Notting Hill is one of the picturesque areas of London with an interesting history. Paved pavements, rich Victorian mansions, beautiful colorful houses, trendy shops and antique dealers – this area is immediately remembered, and I want to return here. Living here is expensive, and only respectable people can afford it. As well as artists and other representatives of highly paid creative professions.
No wonder it is here that many different films are shot. The most famous of these was undoubtedly the film Notting Hill, starring Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant. This film, shot in 1999, has increased the popularity of this part of London all over the world.
Interestingly, not so long ago everything was different here. At the beginning of the 20th century, the Notting Hill district was an ordinary sleeping area, people of middle income lived here. During the war, the area turned into a slum, and in the 50s emigrants began to settle here. Mostly they came from the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. Because of this, there were clashes on the basis of ethnic hatred, clashes and robberies flourished.
London authorities drew attention to this and took up the area. It was improved and gradually it turned into a respectable and fashionable place. There was a tradition from former life here – a colorful annual carnival reminiscent of a Brazilian one. The first carnival was held here in 1959, after a terrible pogrom.
Notting Hill Carnival takes place in August for two days off. Sometimes a street procession gains up to two million spectators! The first day is considered family, with cute activities that are interesting to children, the second – “for adults.” Everyone is dancing samba!
By the way, once these places were considered the outskirts. At the beginning of the 19th century, the wealthy Ladbrook family decided to turn these places into an elite real estate area. They hired an architect, and gradually the area began to be built up.
Another attraction of this area is Portobello Road, where the antique market is located. From a distance I saw trays on the street with different decorations, and, of course, I could not pass by)) Getting to this area is easy. The nearest metro stations are Notting Hill Gate and Queensway. Queensway is a street next to Notting Hill, also called Little Lebanon. And next to the Notting Hill area is a beautiful Hyde Park. So you can combine two pleasant walks at once.
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