There is so much to see in central London, which is home to numerous world-famous tourist attractions. But what does the north of the capital have to offer? Stick with us and find out what we recommend as the best places to visit in North London!
- Hampstead Heath
- Alexandra Palace and Park
- Harrow-on-the-Hill
- Little Venice
- Camden Lock
- World-class Sport
- Abbey Road Studios
Hampstead Heath
1. Hampstead Heath
The Heath is one of North London’s largest and most beautiful green spaces. Spanning some 800 acres, it rises to 100 metres above sea level at Parliament Hill, from where there is a superb view of the City of London. You can take a dip in one of the swimming ponds, indulge in long walks, try to spot each of the 200 birds that are reputed to be found here, or visit locations painted by John Constable. Art lovers will also love Kenwood House, a mansion on the edge of the Heath, which houses works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Reynolds, Gainsborough and Van Dyck.
Alexandra Palace
2. Alexandra Palace and Park
The striking building in Muswell Hill that is ‘Ally Pally’ was the headquarters of the BBC when it started TV broadcasting in 1936. Today, it’s home to a theatre with a world-class programme of concerts, plays, dance and opera. There is also a superb ice rink. Outside in the park, there’s a wealth of family activities, such as skating, pitch and putt and boating.
Harrow-on-the-Hill
3. Harrow-on-the-Hill
London is often said to be a collection of former villages, and in some places, the village feel still exists. One of the best examples is Harrow, in the shadow of the famous public school. With its independent shops, old-world pubs, extensive green spaces and small cafes, the area looks very similar to 100 years ago – quite remarkable when you consider the modern urban sprawl that has taken over so much of the capital.
Little Venice
4. Little Venice
The name might be a slight exaggeration, but Little Venice is still a beautiful canalside spot, situated where the Regent’s Canal meets the Paddington branch of the Grand Union Canal. It can of course be a starting point for a canal walk or a trip on the London Waterbus, but in the Little Venice area itself, you’ll find some fantastic cafes, pubs, restaurants and independent theatres. Some of the highlights are the waterside seafood restaurant The Summerhouse and the floating puppet theatre.
If it’s the right time of year, you can see superb displays of tulips at Rembrandt Gardens. When you consider how popular this spot is amongst the locals, it is hard to argue that it isn’t one of the best places to visit in North London.
Camden Lock
5. Camden Lock
Just three miles down the Regent’s Canal from Little Venice is Camden Lock, home to an amazing artisan market. This really is the place to go if you want to buy a unique hand-made gift for someone special.
The market is open every day except Christmas Day and is also an excellent place to do some celebrity spotting, as this really is a cool place to shop and to hang out.
The area is also home to a bewildering array of street food stalls and cafes, offering everything from fish and chips to Lebanese, Hawaiian and South African cuisine.
World-class Sport
6. World-class Sport
The St John’s Wood district is where you’ll find Lord’s Cricket Ground, the ‘home of cricket’. The sport has been played there for more than 200 years, and it continues to host Test Matches and other elite encounters every summer. If there isn’t a match on when you visit, you can visit the Museum and see its superb collection of cricket memorabilia, which includes the iconic Ashes urn.
The area is also home to two leading Premier League football clubs: Arsenal – who play in Islington – and Tottenham Hotspur. Both clubs offer stadium tours and have extensive merchandise stores.
abbey road studios
7. Abbey Road Studios
Just a stone’s throw from Lord’s is this legendary location for music lovers, which is perhaps the most celebrated recording studio in the world. The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Oasis, Amy Winehouse, Adele and Ed Sheeran, to name but a few, have all been recorded here. You can visit the studio’s shop, write a message on the famous Graffiti Wall and try to re-create the Beatles’ Abbey Road album cover as you use the zebra crossing outside.
If you’re planning to stay in the area whilst enjoying some of the best places to visit in North London, in either the short or long term, be sure to get in touch with us. Situ provide a vast range of fully-equipped serviced accommodation options in North London and the surrounding region, ideal for those travellers who looking to stay in a ‘home away from home’ whilst they are away from theirs.