With the UK set to experience its warmest autumn on record yet, we’ll admit we’ve relished in it. Though the autumnal transformation to palettes of crimson, yellow, orange, and purple are generally guaranteed, cascades of brilliant sunshine have delivered something different this year. Assuring us it’s not time to retreat indoors just yet, a seasonal walk to fully experience autumn is undoubtedly fitting. With more than 3,000 parks and open green spaces throughout London, could there be a better city to explore on foot? Throw into the mix a cozy pub seemingly around every corner, there’s pit stop a-plenty to refuel with some hearty grub and a refreshing pint.
As the neighbourhood that will always have our heart, our attention is on west London’s secret sights and spots to wander. Starting in North Kensington to wind through Notting Hill and Kensington to experience part of the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Walk before the best of Chelsea, the course is lengthy however can be enjoyed in part or in totality. This pocket of town also boasts some of London’s most quintessential residential streets, including hidden mews to tree-lined crescents with spectacular villa and mansions, to ensure an authentic taste of London few tourists experience.
Starting in North Kensington, an area that sits to the north of Notting Hill just between the Westway and the Grand Union Canal. This pocket of town is synonymous with a rich diversity of architecture, including the iconic Brutalist-style Trellick Tower designed by Ernő Goldfinger. The Golborne Road is one of its most popular stretches with antique shops and independent cafes serving international cuisine abound. Our top spots include Pizza East and Laylow for a refreshment to get you going. It also marks the top of the world-famous Portobello Road and where a lot of the Notting Hill Carnival takes place. As you stroll down Portobello Road, under the Westway, take in all the sights and sounds of this eclectic area as you enter Notting Hill.
An area brimming with West Indian influence, Notting Hill has a community vibe like no other. Head there on a Saturday and you’ll experience the Portobello Market in its full flow. From vintage clothes to tantalizing street food, the markets are a true spectacle complemented even further by street art around every corner and the heckling call of the stallholders. You’ll spot Notting Hill institutions such as the Portobello Road Gin Distillery and the Art Deco Electric Cinema, whilst boutiques, cafes, and some of the city’s finest restaurants are on surrounding streets such as Kensington Park Road. Drop into e&o for what we regard as the best pornstar martini.
Whilst on the strip, you will notice a certain black door and bookshop (although it’s not the actual one) made famous by Richard Curtis’ film Notting Hill. You may choose to continue down Portobello Road to catch a glimpse of its rainbow terraced houses or perhaps a detour down Westbourne Grove for arguably Notting Hill’s most-fashionable pocket with designer shops galore. There’s also The Walmer Castle – a true local’s pub that doubles up as a Thai restaurant and shouldn’t be missed. Spot Ottolenghi across the road, too. From here, work your way south via Lonsdale Road and the magnificent Pembridge Crescent for some truly jaw-dropping homes. Keep your eye out for cobbled mews streets that will transport you to a scene in Love Actually. And suddenly you’re on ‘The Gate’, otherwise known as Notting Hill Gate.
Hot foot it across the road, via the subway, and you’re now in Kensington. Check the map as you’ll want to detour slightly to Hillgate Village, a true hidden gem. Home to The Hillgate, stand on the street with a pint in hand to do as the locals do. If you’re peckish, you may fancy Greek at Mazi or some English fare at The Shed. This last spot will direct you well via the top of Kensington Church Street, home to The Churchill Arms pub – you know the one, the Insta-famous pub adorned top-to-toe with hanging baskets. Definitely worth a quick photo. Via Notting Hill Gate, you’ll then make your way to one of London’s grandest open spaces, Kensington Gardens where you can walk part of the Princess Diana Memorial Walk.
Covering four parks, three palaces, two mansions, and various significant locations associated with the Princess, the walk starts in Kensington Gardens. As you stroll south, you’ll spot Kensington Palace to your right, and just before that the Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Playground featuring a pirate ship, beach and teepees, and is great for kids. A true highlight is the Princess Diana Memorial Garden, centred around a pond and sunken garden featuring a beautiful array of plants and flowers, and of course a statue of Diana herself. As you make your way back into Kensington Gardens, head around the Round Pound towards the Serpentine Gallery to catch one of their current exhibitions. Beyond that, you’ll note The Albert Memorial as you reach the bottom of the park and Kensington Gore.
Welcome to South Kensington. Take time to marvel at the Royal Albert Hall – a landmark Victorian concert hall that still hosts an impressive schedule of events. From here, wander down Exhibition Road and pass by the magnificent Natural History Museum. From late November and into the winter months, the outdoor terrace is transformed into a winter wonderland featuring an ice rink. A Christmas tradition for many Londoners, grab some skates, skip some gluhwein and get into the festive spirit.
As you go further into South Kensington, there’s an array of bars and restaurants to quench your thirst. After some rest, walk down Pelham Street and to Brompton Cross – another ‘in-the-know’ area that most tourists don’t discover. As one of the most fashionable locales of west London, browse designer stores and exclusive boutiques. We never miss the chance to pop into The Conran Shop for some design therapy. Positioned at the back of the iconic Michelin House, the stained glass window remains spectacular. Block out some time at one of Claude Bosi’s outdoor tables to people watch by (our favourite) flower stall with a mandatory glass of champagne and serving of oysters.
The walk will then take you briefly into Knightsbridge via characterful Walton Street’s boutique shops, upmarket restaurants and surrounding picturesque residential streets where the architecture changes from tall mansion blocks to beautiful terrace buildings. You’ll then hit Sloane Street, home to designer store after designer store. Our advice is to head back on yourself slightly to find Pavilion Road and really the start of Chelsea. This retail strip has experienced a transformation in recent years with restaurateurs, independent coffee shops and speciality stores amidst terraces homes for a unique community feel. We love nothing better than to grab a coffee and watch the world, and their dogs, go by. Our top picks? Granger & Co for brunch, Mother Vine for outstanding natural wine and Papersmiths for an exquisite range of stationary.
At the end of Pavilion Road, you’ll spot Sloane Square to your left and further beyond south is the iconic King’s Road, a true west London destination favoured by local residents. Across the road is Duke of York Square, home to the brilliant Saatchi Gallery. On Saturdays, make sure you allow time (and an empty stomach!) to experience the Fine Food Market. Should the weather permits, enjoy the open green space that lines Cheltenham Terrace or perhaps pop into the newly opened Soho Home for some interiors treats.
Next up is a wander down King’s Road where you’ll pass a plethora of boutiques and restaurants. A pub favourite located a few streets away is Cubitt Houses’ The Builders Arms – a quirky, yet traditional gastro pub serving a range of ales and food. Take a left down Flood Street admiring the houses as you go or even a wander around the Chelsea Physic Garden, established in 1673 by apothecaries to grow medicinal plants and continues to have a far-reaching impact around the world.
Walk further south and you’ll then hit the River Thames where you can stroll along the Chelsea Embankment. Continue west towards Fulham to pass the iconic Cheyne Walk and to simply take in all the sights of the river and beyond to Battersea. After clocking up a good few miles across west London, that cold pint will be undoubtedly calling. Thankfully one of London’s greatest pubs, the Cross Keys on Lawrence Street is just around the corner and is in fact Chelsea’s oldest pub, built-in 1708. With the fire likely roaring and a Chelsea crowd settling in for the evening, it’s time to relax.
Should you have any further questions about this route or the neighbourhoods featured, reach out to the House of Kip team. We’re always here to help and provide the best local recommendations to make your stay even more memorable.
