Our St. Johns Wood Area Guide is here to assist you discover the local highlights of St. Johns Wood, a grand and tranquil village in the heart of London!

Once part of the Great Forest of Middlesex, St John’s Wood inherited its name from the medieval owners, the Knights of the Order of St John of Jerusalem. The way of life here remained pastoral until the early 19th century, when building began. The architects wanted to maintain the air of rural charm, abandoning traditional terraces in favour of grand Italianate villas, Cottage Ornés and Victorian Gothic pairs. This rural retreat, so close to London, attracted artists and philosophers, who were later joined by craftsmen and wealthy merchants, whose shops and outlets gave the area the village feel it retains to this day. In the 1960s St John’s Wood was designated a Conservation Area, and many of the houses are protected by English Heritage. Modern luxury blocks, complete with porters and private leisure facilities, thrive here too.

Living in St. Johns Wood

A grand and tranquil village in the heart of London, St John’s Wood is one of the city’s most upmarket residential locations. With elegant villa style housing that sweeps along the side of Regent’s Park, and an attractive high street filled with boutiques, it’s a neighbourhood professionals flock to.

Young professionals who start London life here can rarely be persuaded to leave: once drawn by its bars and busy high street, later in life they stay for the good schools and strong community, the area’s village like feel is protected by the St John’s Wood Society.

From St John’s Wood it’s a brisk, beautiful walk into town, or just two Tube stops into Bond Street. Although just moments from the West End, at weekends there is little reason to leave this delightful enclave, with bars and restaurants aplenty. Picturesque Little Venice along the canal to the west, the stunning rose gardens and outdoor sports areas of Regent’s Park on its doorstep, and gorgeous views from Primrose Hill for those undaunted by the climb.

The neighbourhood also has a strong multicultural presence, as evidenced by the golden domed Regent’s Park Mosque, St John’s Wood Church with its columned façade, the area’s synagogues, American School and French Lycée.

Schools

As a destination for families and students alike, St Johns Wood has strong ties in education with several universities close by. There are many good primary schools to choose from, as well as two well regarded state secondaries. Arnold House, Abercorn Place, St Christina’s, St John’s Wood Pre Prep and Francis Holland are further options for those interested in private education. The American School and the French Lycée both offer alternatives to the traditional British education system.

Going Out

St. Johns Wood really spoils you for choice! Whether locals are looking for a cosy fireplace, or a glass of wine and some tasty treats, St John’s Wood has an array of pubs and gastropubs to suit every taste. The Duke of York is warm and welcoming with a bar and casual dining area usually full of well heeled locals. Just a stone’s throw from the West End and Soho, residents don’t need to leave St John’s Wood for an excellent night out. Oslo Court on Charlbert Street. Soutine, offers you a Parisian style café and restaurant experience, with a touch of St. Johns Wood artistic heritage, an excellent option as well as The Ivy, for an air of sophistication. The Winery on nearby Clifton Road in Little Venice is one of west London’s best independent wine shops and hosts regular tastings for locals, so do check their website for their next set of dates! Harry Morgan’s is a must visit: what was once a tiny takeaway deli is now the largest and most famous New York style deli restaurant in London. Panzer’s Deli perfectly serves the needs of international residents, stocking foods from all over the world.

Commuting from St. Johns Wood

St John’s Wood underground station in Zone 2 is on the Jubilee Line and links with Bond Street in just 5 minutes. Nearby South Hampstead station is on the well-connected Overground line.

Overland train services from nearby Paddington and Marylebone stations provide links with Heathrow, Birmingham, Bristol, the West Country and Wales.

There are several local bus routes connecting in all directions, including the 13 (to Aldwych), the 46 (to Farringdon), the 82 (to Victoria), the 139 (to Waterloo) and the 274 (to Islington). There are also two night buses – the N13 and the N113.

St. Johns Wood Leisure

Once again, this little gem of a location offers you a diverse choice of things to do!

Not far and home to over 12,000 animals, London Zoo opened in 1828, and is the world’s oldest scientific zoo! St John’s Wood is also home to the world renowned, Lord’s Cricket Ground. This historic English landmark hosts matches from county sides to international tests. Tours of the grounds are held daily.

The St John’s Wood library has two monthly books clubs, one specifically for crime fiction fans.

Stroll to the top of Primrose Hill and take in the dramatic views of London. It’s a favourite celebrity haunt in summer, so keep your eyes peeled! Nearby Regent’s Park boasts 410 acres of beautiful green space, with the largest outdoor sports centre in Central London, boating lakes and stunning rose gardens. A disused graveyard, St John’s Wood Church Grounds is the only Local Nature Reserve in the City of Westminster. The attractive park regularly wins prizes, and has received the Green Flag Award for excellent green spaces since 2004. Facilities include a playground, formal gardens and a wildlife area.

And of course we can’t forget…

Every hour of every day, Beatles fans from all over the world make a pilgrimage to a thoroughfare to set foot on a zebra crossing that has become an international tourist attraction in its own right thanks to the fact that, in 1969, the fab four had the bright idea of having themselves photographed walking over it for what has now become one of the most iconic album covers of all time! Yes, Abbey Road!

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Properties for rent

Things to do in and around St. Johns Wood