Notting Hill needs no introduction: from its famous carnival to the lovely colourful houses, and obviously, the iconic film starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, this London area is worldwide renowned.
What tourists are less familiar with are the several mews scattered in this area. These mews were initially created to house the coachmen and horses that served the Victorian and Georgian elite of nearby mansions. These once humble lodgings are now some of the city’s most sought-after properties.
Today, DOYOUSPEAKLONDON guides you through the prettiest Mews in Notting Hill (with a map too)!
London Mews
In a former post, I looked at the meaning and history of the London Mews and explained everything that you need to know about what makes them so special and unique in London.
These pretty little streets are part of London’s history and today they benefit from tourists and celebrities’ interests due to their beautiful aspect and rarity.
There are a few areas in London where you can still see them, especially in Notting Hill where they have been well preserved and are still quite numerous.
Notting Hill Mews
I’ve prepared this self-guided walk for you, which will give you the opportunity to visit Notting Hill in a more comprehensive way as I will share my selection of the most beautiful Mews and recommend you a few good places to eat, drink or have a good time on the way!
Spring and Summer are certainly the best seasons to visit Notting Hill, as all walls and facades will have been repainted (it’s a fact that Londoners take great care of the external aspect of their houses) and flowers will be in full bloom everywhere.
Self-guided walk through Notting Hill Mews
1. Notting Hill tube station – Portobello Road
Let’s start this walk at Notting Hill tube station. Take the north side exit and walk towards Portobello Road (there are signs to guide you from the station).
From there you will fully take in the special atmosphere of the area: all houses are painted with bright colours, giving Notting Hill this unique charm and character.
As you walk up Portobello Road, duck into the Farm Girl Café if you want to grab a coffee and a croissant on the way.
Opposite this place, you’ll be able to explore Simon Close. This small street features lovely flowery houses and will be a nice introduction to our search for Mews.
2. Denbigh Close
Then you’ll go up Portobello Road and stop when you reach Alice’s, the famous antique shop. Take a right to Denbigh Close.
Denbigh Close, which was previously known as Denbigh Mews, is a lovely and quiet cobbled cul-de-sac off Portobello Road.
As you continue on Portobello Road, take your first right to admire the beautiful row of colourful houses on Denbigh Terrace.
Back to our Mews hunt: keep walking on Portobello Road and turn right onto Westbourne Grove, where you will enjoy this posh part of Notting Hill that looks like a small village and features many fashion brands (Kooples, Jigsaw, Sandro…), food shops (Daylesford), and beauty supply stores (Aesop), where you could stop and snoop around depending on your desires!
Then head to Ledbury Road and turn left. You’ll notice the Ottolenghi Deli on the left side of the road, where you can buy salads, mains, dishes, and cakes to enjoy on the spot or later after your walk. I could not resist the last time I walked in Notting Hill preparing this post and I savored every bite of the salads and cakes I ordered!
3. Colville Mews
From there, turn left again on Lonsdale Road, where you might first see a pink car in front of a pink door (so typical of Notting Hill I hear you say :-))…
and some street art nearby …
When you are ready, take your first right on Colville Mews.
Colville Mews used to be known for housing “The Museum of Brands”, famous designer Alice Temperley’s showroom, which sadly was moved to Somerset last Autumn. But you can still see lovely housefronts there and enjoy the specific atmosphere.
Colville Mews has a particular shape as it curves around to meet Lonsdale Road again. Follow the Mews and turn right twice to head towards Colville Terrace, where you will admire several vibrant houses.
4. St Luke’s Mews
Then, walk up to St Luke’s Mews following the map.
You will love this Mews if you are looking for one of London’s cutest spot! This street is very quiet, colourful and tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the area of Notting Hill.
This street -while not very famous and easy to miss- has been featured in the movie Love, Actually.
5. Codrington Mews
Now you will continue south on All Saints Rd towards Westbourne Park Road. Before you turn left onto All Saints Rd, look to your right at the beautiful street art covering the UKAI Bar Restaurant on the corner of Lancaster Road.
While walking on Westbourne Park Road, pay attention to number 280, which is the famous blue door from the film Notting Hill!
You will find other nice surprises while wandering in the area: there are amazing paintings to admire when turning left on Kensington Park Road, on your way to Codrington Mews.
Once at Codrington Mews, you might be stunned by this amazing black and white street art!
While the whole area boasts a reputation for being full of colours, this choice for black and white stands out yet it’s impressive!
From there, I suggest you a walk around Ladbroke Grove, discovering the quiet adjacent crescent streets and the elegant houses there. Quite an amazing and photogenic part of Notting Hill too.
6. Horbury Mews
Then you’ll head to Horbury Mews, a small street but offering a nice classic architecture and elegant facades.
Very close to this point you’ll find Ladbroke Walk, where you’ll find charming houses, mellow brick walls, and tree-lined pavements.
At the top of the road, turn left then right onto Holland Park Avenue. You’ll pass by The Mitre, a renowned stylish gastro Pub in Notting Hill, where you could stop for a break too.
7. Holland Park Mews
Then walk towards Holland Park Mews, certainly the most photographed Mews in London and the last one of my selection here. You’ll easily understand why this street is a must-see when looking at the elegant and charming houses there and passing through the west entrance arch (listed Grade II).
This self-guided walk comes to an end but on your way back to Notting Hill tube station I recommend you to follow my map to pass by The Churchill Arms, another renowned Pub in London, not only for its food but for its all year round flowery facade (which is said to cost around £25,000 every year!!!). Another place not to miss!
Here is the map to help you walk through Notting Hill Mews:
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are planning to explore Notting Hill Mews soon, please share your experience and opinion on DOYOUSPEAKLONDON’s blog!
To go further:
Access to my google map DYSL Notting Hill Mews
Merci pour cette promenade guidée dans cet étonnant quartier
Coup de foudre à Notting Hill !
Que de couleurs….
Que de variétés !!!
Mérite le retour….
@Myriam You are very welcome!
@olivier It certainly is worth a visit!