Our Primrose Hill Area Guide is here to assist you discover the local highlights of Primrose Hill, famous for it’s views and famous residents.

Primrose Hill has always had a reputation for wild animals but travelling back to the 17th century, it was more about stags, boars and deer rather than Jude Law, Ewan McGregor and Rhys Ifans! The area was heavily wooded and part of Henry VIII’s hunting ground. Surprisingly, it was only opened to the public in 1842. Primrose Hill’s name comes from more recent history, when the trees were cleared and meadowland took over, with the area a carpet of primrose yellow.

Today, we’re not too sure whether the area is most famous for its amazing hilltop views across London or for its long list of past and present residents, which reads like a who’s who of popular culture! What we do know is that Primrose Hill is one of the capital’s most exclusive ‘urban villages’, with a close-knit community vibe driven by the cluster of independent stores, family-run businesses and one-off boutiques. It’s less ‘leftfield’ that Camden Town but more relaxed that Regent’s Park, attracting creative types who work in the media, arts and music. As an estate agent, we will attest to the area’s eternal popularity – holding waiting lists of buyers for the pretty Regency townhouses, early Victorian terraces and one-off architecturally-designed gems!

Living in Primrose Hill

Smart, desirable and attractively clustered, Primrose Hill is known for one of the best views in London. Its celebrity residents have also given the area an artistic and bohemian edge. Neatly framed by the Regent’s Canal to the south, Euston’s railway lines curving around the eastern and northern sides, and by Primrose Hill itself on the west, the area has become increasingly sought-after and affluent since the 1960s. This is reflected in the upmarket restaurants, pubs, bars and boutiques lining up alongside its residential streets. Its exclusivity is reflected with minimal development. People here value comfortable living spaces, privacy, peace and quiet, and quality food and drink within a few minutes’ walk of their front door.

Schools

Primrose Hill Primary, St Paul’s Church of England, Rhyl Primary and Hawley Primary, as well as St Christina’s Catholic Primary School in nearby St John’s Wood are top Primary School options. For secondary education, Haverstock School in Chalk Farm and Regent High School in Camden are state options, while the independent Fine Arts College is close by in Hampstead.

Going Out

Primrose Hill has a sprinkling of well-established and beloved local dining options. Lemonia, celebrated its 40^th anniversary in 2019, dishes up authentic Mediterranean dishes in its large, buzzy, light-filled main room. Odette’s has been around for even longer, and Chef Patron Bryn Williams brings a passion for seasonal cooking to this smart establishment. Thought to be Europe’s first vegan restaurant, Manna, opened in the 1960s, continues to prove that healthy is tasty. For Italian dishes, La Collina offers fine cuisine in a homely atmosphere.

For thirsty Primroseans, The Queen’s is just yards from Primrose Hill, with a view that can be enjoyed from its balcony tables and bar. The classy interior is matched by the seasonal food, and fine wines and craft ales on tap. But the four other pubs within Primrose Hill’s borders – The Pembroke Castle, The Engineer, The Lansdowne and the Princess of Wales – are also perfect for a quick drink or a decent sit-down meal.

For some nightlife, nearby Camden has plenty to offer with a buzzing late-night scene of bars, live music and clubs.

Entertainment and culture in Primrose Hill can take in Cecil Sharpe House on Regent’s Park Road is England’s folk arts centre, with a busy programme of music and dance events and workshops. Housed in a former Methodist chapel just over the tracks on Prince of Wales Road, the Zabludowicz Collection presents contemporary art installations from emerging artists. Not far away in Camden is the Roundhouse, originally built in 1847 by the London & North Western Railway as a roundhouse, a circular building containing a railway turntable, has played host to many music legends. It’s now the home of the BBC Electric Proms and numerous festivals, concerts and shows. The Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park is one of the oldest such venues in the world, putting on concerts and plays alike.

Commuting from Primrose Hill

Although Primrose Hill doesn’t have its own Tube station, both Swiss Cottage and St John’s Wood are a short stroll away (0.4 and 0.5 miles away, respectively). The closest mainline station is South Hampstead, also accessible on foot. Drivers can take the A41 Finchley Road, that quickly leads to the North Circular, the A1 and the M1.

Primrose Leisure

It’s all about the open spaces in Primrose Hill, and residents take every opportunity to climb the hill and take in the fresh air and stunning panoramas. When people can bear to tear themselves away from the view, they often head to neighbouring Regent’s Park on foot, where The Hub – London’s largest outdoor sporting facility – hosts a wide range of sporting activities and classes, ranging from tennis to touch rugby. In Primrose Hill itself, yoga devotees head to Triyoga, where they are reputed to roll out their mats next to Kate Moss and Sadie Frost.

Properties for sale

Properties for rent

Things to do in and around Primrose Hill