Alright, so it’s Christmas time again, and Notting Hill in London is gearing up—not for cozy holiday vibes, but for swarms of tourists. Yep, all because of that iconic Love Actually scene.
That Famous Scene and a Big Problem
If you’ve seen Love Actually (who hasn’t?), you know the part where Mark (Andrew Lincoln) shows up at Juliet’s (Keira Knightley) apartment with those handwritten signs to confess his feelings. Cute, right? Well, that scene was filmed in Notting Hill, and ever since, tourists can’t get enough of it.
People come here all year, but around Christmas? It’s chaos. Tourists aren’t just snapping pics—they’re recreating the scene, proposing to their partners, or just loitering around for the perfect shot.
Locals Are Over It
Residents in the area, which is full of pricey homes (we’re talking £1 million or more), are kind of losing their minds. A woman who lives in the famous pink house says it’s the worst during the holidays.
“Last year was insane—it was the movie’s 20th anniversary, so you can imagine,” she said. At first, she tried being nice, even asking tourists to donate to charity. Now? She just tells them off.
Crowds Every Weekend
Even when it’s not Christmas, the place is crawling with tourists, especially on weekends. One local said, “Saturday is the worst. The street is packed. It’s cool that people like our neighborhood, but it’s a bit much.”
Another homeowner who’s been in the area for decades can’t wrap their head around the hype. “It’s just a door. I’ve lived here since before the movie came out, and it’s only gotten crazier.”
Picnic on My Lawn?!
And it’s not just pictures. Some tourists take it to the next level. One resident complained about tour groups from Spain picnicking outside their house. “I can literally hear their guides from my living room,” they said.
A Tourist Magnet, But at What Cost?
Thanks to the internet, Notting Hill’s now a must-visit for film buffs, with guides pointing out other filming spots nearby. Some locals have accepted the madness, but for others, it’s a serious invasion of privacy.
So, if you’re planning to visit, maybe think twice before camping out on someone’s doorstep for that perfect Instagram pic. It’s their home, not a movie set. Cool? Cool.