Thanks to the enduring appeal of the 90s’ romantic blockbuster Notting Hill, and being home to possibly the most grand and celebrated museums in the country, most visitors to the UK capital already have west London on their to-do list. But move beyond the Hollywood glitz, the fossils of the National History Museum, and the fashions of the V&A, and you’ll discover there’s much more to “up West”.
Pepper these alternative west London spots into your itinerary to experience the area’s true spirit …
Design Museum
A comparative newcomer to Kensington’s cultural quarter, the plucky upstart is a haven for design nerds. Sited in a listed 60s landmark that once housed the Commonwealth Institute, the space has the air of a vast cathedral. There’s a fascinating permanent collection, a design and architecture library and, on the ground floor, a programme of visiting exhibitions showcasing the very best of the world’s architecture, fashion, furniture and graphic design.
Chiswick House and gardens (and Gunnersbury)
If your architectural tastes lean towards the more traditional, west London is no slouch when it comes to historical splendour. Neo-Palladian marvel Chiswick House, inspired by the Earl of Burlington’s grand tours of Italy, nestles in impressive formal gardens and overlooks a lake teeming with waterfowl. Gunnersbury goes one better, with its Large Mansion and Small Mansion. The larger building is now Gunnersbury Park Museum, packed with local artefacts, while the smaller is undergoing a major renovation.
Strand on the Green
London is more successful than most huge cities when it comes to encouraging that village vibe, and perhaps its best example – with apologies to Notting Hill – is the picture-postcard magnificence of Strand on the Green. Once a fishing village, this tiny hideaway near Kew Bridge is home to a clutch of cosy restaurants and traditional English pubs, and for the more adventurous there are watersports and mudlarking. How actively you wish to participate is up to you, but time seems to slow at Strand on the Green as you watch the world go by.
Hotels in the heart of west London
Hilton London Olympia: there’s a lot to pack into a west London adventure, so picking a central location to rest your travel-weary legs is essential. At the heart of Kensington, you’ll find the Hilton London Olympia, handy for the capital’s leading attractions and first-class shopping. And, if you want to escape busy London pubs, you can sip a cocktail in relative peace at the hotel’s sleek cocktail bar, Society.
Hilton London Kensington: located in leafy Holland Park, the Hilton London Kensington also offers easy links to central London and plenty to explore in the immediate neighbourhood too. Both hotels are perfect family hubs, cosy and comfortable to the highest standard, offering connecting rooms so you can spend quality downtime together. There’s complimentary breakfast for under-12s too, to fill them up for their west London quest. Hilton London Kensington also features pet-friendly rooms, so your much-loved pooch won’t miss out on some very special west London walkies.
Brompton cemetery
As much a beautiful garden to be enjoyed by the living as a place to remember the dead, among the understated headstones and the more spectacular memorials, you’ll find stunning trees and flowers, along with abundant wildlife. Among the famous names resting here are medical pioneer John Snow and suffragette Emmeline Pankhurst. Take a guided walk or simply wander around to soak up the history and the strange life-affirming feeling of being among those who came before you.
Hammersmith Bridge
One of the world’s oldest suspension bridges, this grande dame of the Thames is currently undergoing an essential facelift, but you can still enjoy the views from the north bank at some of west London’s cutest watering holes such as the Dove and the Blue Anchor. A traditional spot for cheering on the Oxford-Cambridge Boat Race, celebrations last long after the battle of the Blues is over.
Bush theatre
Shepherd’s Bush has considerable creative credentials – for example, Television Centre, previously the headquarters of BBC Television and now home to offices and restaurants alongside its TV studios, is worth a look. The jewel of the neighbourhood, however, is the Bush theatre, where some of the country’s most famous names have begun their climb to the heights of celebrity: Alan Rickman, Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Andrew Scott to name a few. Bush theatre has always championed new and diverse writing, and many productions that start out here go on to become much-loved classics. Between shows, delve into the extensive script library in the beautiful reading room or grab a drink at the cosy bar.
Southall
Immerse yourself in the dazzling sights, sounds and tastes of Southall, a vibrant pocket of west London with thriving Indian and Pakistani communities. Time your visit with Diwali and you’ll find deals on beautiful fabric and jewellery as you wander the bustling high street. Whether sampling samosas from a market stall, or sitting down for a delicious 10-course sensation at one of the many excellent restaurants serving top south Asian cuisine, you won’t leave hungry. But that won’t stop you coming back for more.
Bushy Park
Not as famous or as polished, perhaps, as its neighbour Richmond Park, nature lovers will appreciate Bushy Park’s more wild and carefree surroundings. For all its peaceful beauty, Bushy Park is steeped in history – Eisenhower planned the D-day landings from headquarters in the park and there was even a small airstrip on the south side. Don’t miss the chestnut trees blossoming in spring, or the chance to watch the deer who call Bushy Park home go about their very important business of carefully shattering all your illusions about Bambi.
And in case that isn’t enough
Definitely don’t miss Portobello Road, but start at the Golborne Road end for cooler restaurants, fewer tourists, and plenty of chic vintage finds. And when taking a promenade around picturesque Holland Park, head for the Kyoto Garden, designed in traditional Japanese style, with breathtaking waterfalls, maple trees, and even roaming peacocks.
If you’re thinking about a visit to London, why not check into a Hilton hotel?
