Be part of Europe’s largest street festival on a Notting Hill Carnival holiday in the streets of west London. Book a hotel near Notting Hill Carnival and arrive early to experience the wide diversity, shimmering colours and Caribbean sounds of the capital’s unbeatable sunshine street party.
Float parade
- Couples
- Families
- Photo
The two-day carnival is a summer highlight and the culmination of a year of preparation. More than 100 decorated floats parade slowly along the carnival route. Dancers in flamboyant costumes lead whistle-blowing carnival-goers through the infectious rhythms of calypso, soca and steel band music. Bring the kids on Sunday, which is Children’s Day. The crowds are smaller and there’s more room to move.
Carnival sounds
- Nightlife
- Photo
True to its Caribbean roots, calypso and steel bands are the soundtrack for the colourful dancers in the carnival parade. Floats and stages entertain thousands of revellers, while street corner sound systems keep the crowds moving to ska, reggae, hip-hop, soul and house music. Official guides map the layout of the sound systems. Or just let your ears and feet guide you. Check who’s performing live – international acts often appear free.
See also
- Camden Market in London
Camden Market in London
United Kingdom - Stansted Airport in London
Stansted Airport in London
United Kingdom - London Travel Essentials
London Travel Essentials
United Kingdom
Food and drink
- Food
Tempting aromas of authentic Caribbean cuisine and international dishes spill out from hundreds of street stalls. Barbecued jerk chicken, well seasoned in a spicy marinade, is a carnival favourite, while roti and fried fish, curry goat and rice and peas are perennially popular. Cool off with fresh fruit juices, ice cold beers or refreshing rum punch.
Practical information
Arrive early to beat the crowds: carnival entertainment begins at 10 a.m. Go with the flow of the crowd, not against it. Carnival routes are well policed and crowd control ensures things run smoothly. If you’re taking the children, keep hold of their hands and avoid the busiest areas.
Location: The streets around Portobello Road in Notting Hill, west London
Open: The last Monday in August and the Sunday before it
Map
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.
Start planning your trip
Where to stay in London

Zedwell Piccadilly Circus
Zedwell Piccadilly Circus

The Tower Hotel, by Thistle
The Tower Hotel, by Thistle

Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge
Park Plaza London Westminster Bridge

St Giles Hotel - London
St Giles Hotel - London

Strand Palace Hotel
Strand Palace Hotel

Ruby Stella Hotel London
Ruby Stella Hotel London

The Mitre, Hampton Court
The Mitre, Hampton Court

Park Plaza London Riverbank
Park Plaza London Riverbank

St Athans Hotel
St Athans Hotel

Rest Up London - Hostel
Rest Up London - Hostel
Related stories
- Camden Market in London
Camden Market in London
United Kingdom - Stansted Airport in London
Stansted Airport in London
United Kingdom - London Travel Essentials
London Travel Essentials
United Kingdom - 10 Best Road Trips Near London
10 Best Road Trips Near London
United Kingdom - St Paul's Cathedral in London
St Paul's Cathedral in London
United Kingdom - 10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in London
10 Things to Do Off the Beaten Track in London
United Kingdom - Royal Observatory Greenwich in London
Royal Observatory Greenwich in London
United Kingdom - 10 Best Local Restaurants in London
10 Best Local Restaurants in London
United Kingdom