Notting Hill Carnival 2025: food, culture and travel tips for London’s Biggest Festival
- Gaia Malieni
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Every summer, the streets of West London transform into one of the most vibrant celebrations in Europe: the Notting Hill Carnival 2025. Taking place during the last weekend of August, this iconic festival attracts millions of visitors eager to experience the rich Caribbean heritage of London through music, dance, and food.
A celebration of Caribbean Roots
Born in the 1960s thanks to London’s Caribbean community, the Carnival was created as a way to celebrate identity, resilience, and culture. Over the decades, it has grown into the largest street party in Europe, with colorful parades, steel bands, and sound systems that fill Notting Hill with reggae, soca, and calypso rhythms.
The flavors of Notting Hill Carnival 2025
Food is at the heart of the Notting Hill Carnival. More than 300 food stalls line the streets, offering the best of Caribbean street food. Among the must-tries, you’ll find Jamaican Jerk Chicken, marinated with spices and grilled over open flames, filling the streets with its smoky aroma. Another highlight is the Trinidadian Roti, a soft flatbread often stuffed with curry goat, vegetables, or chickpeas, perfect for eating on the go. For something truly unique, don’t miss the Guyanese Pepper Pot, a rich, slow-cooked stew with cassareep, meat, and spices, considered one of Guyana’s national dishes. Drinks also play their part, with rum punch and tropical juices being the perfect refreshment while dancing through the parade. For those looking for plant-based options, many vendors now serve delicious vegan Caribbean dishes, making Carnival inclusive for every palate.
Also, you can find free drinking water points located at:
Alderson Street (end of street)
Kensington Park Road (j/w 6 Arundel Gardens)
Kensington Park Road (j/w Ladbroke Road, outside Kensington Temple Church)
Shrewsbury Road (j/w 62 St. Stephen’s Gardens)
Travel and practical tips
Notting Hill Carnival 2025 takes place on August 24th and 25th (Bank Holiday weekend). The area becomes pedestrian-only, so the best way to arrive is by Tube, though many nearby stations close due to the crowds, so plan ahead. Families may prefer attending on Sunday, traditionally considered Family Day, while Monday hosts the grand finale with the main parade.
Why you shouldn’t miss Notting Hill Carnival 2025
Beyond music and food, the Carnival is a powerful celebration of multicultural London. It is a moment where traditions are shared, communities come together, and visitors can immerse themselves in a festival that is both local and global. Whether you’re drawn by the beats of the sound systems, the incredible costumes, or the irresistible smell of jerk chicken, the Notting Hill Carnival 2025 is a must-experience event in London.
