Welcome to Notting Hill Carnival 2025!
Thinking about going to Notting Hill Carnival in 2025? Whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned masquerader, NHC 2025 promises to be bigger, bolder, and more vibrant than ever before!
Known as Europe’s largest street festival, Notting Hill Carnival 2025 is a celebration of Caribbean culture, music, and food right in the heart of London. From stunning costumes to high-energy parties and fetes, this guide covers everything you need to plan your Carnival experience.
When is Notting Hill Carnival 2025?
• Saturday, August 23, 2025 – Pre-Carnival events, including the Panorama Steel Band Competition.
• Sunday, August 24, 2025 – Family Day with Children’s Day Parade, Dutty/Fun Mas (J’ouvert), Sound Systems and Live Stages,
• Monday, August 25, 2025 – Adults Parade – The highlight of Notting Hill Carnival!
Whether you’re planning to play mas or simply enjoy the sights and sounds, keep reading for travel tips, costume ideas, and party guides to make your visit to Notting Hill Carnival 2025 unforgettable.
Getting to London For NHC
Flying In?
If you’re going to Notting Hill Carnival from overseas, getting to London is easy.
• Major Airports: Heathrow (LHR), Gatwick (LGW), and London City (LCY). Last year I found that flights into LHR were much cheaper than the other airports, but be sure to compare and save! If you’re curious about how I leverage points and miles to travel on the low, click here.
• Train Options: Traveling from Europe? Take the Eurostar to St. Pancras International.
Pro Tip: Book flights early (January–February) for the best prices.
Getting around London
London’s public transport system is Carnival-ready, so navigating to Notting Hill Carnival 2025 is simple.
• The Tube (Underground): You can get an oyster card for a contactless experience, or you can use Apple Pay to pay your toll.
• Buses: Affordable but expect delays due to road closures.
• Walking: A nice way to explore London, but beware London can be a bit chilly/rainy during certain times of the day.
• Rideshares (Uber/Bolt): Convenient, but may have higher fares during NHC. The Uber fare was rather humbling. If you want a unique experience, be sure to check out the Black Taxis! But I must warn you they are EXPENSIVE.
Pro Tip: Download City Mapper to plan routes and avoid congestion during NHC 2025.
Where to Stay for Notting Hill Carnival
I strongly suggest you choose a hotel or AirBnb in the Nottinghill or Kensington Area. I personally stated at the Hilton Kensington, which is a short walk to the parade route. Because it is such a convenient location, you can expect to bump into a few Soca artists and DJs.
Choosing your Mas Band
If you’re thinking about playing mas at Notting Hill Carnival 2025, let me tell you why UCOM Carnival should be your top choice! I was a paying masquerader with UCOM in 2024, and when they asked me to collaborate with them for 2025, it was an absolute no-brainer. From start to finish, UCOM delivered a flawless experience. My costume was ready on time, and the feather work was so well-crafted that I didn’t lose a single feather all day—a true testament to their quality and attention to detail.
But it wasn’t just about the costume—UCOM kept the vibes flowing on the road. They never ran out of alcohol, the food was delicious, and every staff member exuded a welcoming, family-like energy. You could tell they genuinely cared about the masquerader experience and take pride in the presentation and storytelling behind their theme.
For 2025, UCOM’s theme is ‘Amazonia’, and it’s already generating major buzz, so much so that sections have already sold out. Their designs promise to deliver the boldness, elegance, and energy that UCOM is known for. The best part? You can register now for your costume directly on their website. UCOM also offers flexible payment plans, giving you until the beginning of May 2025 to pay in full—making it easier than ever to secure your spot on the road.
If you’re ready for an unforgettable Carnival experience that combines stunning costumes, non-stop vibes, and exceptional service, UCOM Carnival is the band to be with at NHC 2025!
Where to Party for NHC
Be sure to check out the following events, dates TBD:
C’est la Vie
Brunch & Soca UK
Things to do in London
While you’re going to Notting Hill Carnival, take time to explore London’s attractions:
•Sightseeing: Visit Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and Buckingham Palace.
•Markets & Food Tours: Try Borough Market or Camden Market for delicious eats.
•Parks: Relax at Hyde Park or Kensington Gardens.
•Museums & Art Galleries: Enjoy free entry at the British Museum and Tate Modern.
Be sure to check out Cotton’s Rum Shack! They have Rum from all over the Caribbean, and brunch with bottomless rum punch (hence the reason for above photo!)
Essential Tips for an Amazing NHC Experience
1. Check Visa Requirements – New UK ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization): Starting in 2024, visitors from visa-exempt countries, including the U.S., Canada, and EU nations, will need to apply for an ETA before entering the UK. Applications can be completed online and are typically approved within 72 hours. Cost: £10.
Apply for ETA HERE, or you can download the app. For Apple users, click here. For Android users, click here.
2. Pack Smart: Bring water bottles, sunscreen, portable phone chargers, and cash (some vendors may not accept cards).
3. Wear Comfortable Shoes: Expect to walk and dance for hours—opt for sneakers, and comfy boots.
4.Stay Hydrated: Balance those rum punches with water to stay energized all day.
5.Secure Your Stuff: Use a cross body bag with zippers to keep your phone, ID, and cash safe.
6. Plan Your Exit: Transport gets crowded at the end of the day—download Citymapper and pre-plan your route home.
7 Respect the Vibes and Culture: Remember, NHC celebrates Caribbean heritage—embrace the music, food, and traditions respectfully
Whether you’re going to Notting Hill Carnival to play mas, party hard, or soak up the culture, NHC 2025 promises to be unforgettable.
Bookmark this guide, share it with friends, and start planning now—we’ll see you at Notting Hill Carnival 2025!
