🎉 Notting Hill Survival Guide: 6 Must-Do Activities

Whether you’re a first-timer or a Carnival veteran, one thing’s for sure: Notting Hill Carnival is an all-out explosion of music, food, culture and colour. It’s London’s biggest street party and one of the best weekends of the year... but also one of the most exhausting. 🥵

So how do you make the most of it without burning out? You plan your pre- and post-party moves just as carefully as your Carnival fit. And that’s where this guide comes in.

Here are 6 must-do activities before and after the Carnival to get you hyped, keep you balanced, and help you recover like a pro:

1. 🧠 Quiz Room London – Your perfect activity this August Bank Holiday

📍 Liverpool Street – just 20 mins from Notting Hill by tube!

Let’s kick things off with the ultimate Carnival warm-up or wind-down: a session at Quiz Room London. Think: an immersive quiz show experience where you and your mates become the stars of your own trivia game. Buzzers, lights, music, head-to-head battles—it’s like being on a game show, but with beers in hand 🍺

Whether you’re looking for a fun pre-party bonding session or a post-Carnival cooldown that still brings the energy, Quiz Room has you covered. It’s great for groups, totally unique, and a refreshing way to escape the chaos without losing the vibes. From the streets to the studio – warm up or unwind at Quiz Room!

💡 Pro tip: Book your slot in advance to dodge the travel rush and keep your day flowing smoothly.

2. 💅 Get Carnival-ready with a glam session

You can’t roll into Notting Hill looking like it’s a Tuesday Zoom call. This is Carnival, baby! Time to go full glam.

Start your weekend with a glow-up that matches the energy of the parade. Think:

• ✨ Glitter eyeshadow and rhinestones
  
  
• 🎨 Bold, colourful makeup inspired by Caribbean flags and feathers
  
  
• 💇‍♀️ Braids, space buns or slick festival hair
  
  
• 💅 Neon nails or tropical patterns to complete the look
  
  

Plenty of salons and pop-ups around Notting Hill, Ladbroke Grove and Portobello Road offer festival-ready hair and beauty services, especially around Carnival weekend. Book ahead where you can—it gets BUSY.

This is the perfect way to kick off the weekend with your crew, feel your best, and turn heads from the second you step onto the street.

3. 🛍️ Hit Portobello Road for pre-Carnival shopping

Need a statement piece for your Carnival outfit? Missing a pair of sunnies or that one accessory to pull it all together? Head straight to Portobello Market.

Before the parades start, the iconic market is buzzing with stalls selling:

• Vintage jackets, bags, and boots
  
  
• Handmade jewellery and sunglasses
  
  
• Boho and Caribbean-inspired pieces
  
  
• Loud, colourful prints made for dancing in
  
  

It’s the ultimate place to grab something last-minute and get hyped for the party. The energy is already alive with street musicians, pop-up DJs, and other Carnival-goers doing the same thing as you: prepping to look 🔥 and feel fabulous.

Bonus: There are tons of food spots along the way for a quick bite or iced coffee to fuel your spree!

4. 🍹 Pre-game rooftop drinks with a view

Once you’ve glammed up and got your fit locked in, it’s time to set the mood. Hit up a rooftop bar or cocktail spot near Notting Hill for some pre-Carnival drinks.

Our top picks:

• The Garden at The Gate – Relaxed, tropical vibes with Instagram-worthy cocktails
  
  
• The Little Yellow Door – A quirky Notting Hill favourite that feels like partying in your (coolest) friend's flat
  
  
• Pergola Paddington – A little further out, but big energy, music and space to get in the groove
  
  

Gather your crew, toast to the weekend ahead, and vibe to some soca or reggae playlists while watching the sun go down. Carnival is a marathon, not a sprint—so start it smooth, not smashed.

5. 🧘‍♀️ Post-Carnival reset with yoga or wellness therapy

After two (or three) days of dancing, walking, and living your best street-party life, your body will be crying for a break. Trust us: a recovery plan is just as important as your costume.

Here’s how to treat your body like the temple it is:

• Book a restorative yoga or sound bath session
  
  
• Try floatation therapy to soothe sore muscles and calm your buzzing brain
  
  
• Go all out and book a Caribbean-inspired massage (coconut oil and reggae included)
  
  

Even a walk through nearby Holland Park or Kensington Gardens can help your nervous system relax after all the stimulation.

Your mind and body will thank you—and you'll feel less like a walking glitter zombie by Tuesday.

6. 🍳 Brunch & debrief with your crew

Carnival may be over, but the stories live on. And what better way to relive them than over eggs, coffee and gossip?

Gather your friends the next day for a slow, satisfying brunch. Top spots include:

• Electric Diner – American-style comfort food and strong coffee
  
  
• Farm Girl – Healthier options with a trendy Notting Hill twist
  
  
• Eggbreak – Classic brunch with a buzzy, post-party vibe
  
  

Scroll through the photos, swap voice notes from the parade, and piece together who ended up where (and how). It’s all part of the Carnival journey.

Bonus: Some places even offer Caribbean brunch specials over Carnival weekend—look out for saltfish, fried dumplings and rum punch on the menu! 🍽️🔥