Barnet is a suburban borough located in North London. Formed in 1965, this is known to be the most populated London borough and the 13th largest district in England. This is a fantastic place for you to visit with a rich history and a diverse culture. From its iconic and famous restaurant-dense areas, you will surely have an amazing time roaming around some of Barnet’s breathtaking landmarks and exciting leisure activities.

1. What makes Barnet unique?
2. Barnet popular attractions
3. Nightlife in Barnet
4. Sports in Barnet
5. Food and Cafes in Barnet
6. Shopping Centres and Markets in Barnet
7. Festivals and events in Barnet
8. Travel in and around Barnet
9. Explore nearby boroughs from Barnet

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1. What makes Barnet unique?

Barnet is twinned with 9 cities across the world, including Barnet in Vermont, Jinja in Uganda and Tempelhof-Schöneberg, in Berlin, Germany. If you enjoy reading, the borough has 15 libraries including a mobile and home service as well as an archive library.

Barnet has a plentiful supply of parks, 16 in total, seven of which achieved the Green Flag award in 09/10. If you see a park flying a green flag you know it has extremely high standards. Hampstead Heath is probably one of the best known parks in London, and Barnet is lucky enough to have Golders Hill Park adjoining the Heath as it is better known as. It is part of the Hampstead Heath Local Nature Reserve. Just bear in mind that it does close at night unlike Hampstead Heath.

Barnet is home to approximately 36,000 trees, the second highest tree population in London. They are all looked after lovingly by the council and receive a tree health check just like we would at the doctors. They are pruned regularly and each tree's details are kept on a database.

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2. Barnet popular attractions

Barnet is full of fun things to do and unique places to visit. Despite being just a district, within this wonderful place are numerous places you cannot miss, including:

• Gate of Honor. Built in 1920, this is a Grade II monument that commemorates soldiers of the first and second World War.
• Golf. The borough has no shortage of golf courses including the Metro Golf Center, North London Golf Course, North Middlesex Golf Club, the Shire, and more. For those who maybe want a bit more fun, there is also Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf.
• Clown Town. This is a perfect destination for children. With pit balls, jungle gyms, and many play areas, kids can have such a wonderful time.
• Hampstead Heath Extension. The trace of its farmland past can be seen in the boundaries of the extension as evidenced by farming boundaries, hedgerows, and the abundance of greeneries that can still be seen in this part of the park.
• Glebelands Local Nature Reserve. This is a Grade I Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation. It was formed out of the old Finchley Common and contains an array of greeneries, a perfect location for a leisurely stroll. Here, you can experience the different varieties of plants, rare flowers, and the lesser water plantain.
• Artsdepot. This performing arts venue comprises two theaters as well as dance and drama studios, a gallery space, and a café. This was opened in 2004, and puts on a number of productions including traditional plays, contemporary dance reviews, stand-up comedy, and more. Checking the performance calendar will surely find a show you’ll want to see.
• Belmont Children’s Farm. There are plenty of farms throughout Greater London that exist primarily to teach, but this farm will take you on a totally different experience to see the variety of exotic animals that will not be available in other London farms. Besides the normal cows, sheep, and typical farm animals, Belmont also hosts owls, rodents, and other animals that are important to farm life. This is a perfect location for families with children.
• Barnet Reserve. Found in a Georgian house on Wood Street in Chipping Barnet, the museum has exhibits dedicated to the borough’s history. Some permanent exhibits include the important Battle of Barnet, fairs, local businesses, and important discoveries. For those wanting to trace roots to the area or discover more about Barnet, it is going to be the best place for research.
• Welsh Harp Nature Reserve. Besides the lush flora throughout the reserve, the primary attractions include the number of birds, fowl, and animals that live within the area. It can also be a very popular place for water sport or a bike ride, though walking through the reserve will be the option to see everything at nature’s own pace.
• Raf Museum. Dedicated to the history of the Royal Air Force since its formation in 1918, the museum not only includes exhibits for this illustrious armed force but a number of flying craft that the RAF has used over the decades, including the famous Spitfire and Hurricane planes.

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3. Nightlife in Barnet

Barnet is a fantastic place for you to not only experience breathtaking day views, but also enjoy the nocturnal life with an ever-growing selection of bars and pubs. Whether it is laid back drinks, or a full blown corporate party, this borough got you covered.

For an exclusive night out with eclectic music and dance floors, a visit to 24-7 Nightclub, The Forum Hertfordshire, Soulgood VIP, Tipsy are some of the best places for you to have the most memorable night. Here, you can taste its many fantastic drinks and enjoy the rough yet ambient sound system.

If you want a more calming or relaxing experience, perhaps a place for laid-back drinks with some of your colleagues, there are some cocktail bars that are perfect for you to spend a wonderful time. Places such as Sebright Arms, The Bulb, and Mokoko Cocktail Bar, will offer you a compelling nightlife experience with tasty drinks and mouth watering meals. Most notably, Sebright Arms also offers a family friendly garden where you can bring your children to have some exciting play time.

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4. Sports in Barnet

The borough is traditionally home to a professional football club, Barnet F.C. and non-League football clubs Wingate & Finchley F.C, Hendon F.C., London Lions F.C and Edgware Town. Wingate is the last of these with a home ground in the Borough; Hendon and Edgware play in the Borough of Brent, and Barnet F.C. play in the Borough of Harrow.

Since 2013 rugby union Premiership outfit Saracens F.C. have called the borough home, playing matches at Allianz Park at Barnet Copthall.

Other state-of-the-art facilities open to the public include:

• Barnet Copthall Leisure Centre
• Burnt Oak Leisure Centre
• Finchley Lido Leisure Centre
• Hendon Leisure Centre

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5. Food and Cafes in Barnet

Barnet might be compact, but it packs a punch with a tempting range of food options. From Turkish delights, poshed-up gastropubs, and modern European brasseries, you will always find amazing eateries that will fit with every budget.

For an exclusive fine dining experience, the Odos Mediterranean Kitchen, opened in late 2019, is the perfect location. Here, you can experience some superlative grilled fish and a broad selection of vividly flavoured starters and sides like the miso aubergine. There is also Savoro, a long-standing local favourite, that will offer you a “fine dining” feel with excellent steak, fish and a tempting varied menu. Savoro also has a few rooms available for overnight stays.

If you want a change of eateries, Mélange is a solid choice for a buzzy weekend brunch or evening out with decent cocktails, salads, pasta and grills from their open kitchen and their most famous crème brûlée. Hadley House is also a great place for al fresco drinks and sharing platters or small plates in their garden that’s just had a Balearic style make-over where there is plenty of space.

Barnet is also strong on cafés with the Old Courthouse Café in the park, Patisserie Joie de Vie on the High Street, The Coffee Bean in The Spires, Dory’s Café in St Albans Road and Vibe Café down the hill near the cinema. Another favourite is The Wilds Café in New Barnet and Huddle Café near The Present on the High Street. There is no better environment where you can relax and see the exquisite landmarks of Barnet.

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6. Shopping Centres and Markets in Barnet

Shopping in Barnet is a dream and should definitely be on every fashion lover’s bucket list. Here, you will get everything from designer fashion, to antique boutiques which also make it a wonderful location for you to take casual strolls.

Barnet Market, established in 1199, is a wonderful historic market where you not only experience the amazing sceneries but also take leisurely stroll around its many shops. Today, it remains as a weekly market that consists of 50 stalls ranging from jewellery, fashion, and even eateries. This is definitely the must-visit place when you are in Barnet.

If you are looking for an exclusive shopping experience, a visit to The Spires is optimal for you. Located in the centre of the town, The Spires will take you on some of the most exciting shopping sprees from the many fashion shops like H&M, WHSmith, Waterstone’s and an array of restaurants or coffee shops to rest and enjoy delicious meals.

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7. Festivals and events in Barnet

Barnet is full of culture and diversity when the community comes together to celebrate, share, and enjoy many events and festivals every year. These include:

• East Barnet Festival. Taking place in July every year, the celebration aims to improve the quality of life across the area. This is considered North London’s largest Free Summer Festival.
• Barnet Medieval Festival. This is London’s only medieval festival of its kind and is dedicated to engaging people in the history of the Battle of Barnet and its significance within the Wars of the Roses.
• Summer Arts Festival. A celebration of all forms of art. Here, you can experience the eclectic music, theatre, and dance scenes.

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8. Travel in and around Barnet

By car

A5 is a major road that forms much of the borough's western border. It is also the first Roman built road in England. It later took the Anglo-Saxon name Watling Street. The Great North Road passes through the borough starting at East Finchley and crossing into Hertfordshire at Monken Hadley. It was a coaching route used by mail coaches between London, York and Edinburgh. The many inns on the road provided accommodation, stabling for the horses and replacement mounts. A section of the A1 road was built to bypass this route through Mill Hill, eventually joining the Great North Road at Hatfield.

By rail

The borough is served by the northernmost sections of the London Underground's Northern line, including all three northern terminals: Edgware, High Barnet, and Mill Hill East.

There are two National Rail routes in Barnet with the Midland Main Line passing through the western edge of the borough, and is served by Thameslink at Mill Hill Broadway, Hendon, and Cricklewood. The East Coast Main Line crosses the north-eastern corner of the borough, and is served by the Great Northern Route at New Barnet, Oakleigh Park and New Southgate.

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9. Explore nearby boroughs from Barnet

Barnet is an ideal base for you to start exploring the rest of London’s unique boroughs. Even though it is all a part of the same ceremonial county, Greater London, each district withhold different traditions and cultural heritage that is just worth exploring. From an array of iconic attractions, historic landmarks to stunning countryside, you are just a train ride away.

Islington

Situated along the path of the Great North Road, the borough of Islington is a fantastic place for you to visit. Known for its bustling and vibrant community-based in London, Islington has a rich history and a diverse culture that certainly makes it a part of the capital that offers the best living standards.

From its iconic and famous restaurant-dense areas to Europe’s third longest escalator, you will surely have an amazing time roaming around some of Islington’s breathtaking landmarks and tasting mouth-watering dishes.

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Camden

With just a 33-minute car drive, Camden is famous for its markets and alternative style of its residents, making it a perfect destination for a family trip or a weekend getaway.

Not to mention, Camden also includes the highest proportion of museums in London. Here, you will experience its unique historical heritage, breathtaking architectures, and also partake in its many leisure activities, from shopping, eating and entertainment. This is definitely a worthwhile trip for every visitor.

Cockfosters

This is a suburb of north London that is located partly in the borough of Enfield and Barnet. Only 12 minutes away, this is an absolutely stunning place for you to have a trip with your families or friends. Not like your typical tourist place, Cockfosters won’t have any wild parties or all-night raves, but this is a perfect place for those pleasant green spaces, traditional English pubs, gourmet restaurants, and a tight-knit community.

Here, you can also experience the many ancient buildings and architecture that play a huge contribution to its long and colorful history.