Notting Hill Carnival 2011 Information

Information on public transport, visiting with children and staying safe

If you're planning a trip to Notting Hill Carnival in 2011, here's everything you need to know about getting there, plus advice on how to stay safe over the Carnival weekend.

Travel and transport | Driving and parking | Safety and security | Families and children | Useful tips

Travel: tubes, buses and bikes

Carnival starts at 9am before drawing to a close at 7pm on each day. Work out your best route by using the journey planner on www.tfl.gov.uk and consider making an early or late entrance to avoid congestion.

Tubes: Ladbroke Grove is shut both days. Westbourne Park and Royal Oak are exit-only from 11am-6pm and will close at 6.30pm and 11.30pm respectively on both days, while Notting Hill Gate is exit-only from noon-6.30pm on Sunday and noon-7pm on Monday (all stations have further service restrictions). Bayswater, Paddington, High Street Kensington and other nearby stations, however, offer a regular service, so consider taking a short walk from these. Stations may temporarily close due to overcrowding, so be patient.

Buses: Four express buses will be running specifically for Carnival on both days. Buses 2X, 36X and 436X serve south London and Carnival; 205X serves Aldgate East and Carnival. There will also be extra buses on Monday night.

Bikes: The nearest bike-docking stations – Chepstow Villas and Pembridge Road – will be removed for Carnival.

Driving and parking

Parking is heavily restricted all weekend and if you do take the car, expect delays.

Safety and security

In light of recent London-wide incidents, be extra vigilant at Carnival this year. Avoid carrying expensive items, such as jewellery and digital cameras.

Try to take a drawstring bag, or one with a secure zip, to keep your more valuable possessions in.

Tell police if you see an incident. Officers will be stationed throughout the area.

Don’t try to walk against the flow of people – you won’t get far – and drink plenty of water too.

Children

Children’s day on Sunday is recommended for families, as smaller crowds and kid-friendly floats give a fun vibe.

Arrange meeting points in case you become separated.

The smaller the buggy the better. Ideally, use a baby sling if you’re able to.

Ear defenders may be necessary for very young children.

Useful tips

Leave your car at home and make your way to the Carnival on public transport.

Check out our guide to soundsystems and plan your route.

The earlier you arrive, the less crowded it will be.

Bring comfy shoes and give flip-flops and open-toed footwear a miss.

Plan your toilet stops to avoid queues, and bring your own loo roll and hand sanitiser.

Make sure you have money on you as cash machines may be difficult to reach, but be aware that pickpockets operate during Carnival.

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