Notting Hill Gate
Notting-Hill.co.uk - Notting Hill Gate
Notting Hill Gate is a historical thoroughfare of the famous and iconic Notting Hill neighbourhood of West London in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. In the past passer by's had to pay a toll at a gate in order to enter the area which is where the modern title of Notting Hill Gate originates from. Today, Notting Hill Gate is located after the Kensington Palace Gardens where the Bayswater Road turns into the Notting Hill Gate.
Notting Hill Gate today is not so much as a street, but an area that is known for its many specialist stores, restaurants, cafes, and the historic cinemas (The Gate and Coronet). It also has a fine sprinkling or London's most exclusive and popular nightclubs and bars.
The area can be easily accessed via the remodelled Notting Hill Gate tube station which also serves as the link between the Central and Circle and District tube lines. Inside the station there is also a ticket office for the historical cinemas and playhouses throughout the greater London area. Buses also line the streets of the area and Black Cabs can be hailed from the street side.
The Notting Hill Coronet once one of London's great vaudeville theatres is one of the most historical features of the area and has been in existence since 1898 although it is now an independent cinema house instead of a theatre.
The area is also the location of one of London's largest farming markets, the Notting Hill farmer's market which takes place on the south side of the tube station every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Parking in the area is all metered, but spots can be found although it is easier to use public transportation to access the area if you live in the local surrounding areas versus driving in.
Notting Hill Gate is also the location of one of the UK's largest festivals each year, the Notting Hill Carnival which takes place every August on the Bank Holiday Weekend. The area has been featured in the media throughout the years and is a common setting for movies and TV shows, most notably the Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts movie "Notting Hill" and the setting of MTV's "Real World" and the comedy "Absolutely Fabulous."
Those looking to site-see in the Notting Hill Gate area will want to check out the Kensington Palace and take a minute to walk through the Museum of Brands, Packaging, and Advertising where you can view a large collection of advertising labels and packaging throughout the last few centuries.