Events

Saturday (antiques); Monday–Wednesday (general); Friday–Saturday (full market) · Portobello Road · Notting Hill

The world's largest antiques market, Portobello Road Market stretches over a mile through the heart of Notting Hill. On Saturdays, antique dealers set up from the Notting Hill Gate end, transitioning through vintage clothing and jewellery to fresh produce and street food further north. The market has been trading since the 1860s and is as much about the atmosphere as the goods — colourful Victorian terraces, buskers, and independent cafes line the route.

Third week of May (usually Tue–Sat) · Royal Hospital Chelsea · Chelsea

The world's most famous flower show, held annually in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea since 1913. The Chelsea Flower Show attracts garden designers, nurseries, and horticulturalists from around the world, showcasing show gardens, floral exhibits, and the very latest in garden design. Beloved by royalty and the public alike — the late Queen Elizabeth II was a regular visitor — the show is a highlight of the London social calendar. Tickets sell out months in advance, so book early.

26 May – 22 August 2026 · Holland Park Theatre · Holland Park

One of London's most magical summer experiences, Opera Holland Park presents a season of opera performances in a purpose-built open-air theatre set within the romantic ruins of Holland House. Founded in 1996, the company is renowned for unearthing rare works alongside beloved classics. The 2026 season features seven productions: La fanciulla del West, Così fan tutte, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, The Bamboo Princess, Turandot, Die Fledermaus, and Un ballo in maschera. The evening experience is enhanced by the park setting, and many audience members enjoy picnics in the grounds before the performance. The covered auditorium means performances continue even in light rain — a very British necessity.

18–24 May 2026 · King's Road & Sloane Street · Chelsea

Timed to coincide with the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, Chelsea in Bloom sees the shops, restaurants, hotels, and streets of Chelsea adorned with elaborate floral displays. The 2026 theme is "Out of This World", with over 115 businesses transforming their frontages with celestial and cosmic-inspired floral installations. Local businesses compete for awards in categories including Most Creative Display and Best Sustainable Display. The result is a week-long floral transformation of the King's Road and surrounding streets — and it's completely free to enjoy. Judging takes place on Wednesday, making that the best day to see displays at their freshest.

6 June – 25 October 2026 · Serpentine Galleries, Kensington Gardens · Kensington Gardens

Each year since 2000, the Serpentine Gallery has commissioned a world-renowned architect who has not previously built in the UK to design a temporary pavilion in Kensington Gardens. The 2026 pavilion, titled "a serpentine", is designed by Lanza Atelier — the Madrid-based practice of Isabel Abascal and Alessandro Arienzo. Past architects include Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, Oscar Niemeyer, Toyo Ito, and Selgas Cano. The pavilion serves as a cafe and event space and can be visited for free during the day. It is one of the most anticipated architectural events in the global calendar.

29–31 August 2026 (August Bank Holiday Weekend) · Notting Hill & Ladbroke Grove · Notting Hill

Europe's largest street festival and the world's second largest carnival, the Notting Hill Carnival takes over the streets of W10 and W11 every August Bank Holiday. Founded in 1966 by the Trinidadian community to celebrate Caribbean heritage and culture, the carnival now attracts over a million visitors across the weekend. Steel bands, sound systems, elaborate masquerade costumes, and the aroma of jerk chicken fill the streets. Sunday is traditionally Children's Day, while Monday's Grand Parade is the unmissable highlight.

Mid-October (usually Thu–Sun) · Battersea Evolution (formerly Chelsea) · Chelsea

The Affordable Art Fair has strong roots in Chelsea and brings together leading galleries from around the world to sell original works of art priced between £100 and £10,000. The fair is designed to make buying original art accessible to everyone, with a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and expert advisors on hand to help first-time buyers. Special events include artist talks, live demonstrations, and family workshops.

Mid-November to early January · Kensington Palace · Kensington

Each winter, the grounds of Kensington Palace are transformed into a magical ice rink set against the backdrop of the illuminated palace. One of London's most atmospheric seasonal attractions, the rink is family-friendly and offers skate hire, ice rink-side dining, and a festive atmosphere in one of London's most beautiful royal settings.