What Is North London Famous For?
North London is one of the best places to explore in the city. This charming area is filled with some of the city’s most famous markets, beautiful parks to walk through, and endless streets to roam around, including Abby Road from the Beatle’s album cover. This borough makes for the perfect, relaxed-paced area to escape into from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city. Here are 15 fun things you can do in North London.
15 Fun Things to Do in North London
1. Broadway Market
Just off Regent’s Canal near Hackney, you can find Broadway Market. On Saturdays, it is filled with endless stands of clothing, baked goods, fresh produce, homeware, and street-vendor food. This lively market is surrounded by pubs, cafes, parks, and shops, making it an easy afternoon well spent.
You can find this weekly market open every Saturday from 9am-5pm.
2. Warner Bros Studio- The Making of Harry Potter
For any Harry Potter fans, the Warner Bros Studio is a place you don’t want to miss out on. The first time I visited London was with a school trip and I ended up not having the free time to get out and take the tour. I knew the second time visiting the city that this was a place I definitely wanted to see, and it was totally worth it!
Between getting to see the different sets, props, behind the scenes of the movie, and the costumes, it brought a whole different perspective to one of my favorite series. If you are a fan of the movies and books, I highly recommend making a visit.
Check out this tour for the full experience and easy transportation to the studio from central London!
BONUS:
For more Harry Potter exploration, check out this walking tour that takes you around London to visit some more iconic scenes used in the movies.
3. Camden Town
Known for its markets, nightlife scene, and classic pubs, Camden is a must visit for North London. With its alternative, hipster vibe, you can find unique shops all over this neighborhood. Not to mention it makes for any thrifters paradise. Enjoy cuisines from all different walks of the world at local street vendors and restaurants and be sure to pop in to one of the many music venues for a listen of live bands.
4. Columbia Road Flower Market
As one of the most picturesque street markets in London, this is the perfect place to spend a Sunday morning in the city. With about 20-30 different flower stands lined up the road, you’ll be sure to find the perfect bouquet (or if you’re like me, staying in a hostel, you can just enjoy all the beauty walking through the street). Either way, for a flower lover, you will be in Heaven.
Opposite of the flower stands you can find window shops, cafes, and bakeries. I mean, if Sunday lived on a street, it really would be Columbia Road… Grab a warm cup of coffee, an almond croissant, and window shop your way through clothing and wine stores, antiques, and all things cute and crafty.
You can find this weekly market open every Sunday from 8am-2pm.
5. King’s Cross Station
As one of the most historic train stations in the UK, King’s Cross is a lively place. Whether you are hopping on a train for travel, or just walking through, it is must-see. The architecture itself is absolutely stunning. You’ll also find the infamous Platform 9 and ¾ from the Harry Potter series located here. (Can you tell I’m a big fan). It is well worth a visit to one of the most popular train stations in all of Europe.
What Is There to Do in North London for Free?
6. Regent’s Park
With over 5000 acres dedicated to green space within the city, London has a ton of great parks to escape to, including Regent’s Park. As one of the eight Royal Parks, you can stroll along the lake, stretch your legs on the walking paths, watch some local soccer games (fútbol, as they call it in the rest of the world) and stop to smell the roses. No, literally. There are more than 12,000 roses that bloom in season at Queen Mary’s Garden. You’ll also find the London Zoo within the park, as well as the Open-Air Theater. There is an abundance of activities for all to enjoy here!
7. Primrose Hill
Just near Regent’s Park, sits Primrose Hill. A short hike up the hill, you’ll find one of the best panoramic views of the London city skyline. Makes for one of the most beautiful spots in all of London on a clear day. Roam to the northeast side of the hill and you’ll find Regent’s Park Road, a cute little street filled with restaurants, cafes, and shops to enjoy.
8. Kenwood House
Dating back to the 17th century, the Kenwood House is a beautiful work of architecture situated on the northern outskirts of Hampstead Heath. Filled with divine rooms and artworks, it’s makes for a beautiful visit. Not just the house itself, but the grounds it sits on as well. The manor is free to walk through and is a must visit for those in the area!
9. Abbey Road
Abbey Road is known for its famous association with the Beatles and their cover photo on their 11th album. For any Beatles fans, or those who just appreciate music and music history, pay tribute by walking the crossing for yourself.
10. Stroll Along Regent’s Canal
Stretching nearly 9 miles long, Regent’s Canal passes along some of London’s most iconic spots. This water-way walk is lovely stroll around the city in a different light, and will bring you by the London Zoo, Camden, and King’s Cross Station to name a few places. It actually passes by a lot of places listed within this blog, and I highly recommend stepping off the main streets to enjoy some peaceful walks from place to place down by the canal! Be sure to stop by Little Venice as well- and area filled with houseboats turned restaurants and cafes on the water.
North London Hidden Gems
11. Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is an area of over 700 acres and truly a special place in London. You can overlook the city at Parliament Hill, walk along the ponds, and make a visit to the Kenwood House. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful Hill Garden and Pergola as well. Probably my favorite spot within this area, it felt like I was walking within a place described in a Shakespeare story or fairytale book. A magical escape in the city.
12. The Angel, Islington
The area of Angel in the Islington borough is an up-and-coming area. Known for its Upper Street, you can find all sorts of little shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafes along this main road and tucked within each side street. I visited around Christmas time and found all the little streets streamed with Christmas lights and hidden markets all around. Make a visit to Camden Passage and wander into vintage boutique and antique shops or see the Exmouth Market to enjoy good food and little shops as well.
13. Alexandra Palace and Park
Alexandra Palace is an event center in London that really does it all. Their activities are endless. Between sporting games, live shows, fitness classes, skateparks, famers markets, you can find an array of things to do, in any season of the year. The park has nearly 200 acres of land with beautiful gardens and greenery. There is also a lake to enjoy water activities on in the warmer months like boating or kayaking.
What To Do In North London On A Rainy Day: Indoor Activities
14. British Library
When you’re in London, you can expect quite a few rainy days while traveling here, and the British Library is a great escape from the dreary weather. Book a tour to learn about the library’s history, check out its exhibitions and galleries, or cozy up in one of the Reading Rooms with access to over 150 million collection items. Be sure to check on the British Library’s website for all the upcoming events taking place.
15. Sherlock Holmes Museum
Another way to spend a rainy day is making a visit to the Sherlock Holmes Museum. As one of London’s most famous fictional characters, you’ll take a step into the place where some of Holmes and Watson’s cases began. The museum lays out a collection of Sherlock Holmes memorabilia, as well as a look into life in London during the Victorian era. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or have just heard the name and a story or two of the infamous detectives, it makes for an interesting look into the stories Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote about.
Price: £15
For more Sherlock Holmes exploring, check out this tour.
Best Places to Eat in North London
Lemonia
As mentioned, Regent’s Park Road near Primrose Hill is filled with a bunch of restaurants. One of my favorites was a little corner place called Lemonia. With authentic Greek cuisine, an open atmosphere, and greenery lined along the walls and ceiling, it made for the perfect neighborhood spots.
Ida
After talking with some locals at a pub, I was led to check out this special place. As a family-run restaurant, every dish is made with hand rolled pasta, making for some of the best Italian food you’ll find in the city. As another neighborhood favorite, it is one you do not want to miss out on while visiting North London.
Where To Stay in North London
There are a ton of accommodation options in London as whole, but here are a few specifically in the North London area.
Hotels
Pullman London St. Pancreas
DoubleTree by Hilton- Angel
Budget-Friendly Accommodation
St. Christopher’s Inn Hostel Camden
Conclusion: Fun Things to Do in North London
North London was one of my favorite places while visiting the city. I think London is an amazing city as a whole, and the Northern borough holds such a charm and quaintness to it that you don’t find in any of the other areas. I spent a couple weeks living here and actually ended up housesitting for a family near Hampstead Heath. This was such a great part of the city to be in- think I spent the majority of this time walking around the parks and roaming around the streets looking at all the beautiful homes. If you’re making a visit to London, I highly recommend escaping North and adding a few of these suggestions to your itinerary!