🚆 Arriving Early in London? Here’s What to Do Before Check-In

You’ve landed in London bright and early, buzzing on jet lag and airplane coffee. The problem? Your Airbnb host won’t let you check in until 3PM, your hotel says “come back later,” and you’re now the proud owner of two suitcases and nowhere to go.

Welcome to the traveller’s dilemma.

But don’t worry — we’ve got you. Here’s how to actually enjoy your first few hours in London before check-in (spoiler: it starts with dropping the bags).

🧳 Step One: Lose the Luggage (Not Literally)

Dragging suitcases around London is a special kind of endurance test — up stairs, down escalators, dodging commuters who all look late for something. Not exactly the London dream, is it?

That’s why we set up Notting Hill Bag Drop — a secure, friendly space right in the heart of West London where you can store your bags safely and start exploring straight away.

We’re just minutes from Notting Hill Gate station, a short hop from Paddington, and super easy to reach from Heathrow.

So instead of baby-sitting your luggage at Pret, you can actually get out and live a little.

☕️ Step Two: Start With a Proper Coffee

Once you’ve dropped your bags, reward yourself with something that tastes like real coffee.

Pop into Kuro Coffee or Farm Girl Café, both local favourites for flat whites and pastries.

Grab a seat, take a breath, and watch London wake up. There’s a particular joy in people-watching here — a mix of locals on their morning run, antique dealers opening up shop, and tourists already lost by 9AM.

🛍️ Step Three: Explore Notting Hill Like a Local

You’re in one of London’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, so make the most of it.

Here’s how to spend those bonus hours like you planned it all along:

• Portobello Road Market – Vintage heaven. Cameras, records, jackets, jewellery… you name it.

• The Notting Hill Bookshop – Yes, the one from that movie.

• Kensington Gardens – A leafy escape with royal views.

• Westbourne Grove – Independent boutiques and cafés worth a wander.

By the time you’ve eaten, browsed, and taken 200 photos of pastel houses, check-in time will have magically arrived.

🍽️ Step Four: Grab Lunch Before You Check In

Need a bite before you head off? You’re spoiled for choice.

Try Granger & Co for laid-back brunch vibes, Ottolenghi for colourful plates that taste as good as they look, or The Electric Diner for burgers and bloody marys that fix everything.

And because your bags are safe with us, you can actually sit back and enjoy it — no eyes darting towards the door, no suitcase wedged under the table.

🕓 Step Five: Collect, Check-In, Chill

Once you’re ready, swing back to Notting Hill Bag Drop, grab your bags, and head to your accommodation. No stress, no rush, no sore shoulders.

We’ll still be here — friendly faces, great coffee, and zero baggage (pun absolutely intended).

✈️ London Early Arrival Survival Kit

To recap, here’s the cheat sheet for making the most of those awkward pre–check-in hours:

• Drop your luggage at Notting Hill Bag Drop

• Explore Notting Hill like a local

• Eat, drink, and unwind without the weight

• Collect your bags and stroll into check-in like a pro

So next time your flight lands too early, skip the waiting game.

Your London adventure starts the moment you step off the plane — not the moment your room’s finally ready.

👉 Book your spot now at nottinghillbagdrop.com