From the buzzing markets of Camden to the tranquil beauty of Hampstead Heath, North London caters to every traveller’s taste. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, art aficionado, foodie, or simply keen on an authentic London experience, North London is a fantastic destination.
In this article, I’ll explore the highlights, central areas, and exceptional attractions that distinguish North London as a must-visit spot.
The Best Things to do in North London Near You: Map
North London comprises several distinct areas, each with its unique charm and attractions. For instance, Camden, known for its alternative vibe, boasts a vibrant music and arts scene, the iconic Camden Market, and the picturesque Regent’s Canal.
Islington exudes trendiness with its chic boutiques and gastropubs. Hampstead is celebrated for its leafy streets, elegant Georgian houses, and expansive Hampstead Heath, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
These areas, among others, weave the diverse tapestry that makes North London such a compelling destination. Let’s dive into things to do in North London.
Alexandra Palace – Panoramic Views of the City
Alexandra Palace is a historic and iconic destination nestled on a hilltop in North London. This majestic Victorian building offers visitors a wealth of activities and attractions to explore, all with a breathtaking panoramic view of London.
You can easily reach Alexandra Palace by bus or train, or take my preferred route along Parkland Walk, following the abandoned railway track between Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace, surrounded by beautiful forestry.
A variety of shows and concerts are held at Alexandra Palace throughout the year, along with seasonal events like ice skating in the winter and its infamous Bonfire Night firework display. You can find details of upcoming events on their website.
The grounds are free to enter, and there’s a lovely café where you can grab a drink to enjoy on the terrace overlooking the sprawling cityscape.
Address: Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY
Related: Fun Activities for Adults in London
London Zoo – Explore the Wonders of London Zoo
Regent’s Park is a favourite spot for both locals and tourists, featuring beautifully landscaped gardens, a boating lake, and the famous London Zoo.
A trip to London Zoo offers a great chance to see and learn about all kinds of wildlife from around the world. You’ll see everything from majestic tigers and beautiful butterflies to adorable monkeys.
Make sure to catch the animal feeding sessions and talks, led by the expert zookeepers throughout the day. You can find the timings on the ‘What’s On’ boards around the zoo – my personal favourite was the penguin talk!
For families, London Zoo has lots of kid-friendly activities, including a petting zoo and fun play areas. Plus, there are plenty of restaurants and cafés around the park, perfect for taking a break and grabbing an ice cream.
Address: London Zoo, Outer Cir, London NW1 4RY
Hampstead Heath – Enjoy a Picnic by the Ponds
Hampstead Heath offers beautiful landscapes, walking trails, and stunning city views. It’s perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic.
Hampstead Heath is home to glorious outdoor swimming ponds, both single-sex and mixed, which provide the perfect opportunity to cool down in the summer. For £4.25, you can take a dip in the cool water to relax and refresh. You may need to book in advance during the busy seasons; otherwise, if the ponds reach maximum capacity, they’ll operate on a one-in-one-out system.
My favourite thing to do at Hampstead Heath is to pack a picnic basket and enjoy a relaxing meal amidst the scenic surroundings. It’s a great escape from the city centre, with its calming atmosphere and natural beauty.
Address: Hampstead Heath, London
Related: 20 Things to Do in Hampstead – All You Need to Know
Emirates Stadium – Go Behind the Scenes of Arsenal Football Club
A visit to the Emirates Stadium, the home of Arsenal Football Club, is indeed a dream come true for football enthusiasts and sports fans.
Situated in the Holloway area of North London, this state-of-the-art stadium offers an immersive experience for visitors. Here, you have the opportunity to tour the facilities and delve into the club’s history.
Prices for the tours start at £30 and grant access to exclusive areas, including the players’ entrance, the home and away dressing rooms, and the players’ tunnel. After the tour, you can visit the museum to uncover Arsenal’s rich heritage and appreciate the extensive array of memorabilia and trophies on display.
Address: Emirates Stadium, Hornsey Rd, London N7 7AJ
Camden Market – A Vibrant Market Filled with Unusual Treasures
Camden Market, characterised by its lively atmosphere and varied culinary offerings, is the ideal location for a day out in North London.
From vintage clothing and accessories to unique handmade crafts, you’ll discover a wealth of market stalls and shops within Camden Market. Furthermore, the presence of numerous exceptional street food vendors makes this a veritable haven for food enthusiasts.
A wide range of cuisines can be found here, from spicy Mexican tacos and handmade Italian pasta to delectable Pakistani BBQ food and cheesy Korean hot dogs.
Camden Market serves as a hub of live music and entertainment, with many of the local pubs and venues hosting performances by emerging artists.
Address: Camden Market, 54-56 Camden Lock Pl, London NW1 8AF
Highgate Wood – Stroll Around the Peaceful Ancient Woodlands
Highgate Wood, nestled in the borough of Haringey in North London, offers a serene, natural escape from the busy city.
Embark on a leisurely stroll through the pathways of this ancient woodland and explore its rich flora. Highgate Wood is teeming with a variety of wildlife, so keep your eyes peeled for squirrels, foxes, birds, and even bats.
Highgate Wood is also known as one of the best places to see bluebells in London; these beautiful flowers only bloom for a few weeks each year, usually around the end of April, making it the ideal time to explore this remarkable landscape.
Within the woods, you’ll find a cafe, a children’s play area, and plenty of benches where you can sit back and enjoy the tranquillity amidst the lush greenery.
Address: Muswell Hill Rd, London N10 3JN
The Castle Climbing Centre – North London’s Best Rock Climbing Spot
The Castle Climbing Centre in Stoke Newington offers both bouldering and roped climbing, suitable for all ages and abilities. This impressive climbing centre is set within a Grade II listed Victorian pumping station.
The routes are colour-coded according to difficulty, meaning you can start off with the easier ones and gradually challenge yourself with harder levels as you feel ready. With a variety of walls spread across two floors, it’s a great place to test your climbing skills. Moreover, during summer, you can also enjoy the outdoor climbing walls in the sunshine!
Climbing shoes can be hired for a mere £3, and it typically costs around £10-15 per person to climb, depending on the day and time. The staff here are incredibly friendly and always ready to offer advice to improve your climb.
Additionally, there’s a delightful little café just outside, offering handmade cakes and vegan snacks – perfect for refuelling after your climbing session.
Address: The Castle Climbing Centre, Green Lanes, London N4 2HA
London Canal Museum – Uncover London’s Fascinating History
Situated in King’s Cross, the London Canal Museum offers insight into the history and importance of London’s canals through interactive displays and exhibits.
This museum is located in a beautifully restored ice warehouse and provides a fascinating insight into the importance of canals in shaping the city’s industrial past.
One of the highlights of the museum is the preserved ice well, a remarkable piece of Victorian engineering that was used to store ice for local businesses and households.
Whether you have a keen interest in history, engineering, or simply want to explore a lesser-known aspect of London’s heritage, a visit to the London Canal Museum is a captivating experience.
Address: London Canal Museum, 12/13 New Wharf Rd, London N1 9RT
Tips for the Best Trip to North London
- Utilize the public transport. North London is extremely well-connected by public transportation, including the London Underground, buses, and overground trains. Mobile map applications should be able to assist with planning your routes and helping you navigate these new areas, making it super easy to explore and save you time (and money) travelling between locations!
- Sample the local food scene. Whether you’re roaming around the food stalls of Camden Market or rock climbing in Stoke Newington, be sure to sample some of the delicious food available from local vendors.
- Check for events and festivals. North London hosts a multitude of events and festivals throughout the year. Check online event guides or local listings to see if any festivals, music gigs, or cultural celebrations align with your travel dates to add an extra layer of excitement to your trip.
