🇬🇧 Bank Holiday Weekend: How to Make the Most of Your London Visit

Bank Holiday weekends are the perfect excuse for a quick London getaway — and if you’re staying with us at Pocket Apartments in Notting Hill or Kensington, you’re already off to the right start.

With an extra day to explore, unwind, and experience the best of the city, here’s how to make the most of your long weekend like a local (with just the right amount of touristy fun).

🛏️ Check in, Drop Your Bags, and Hit the Streets

Arriving at Pocket means a smooth self-check-in, reliable Wi-Fi, and a stylish space to call your own — whether you’re tucked into a leafy corner of Notting Hill or just around the corner from Hyde Park in Kensington.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“Perfect location for a long weekend in London. Loved how close we were to everything but also had peace and quiet at night.”
— Airbnb guest, May 2024

Need to explore before check-in or after check-out?
We offer luggage drop-off at our nearby shop, so you can make the most of every hour in the city without dragging your suitcase behind you.

🥐 Start with a Local Breakfast

Skip the hotel buffet and head to one of the independent cafés nearby. Try:

• Farm Girl (Notting Hill) — Aussie brunch, great coffee, and pink lattes

• Gail’s (multiple locations) — Freshly baked pastries and strong coffee

• Hjem (Kensington) — A cozy Scandinavian café with cinnamon buns to die for

🎨 Culture + Calm = A Perfect Day

London is full of Bank Holiday crowds, but staying at Pocket means you’re within walking distance of some of the city’s best quieter gems, including:

• The Design Museum in Kensington

• Leighton House – a lesser-known historic art home

• Holland Park – a peaceful spot for a picnic or stroll

• The Serpentine Gallery in Hyde Park

🍻 Pub Garden, Anyone?

Nothing says Bank Holiday like a pint in a pub garden. A few local favourites:

• The Churchill Arms – iconic Notting Hill pub filled with flowers

• The Windsor Castle – hidden gem with a lovely patio in Kensington

• The Ladbroke Arms – classy, cozy, and away from the crowds

🛍️ Bonus Time = Bonus Shopping

With an extra day, it’s the perfect chance to explore:

• Portobello Market (Fridays & Saturdays) – antiques, fashion, food

• High Street Kensington – a more relaxed shopping alternative to Oxford Street

• Notting Hill’s indie boutiques – for vintage, books, and one-of-a-kind pieces

🍽️ Dine Like a Local

Wrap up the day with a memorable meal. A few local picks within walking distance of Pocket:

• Gold (Notting Hill) – trendy Mediterranean with a gorgeous garden

• Dishoom (Kensington) – Irani café vibes with the best black daal in town

• Ottolenghi – fresh, colourful food perfect for sharing

🧘♀️ Slow Mornings, Smooth Checkouts

The best part of staying at Pocket? Waking up in your own space, making a cup of coffee, and easing into the day — no room service trays or 10 a.m. checkout panic here.

Need to store your bags after check-out?
Drop them at our nearby shop and keep exploring until your train or flight.

✅ Book Early, Book Smart

Bank Holidays are popular, and our Notting Hill and Kensington studios always book up fast. If you're planning your next long weekend, be sure to book early for the best availability.

We can’t wait to host you.

🛏️ See our studios: https://pocketapartments.uk