Notting Hill-North Kensington The former Victorian home of an artist Frederic (Lord) Leighton. While regarded as one of the finest examples of Victorian residential architecture, it's not the usual Neo-Gothic venue. The entrance rooms, especially the so-called Arabic Hall, look like an eclectic cross-breed between the Alhambra and Topkapı Palace. This may sound quite terrible, but surprisingly it works. While the rest of the building is less vividly decorated it's still designed rather well and displays some works by Lord Leighton himself and his fellow Pre-Raphaelites, but also a handful of works by Delacroix and Corot as well as a collection of some colourful pottery. Regular small exhibitions are held in the house's extension.
Sat Sun 10AM-5PM · Adult £9, concession £7, child (under 18) free
Notting Hill-North Kensington A must for anyone with an interest in modern and contemporary design. The permanent exhibition follows the change in British homes from the early 20th century until present day, which is constantly updated to include new design classics. There are temporary exhibits which run for 3-4 months. The museum also runs Designer of the Year which awards a prize to a person or organisation that has produced an impressive piece of design. There is a small shop that has plenty of art and design books as well as designer goods to take home with you.
Mon-Thu 10AM-6:30PM, Fri Sat 10AM-9PM, Sun 10AM-6:30PM · Free, except for temporary exhibitions
Notting Hill-North Kensington Originally the private garden of Holland House, much of which was destroyed in the London Blitz, Holland Park is a mixture of woodland, European and Japanese-style formal gardens and leisure facilities. It includes a large field dedicated to football and cricket, as well as tennis courts. As you walk around the park, you can see bits of the house dotted around the place which give you some idea of how grand it used to be. In the summer this is a great place to catch outdoor opera. An ecology centre near the police station provides information about the ecology of the park and arranges various activities for children. There is a café in the park that sells ice creams and hot food. The park is a popular way to walk from Notting Hill to Kensington High Street.
Daily 7:30AM-dusk · Free
Notting Hill-North Kensington The Victorian residence of satirical cartoonist Edward Linley Sambourne and his household, which is now open as a museum. The "aesthetic" interior design, preserved close to how the Sambournes would have kept it in 1899, features much Chinese and Middle Eastern-style furniture, art, and decorative schemes, along with a selection of Edward's cartoons, which typically ribbed the British establishment and its colonial-driven international relations.
Wed Sat Sun 2PM-5:30PM; guided tours: Wed Sun 11AM-12:15PM, costumed tours Sat 11AM-12:15PM · Adult £9, concession £7, child (under 18) free. Guided tours: £12 adult, £10 concession. Costumed guided tours led by an actor: £20 adult, £15 concession