Notting Hill: Is Hugh Grant's house with the blue front door real and can I visit?
Notting Hill is a hugely popular rom-com set in London. The house with the blue front door has become iconic.
If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into the world of Notting Hill, the beloved 1999 romantic comedy starring Hugh Grant and Julia Roberts, you’re not alone.
The film, which follows the charming love story between a humble bookshop owner and a Hollywood star, made Notting Hill one of the most recognisable neighbourhoods in London.
But what about that famous blue door - was it real? And more importantly, can you see it today?
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Is the house with the blue front door real?
Yes, Hugh Grant’s house in Notting Hill is real! The iconic blue front door, which served as the entrance to Grant’s character William Thacker’s home, is located at 280 Westbourne Park Road, Notting Hill, London W11.
In the film, this modest yet charming townhouse was the setting for several memorable moments, including William’s awkward encounters with his quirky flatmate, Spike (played by Rhys Ifans).
But in real life, the house was actually owned by the film’s screenwriter, Richard Curtis, at the time of filming.
Where to find it and how to visit
If you’re visiting Notting Hill, finding the house is easy. Westbourne Park Road runs through the heart of the neighbourhood, and the famous door is just a short walk from Portobello Road Market, another must-see spot in the area.
However, there’s a twist - after the film’s success, the original blue door was repainted black to deter fans from lingering outside. Due to continued public interest, though, it has since been restored to its famous blue colour.
While the house itself is private property, you can still snap a photo from the street and soak in the magic of one of London’s most famous rom-com locations.
More Notting Hill film locations to explore
If you’re in the area, why stop at just one filming location? Here are a few other spots from the movie you can visit:
The Travel Bookshop: While the original shop that inspired William Thacker’s store has closed, a similar bookshop now stands at 13-15 Blenheim Crescent, giving you a taste of the movie’s literary charm.
Portobello Road Market: This bustling street market is where William and Anna (Julia Roberts) shared their famous walk, set to the tune of Ain’t No Sunshine.
The Coronet Theatre: This historic cinema, located at 103 Notting Hill Gate, appears in the film when William watches Anna’s movie alone.
Whether you’re a long time fan of Notting Hill or just love exploring London’s cinematic history, the blue door at 280 Westbourne Park Road is a must-see. Just don’t expect Spike to answer the door in his underwear!