, we’d clocked around 5k steps, which meant one thing (lunch).
Lunch at Dishoom
We headed to Dishoom and got there just before it got properly busy, good timing for once.
I went for my usual chole bhature and ruby chicken, with a few sides. filling, comforting, and exactly what I needed after all that walking. Dishoom is one of those places that’s reliably good, which is sometimes all you want.
Winding down the day
After lunch, we walked back through Portobello Road one last time & picked up a couple of fridge magnets, very touristy, but I’m not above it.
We didn’t try to squeeze anything else in.. just walked, chatted, and slowly made our way out of the area. Tbh, Notting Hill is best enjoyed without a strict plan. It’s walkable, calm, easy to get around, & full of good food and small spots worth stopping for. If you’re looking for a relaxed London day, something you can wander through, eat well, and not feel rushed, Notting Hill is a solid choice.
Fortitude Bakehouse- last stop of the day!
Just before heading back, we ended up at Fortitude Bakehouse as I was craving something sweet. It was right near our hotel, and this was easily my favourite stop of the day.
You can see everything being baked fresh, and the smell pulls you in before you’ve even decided. It’s busy but well-run, and you immediately want more than one thing. I had a coffee and the mascarpone cheese bun, which was honestly excellent, not too sweet, really balanced. We also tried the cinnamon bun and the pizza bake, both very good. I don’t throw this around lightly, but Fortitude is now my favourite bakery in London. I’d happily come back just for this.