Our Highgate Area Guide is here to assist you discover the local highlights of Highgate, quite possibly one of London’s quaintest spots!

Skirting the east side of Hampstead Heath, Highgate may just be one of London’s quaintest places to live.

Long a haunt of the bohemian intelligentsia, don’t let the sleepy aspect of this village within a city fool you – there are plenty of places to see and things to do in Highgate!

Originally the gateway to London at its northerly point, Highgate has retained the charm of a village, with its attractive high street and Georgian inns that traditionally welcomed drovers of livestock. Its lofty position is one of its great strengths, with families attracted by the clean air and change of pace, as well as the outstanding educational opportunities.

Living in Highgate

Highgate has a real community vibe, with reading clubs, festivals, playdates, and other local events on an almost weekly basis. Many of these activities are completely free. A lot of people spend time outdoors here, talking, walking, eating, and just enjoying life.

Much like neighbouring Hampstead, the High Street is the area’s social hub where everyone from teenagers meeting to share that day’s gossip to pensioners taking a stroll gathers for coffee and cake. Residents cherish this village like atmosphere safe in the knowledge that Leicester Square is only a 20 minute Tube journey away. Despite the area’s exclusive reputation, property styles are varied and cater to a diverse market. Whether you’re seeking a family home for the kids to grow up in, or a one bedroom flat, this prime north London property hotspot has it all.

Schools

Many families come to Highgate to be close to the private schools. Channing School caters for girls aged four to 18, while Highgate School, historically a boys’ fee-paying school, has been fully coeducational since 2004.

In the state sector options include boys’ secondary school St Aloysius’ College. State primary schools include St Michael’s C of E Voluntary Aided Primary School and Highgate Primary School.

Going Out

The High Street has a great selection of independent and chain restaurants. The recently refurbished The Gatehouse is an independent local pub which focuses on quality fresh food with a strong Spanish influence. You can find a similar latin experience at Chango, an Argentinian Empanada restaurant. Locals only have to venture slightly further to enjoy the culinary delights of Holloway Road and Junction Road, such as the acclaimed Italian 500 and gastro pub St John’s Tavern.

Located in a striking Gothic church conversion, the multi arts venue Jacksons Lane is a hotbed of theatrical activity. Classical music fans should visit The Red Hedgehog, an intimate 100 seat concert hall opposite Highgate Tube. Anyone in need of some light entertainment can head Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate’s excellent fringe theatre. The central Pond Square is home to community events, including the Highgate Summer Fair and Christmas carol concert.

Many of Highgate’s social gatherings take place in its traditional-style pubs. The Red Lion & Sun and The Flask are reliable options, but first prize goes to The Wrestlers, a beautiful pub in the heart of the village, occupying the same site since 1547. A real fireplace, vintage wooden furniture and stained glass windows ensure its authenticity while its extensive menu keeps the locals returning.

Commuting from Highgate

Underground services from Highgate station in Zone 3 take just 20 minutes to Bank. Some locals choose to walk to nearby Archway as it is in Zone 2, one stop south of Highgate on the Northern line.

Local bus routes include numbers 143 (to Brent Cross), 210 (to Finsbury Park), and the 603 (to Muswell Hill). Both buses 214 and 271 (to Moorgate) operate 24 hour services. 

The City is only about half an hour’s cycle ride away, although it might take longer on the uphill journey back home!

Highgate is on the A1, which connects with Islington in the south and the M1 in the north.

Highgate Leisure

The multi-purpose arts venue – Jacksons Lane Arts Centre – is set within a Grade II listed former church. Its programme of events features theatre, children’s shows, workshops, performances and evening classes. A remarkable collection of paintings including masterpieces by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner and Gainsborough can be found within the confines of the elegant Kenwood House on nearby Hampstead Lane.

Ever-popular 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 commanding 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 Highgate Wood and Queen’s Wood. For golfers, Highgate boasts one of the few private membership London golf clubs that allow non-members to play (players with a handicap welcome Monday to Friday, and only when accompanied by a member at weekends).

Properties for sale

Properties for rent

Things to do in and around Highgate