Claire’s guidebook
Local green spaces
Hampstead Heath borders directly with Highgate and stretches across nearly 800 acres, taking in woodlands, playing fields and wild meadows. In warmer weather the Hampstead Ponds are perfect for a refreshing dip, while the heights of Parliament Hill provide a popular destination for kite-fliers when the wind is whipping. Even more green space is available to the east of Highgate, with popular walking trails in the ancient Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood.
1215 locals recommend
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath borders directly with Highgate and stretches across nearly 800 acres, taking in woodlands, playing fields and wild meadows. In warmer weather the Hampstead Ponds are perfect for a refreshing dip, while the heights of Parliament Hill provide a popular destination for kite-fliers when the wind is whipping. Even more green space is available to the east of Highgate, with popular walking trails in the ancient Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood.
Highgate Wood is a quiet haven for walkers and runners but also has spaces for cricket, football and other sports - as well as a café and children's playground.
Highgate Wood is a 28 hectare area of ancient woodland in North London, lying between East Finchley, Highgate and Muswell Hill. It was originally part of the ancient Forest of Middlesex which covered much of London, Hertfordshire and Essex and was mentioned in the Domesday Book.
96 locals recommend
Highgate Wood
Muswell Hill RoadHighgate Wood is a quiet haven for walkers and runners but also has spaces for cricket, football and other sports - as well as a café and children's playground.
Highgate Wood is a 28 hectare area of ancient woodland in North London, lying between East Finchley, Highgate and Muswell Hill. It was originally part of the ancient Forest of Middlesex which covered much of London, Hertfordshire and Essex and was mentioned in the Domesday Book.
Waterlow Park is a 26-acre park on a steep hillside in Highgate, with spectacular views over the city. The land was the gift of Sir Sydney Waterlow as a 'garden for the gardenless' and the Park opened in 1891. The historic Lauderdale House and its gardens lie within the Park which is landscaped with ponds, a wide variety of trees, colourful borders and grassy slopes.
Great cafe in Lauderdale House to sit outside and have lunch / afternoon tea / aperitif.
96 locals recommend
Waterlow Park
Highgate HillWaterlow Park is a 26-acre park on a steep hillside in Highgate, with spectacular views over the city. The land was the gift of Sir Sydney Waterlow as a 'garden for the gardenless' and the Park opened in 1891. The historic Lauderdale House and its gardens lie within the Park which is landscaped with ponds, a wide variety of trees, colourful borders and grassy slopes.
Great cafe in Lauderdale House to sit outside and have lunch / afternoon tea / aperitif.
Local Sightseeing
Skirting the east side of Hampstead Heath, Highgate may just be one of London’s quaintest places to live in London.
Long a haunt of the bohemian intelligentsia, there are plenty of places to see and things to do in Highgate.
Highgate has retained the charm of a village, with its attractive high street and Georgian inns that traditionally welcomed drovers of livestock. Sitting high above the city, you can enjoy clean air and wide open green spaces and still be only a 15 minute underground train ride to central London (the Northern line takes you directly to Leicester Square from Highgate).
50 locals recommend
Highgate
Skirting the east side of Hampstead Heath, Highgate may just be one of London’s quaintest places to live in London.
Long a haunt of the bohemian intelligentsia, there are plenty of places to see and things to do in Highgate.
Highgate has retained the charm of a village, with its attractive high street and Georgian inns that traditionally welcomed drovers of livestock. Sitting high above the city, you can enjoy clean air and wide open green spaces and still be only a 15 minute underground train ride to central London (the Northern line takes you directly to Leicester Square from Highgate).
Just a 15 minute walk to Kenwood House if you walk via Sheldon Avenue, which is right behind my cottage.
On the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London's hidden gems. The breathtaking interiors and stunning world-class art collection, including Rembrandt's 'Portrait with Two Circles', are free for everyone to enjoy. With children's activities, a café to relax in and acres of grounds to stretch your legs, there are treats in store for every visitor.
Well worth a visit!
53 locals recommend
Kenwood House station
Just a 15 minute walk to Kenwood House if you walk via Sheldon Avenue, which is right behind my cottage.
On the edge of Hampstead Heath surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London's hidden gems. The breathtaking interiors and stunning world-class art collection, including Rembrandt's 'Portrait with Two Circles', are free for everyone to enjoy. With children's activities, a café to relax in and acres of grounds to stretch your legs, there are treats in store for every visitor.
Well worth a visit!
Local Food scene
Crouch End is one of London's under-the-radar London neighborhoods. It has lots of independent shops and restaurants, vibrant streets, and great views of London.
The area centers around the 19th-century Crouch End Clock Tower, which sits at the junction of the four roads that lead to it.
Each one is packed with restaurants, shops, pubs, and cafes, meaning there’s a lot to discover where “X” marks the intersection.
88 locals recommend
Crouch End
Crouch End is one of London's under-the-radar London neighborhoods. It has lots of independent shops and restaurants, vibrant streets, and great views of London.
The area centers around the 19th-century Crouch End Clock Tower, which sits at the junction of the four roads that lead to it.
Each one is packed with restaurants, shops, pubs, and cafes, meaning there’s a lot to discover where “X” marks the intersection.
Highgate is a popular destination for its historic and characterful gastro pubs.
Gems include The Gatehouse, an independent local pub which focuses on quality fresh food with a strong Spanish influence.
The Flask is a historic gem dating back to the 17th century, with a great outdoor terrace for sun down drinks and dinner.
The Red Lion and Sun is a 16th Century local public house with two beer gardens, wood burning fire, daily changing menu, great wine list and whisky galore.
You'll find more pubs and restaurants along Highgate High Street.
50 locals recommend
Highgate
Highgate is a popular destination for its historic and characterful gastro pubs.
Gems include The Gatehouse, an independent local pub which focuses on quality fresh food with a strong Spanish influence.
The Flask is a historic gem dating back to the 17th century, with a great outdoor terrace for sun down drinks and dinner.
The Red Lion and Sun is a 16th Century local public house with two beer gardens, wood burning fire, daily changing menu, great wine list and whisky galore.
You'll find more pubs and restaurants along Highgate High Street.