Ever since the first official Notting Hill Carnival was held in 1966, families have looked forward to spending their August bank holiday weekend at Europe’s largest (and the world’s second largest), most vibrant street festival. A spirited Caribbean carnival which has been transported to beautiful West London, the event is a brilliant opportunity for parents and their kids to experience the traditions of Rio right here in the UK.
When to go
The 2013 Notting Hill Carnival takes on Sunday, 25 August and the following Monday, 26 August. Families with children will likely prefer to attend on Sunday, which is a designated Children’s Day.
On Children’s Day, many of the performers and participants in the event are children themselves – making it all the more fun for your little ones. If you’d like to experience the main parade procession, arrive by 9am when it kicks off. For Children’s Day, the parade route is shortened to be a bit more kid-friendly.
How to get there
If you’re visiting from elsewhere in the UK, travelling to London by train is perhaps the easiest way into the city, and it will save you the hassle of parking. For families travelling from afar, opting to fly will save time and may actually not cost much more than the train.
Once in the city, make your way to the carnival by public transport, as there will be a number of road restrictions and closures that make parking nearby close to impossible.
Carnival organisers recommend that you take the Tube to Paddington station, as Ladbroke Grove station is usually closed on both days of the Carnival and Notting Hill Gate, Royal Oak and Westbourne Park stations all restrict their opening hours during the event.
The main parade starts on Great Western Road and continues along Chepstow Road, Westbourne Grove and Ladbroke Grove. Once the parade is over, there’s music, food and general festivities held throughout the Notting Hill neighbourhood.
What to see
One of the best ways to experience this world-famous event is to simply walk around and let yourself be swept up by its sights, smells and sounds. Join the brilliantly costumed street performers and vibrant floats as they make their way down the street. Head over to one of the many music stages and dance along to the Calypso music. Peruse the many stalls serving up authentic cuisine from across the globe. But good luck deciding which one to choose!Â
Where to stay
If you’re travelling to London for the Carnival from elsewhere in the UK, or from further afield, there a number of accommodation options. Choose a hotel near London’s Hyde Park like Guoman Hotel to be close to the Notting Hill and several other London attractions. It’s a particularly ideal location if you plan to extend your visit through the week.
From the spicy aroma of delicious food stalls and the festive beats of steel drum bands to the overall energy that sets this street festival apart from all others, it’s truly a marvellous way to enjoy your August bank holiday weekend. Though you may think your visit to the Notting Hill Carnival is a once-off holiday, it may just be the start an annual family tradition.
Mikael Johansen is travel and food blogger. Currently living in London, he is enjoying food and atmosphere of Notting Hill.