Discover the trendy and photographic neighbourhood of Notting Hill in London, renowned for its famous filming locations, bustling market and multicultural street food stalls!
On this immersive tour narrated by a London historian, you will walk through the colourful Ladbroke Square, explore Cambridge Gardens, stroll along the famous Portobello Road and finish in front of the secret community gem - the Tabernacle.
Venture off the tourist trail and discover a mix of crazy stories, famous residents, and great food, as you get a more intimate and local feel for the area. Discover how this area became a melting pot for people of all backgrounds, and enjoy taking photos in the most Instagrammable spots like St. Luke’s Mews.
Experience the beautiful architecture and unforgettable iconic sights as you transport yourselves in an engaging, quirky and captivating adventure, as you get a more authentic insight into a lively and significant area.
Begin walking up Notting Hill as we head through Ladbroke Square. Learn about the origins of the name Notting, originating from the Saxon family of Knottas, before reaching the summit of Notting Hill and hearing about the neighbourhood’s unique and often paradoxical identity. Also, learn about the Hippodrome Race Course that once looped the hill.
Start walking down the hill, past Ladbroke Grove Gardens as we learn about the area’s cultural and political identity, from hearing about its class divide to why the Hugh Grant film ‘Notting Hill’ was set here.
Visit the Museum of Brands, a unique place that celebrates how each brand carries an emotional continuity that tugs on your personal experiences and explores the theme of nostalgia. You can see how the industrial revolution, suffragette movement and wartime rationing are reflected in everyday items.
Pay your respects to the victims of the tragedy that occured at Grenfell Tower, the site of a tragic fire back in 2017 which took the lives of at least 72 victims. This is a stark reminder of the drastic divide between the haves and the have nots in this neighborhood and how this class divide has led to racial tensions.
Continue walking down Cambridge Gardens towards Portobello Road as we hear about immigration, housing and exploitation by Peter Rachman. Learn about the various assaults and xenophobia that have occurred over the last century and how riots and the founding of Notting Hill Carnival acted as a way to push back against both active and passive racism.
Walk down Notting Hill’s most famous street, Portobello road. Learn about the history of Portobello Farm and how this bustling area has now come to define the neighbourhood. From the famous Electric Cinema to Notting Hill Carnival, a major celebration of African-Caribbean Culture.
Head to one of Notting Hill’s most Instagrammable spots and visit St. Luke’s Mews. Then, finish the tour outside the Tabernacle, a unique architectural gem. During the 1990s, The Rolling Stones and Pink Floyd rehearsed at the Tabernacle. And in 2016, The Tabernacle ran an exhibit looking at the rise of dancehalls and sound systems in the UK with the help of reggae historian John Masouri.
The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.
Audio: English