Your Stay in London this August - Head to Notting Hill Carnival!

Notting Hill Carnival should be number one on your list of things to do during your stay in London this Summer. Boutique London Lets gives you the essentials on London's biggest street party!

London at its Most Vibrant! (Photo Credit: PA)

WHAT: A street carnival that has stayed true to its Caribbean roots - something so vibrant, lively, diverse and colourful that it has grown and grown annually since its birth in 1964. Expect 50,000 costumed performers, colourful floats, traditional Caribbean food stalls, Calypso music and steel bands as well as 40 sound systems that will keep you dancing all weekend long.


WHEN:  Held every year on the Sunday (26th) and Monday (27th) of the August Bank Holiday weekend, the street festival is the biggest of its kind in Europe. The Carnival Bands take to the streets around 9am on both days, finishing up by 7pm. Sunday is Children's Day, with a shorter parade route and competitions. Monday is the day of the main procession.


WHERE: Notting Hill is in the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. See the 'HOW' section for information on transport routes to and from the Carnival.


WHY: Notting Hill Carnival began in 1964 as a way to showcase the steel band musicians of Earls Court, and a reminder to local residents of their Caribbean roots. It was a celebration of the abolition of slavery and the slave trade and an expression of newfound freedom.


HOW: The Carnival can be easily reached by public transport, but be sure to plan your journey in advance. Your best bet is travelling to High Street Kensington (Circle Line), Bayswater or Paddington and taking the short walk to Notting Hill as Ladbroke Grove, Notting Hill Gate, Royal Oak and Westbourne Park stations are likely to be closed or running a restricted service on account of the large amount of congestion. There is limited parking available so it may not be the best option to take the car.


Boutique London Lets has a number of apartments for rent in central and exciting locations - all our locations have great transport links, so travelling to and from the Carnival shouldn't be too much trouble. Get your dancing shoes on and make the most of your August Bank Holiday Weekend in London!