There’s so much to do in London, especially across all the cool areas of the city! From the cool spots in East London, the iconic palaces of West London and the best things to do in North London – you’ll be totally spoilt for choice. Especially when exploring our epic city on your own trip.
Over the years, we’ve wandered all across London and totally love how diverse it is – I think that’s what’s so special about our city. You can head through so many different areas, like Camden and Greenwich, and see totally different perspectives of what makes London so great.
And you know what, this is no different in North London either!
So, to help you get the most outta your time in North London, I wanted to pop over a few gems that we love. Some are just on the fringes of Central London, whilst others are a further north – whatever the case, I’m sure you’ll find a few that you’ll love.
Take a gander, below, at the best things to do in North London. Have a great time exploring our amazing city!
1.) Alexandra Palace
Perched within the Haringey area of North London, Alexandra Palace is an expansive spot to visit that’s also been declared one of London’s nature reserves and is totally perfect for a stroll. Once here, you’ll be able to try your hand at rowing (on the boating lake), explore the trails, swing in the trees (at Go Ape) or head for nibbles at Sunday’s farmers market.
Oh, and don’t forget to explore more of Palm Garden and the skating rinks in the chillier months. It’s so much fun.
Finally, if you’re heading inside, make sure to grab a seat at one of the shows or concerts that happen throughout the year. They host a range of creatives and artists, ranging from; Ladysmith Black Mambazo to all the DJs at the Kaleidoscope Festival.
Read more: Best things to do across London
2.) Regent’s Park
For a scenic escape, head on over to London’s gorgeous Regent’s Park. Still in the heart of London, you’ll actually feel like you’re miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. It’s all so peaceful, and easily one of the best things to do in North London for a chilled out day.
With gorgeous trails, Queen Mary’s Rose Gardens, an open-air theatre, and the Boat Lake that’s right within the park itself. In the summer months, be sure to book a seat at the Open Air Theatre. They host the most amazing productions in one of the most unique spots for theatre in North London. We love it.
Afterwards, head on over to Mestizo Mexican for their Mole Verde and their vast tequila and mezcal menu.
Read more: Best things to do in South London
3.) Warner Bros. Studio Tour London
Nestled at the edges of North London, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London is one of the best things to do in North London that’ll suit muggles or wizards!
Once here, be sure to explore Platform 93/4, wander the Forbidden Forest and explore the Great Hall. You’ll even get to visit 4 Privet Drive where Harry Potter grew up!
Just be sure to book your Harry Potter Studios Tour in advance. This way, you can plan the rest of your day with ease. In all, it’ll likely take you around 3-hours to follow stroll the studios and is great for a half-day trip.
Book: Tickets for the Harry Potter Studios Tour
4.) The British Library
Bookworms rejoice… especially if you’re exploring the Kings Cross area of North London.
The British Library is one of the largest libraries in the world and holds over 200 million items! Like, you could spend years inside and still not see every single item.
The UK’s national library, similar to the one in Aberystwyth and Edinburgh (there’s a few more too), also has exhibits open to the public, Best of all, they’re free of charge!
Inside, you can see everything from; manuscripts, maps, sacred texts, and other historical writings – though, you might need to plan in advance if something is stored away.
Read more: Best things to do in Kings Cross
5.) Camden
Probably one of my favourite areas in North London, Camden is a really special neighbourhood to explore.
Best described as an alternative and down-to-earth area of London, Camden has a unique charm that you just won’t find anywhere else.
After arriving, be sure to wander The Stables for all the vintage shops, explore the iconic Vagina Museum and grab a bite to eat in one of the hundreds of street food vendors that line the markets and streets.
You can easily spend a whole day in Camden and even end your evening with a show at The Roundhouse – my favourite music venue in all of London!
Read more: Best things to do in Camden
6.) Forty Hall Estate
A great place to visit for a gander, visiting Forty Hall is one of the best things to do in North London if you’re a keen history-buff.
With gorgeous parklands across the estate and the dazzling (former palace) called Elsyng Palace. Dating back to the 1600s, it’s steeped in history and exhibitions to explore.
You can spend as long as you like exploring the Forty Hall and it really gives you a glimpse of the 1629 property and its heritage. Plus, with permanent exhibitions detailing life in the 17th century and the life of Sir Nicholas Rainton, it’s easily a great place to visit for a morning trip on the outskirts of North London.
Read more: Best tours to book in London
7.) Epping Forest
Epping Forest, a whopping 2,400-hectare ancient woodland, is a must-see for nature lovers in North London.
Having existed since before the 1600s, Epping Forest is known as “the People’s Forest” ever since Queen Victoria dedicated the forest to her all of us back in 1882. Before that, it was for the select few that were allowed to visit.
Thankfully, that’s all changed, so If you’re visiting North London be sure to set aside a few hours to explore this gorgeous spot.
And if you have £15 to spare, you can even rent a boat for an hour and paddle the afternoon away.
Plus, you can easily partner a trip to Epping Forest whilst visiting Forty Hall Estate which’s pretty close by.
Afterwards, head on down to Popham’s Bakery for the tastiest pastries in North London. Now, it can get busy on weekends, so go nice and early if you want to avoid the crowds. Their bacon and maple pastries are so yummy!
Read more: Best beaches near London to visit
8.) Little Venice
Just around the Warwick Avenue area of North London, Little Venice is a picture-perfect area that’s gorgeous for a stroll (especially around Rembrandt Gardens).
the iconic area surrounding the man-made waterways that were created centuries ago. Tying together Grand Union Canal and Regent’s Canal, the canals have a tiny little island (Browning’s Island) that’s named after poet Robert Browning to see.
Once in Little Venice, check out the Puppet Theatre Barge, a 55-seater boat-house that acts as a theatre on the water, for fun indoor marionette shows that’s pretty kitsch.
Oh, and if you happen to visit during early May, make sure to enjoy the Canalway Cavalcade, an annual festival organized by the Inland Waterways Association.
Read more: Best things to do in West London
9.) Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is one of London’s ancient heaths that dates back well over 1,000 years!
Found within the open greenery of Hampstead Heath, the Bathing Ponds were originally dug in the 16th century to serve as reservoirs for a growing London city! Nowadays, the ponds are a favourite with locals and visitors for a natural and outdoor swimming spot in North London.
Feeling up for the dip? there are mixed and single-sex Bathing Ponds to discover all around the park. Though, it can be very teeth-chatteringly crisp at certain times of the year.
Afterwards, be sure to pop inside the 16th century Kenwood House which’s totally stunning. Once here, you’ll be able to take in the world-class works of art, explore the stunning gardens and spot the Great Library that has been restored to its former glory.
Also, don’t forget to take in the views from Parliament Hill Viewpoint. It’s one of the highest natural viewpoints in the city and gorgeous at sunset.
Read more: Best things to do in East London
10.) Abbey Road
Just west of Primrose Hill, Abbey Road has become internationally known for its association with The Beatles!
With Abbey Road Studios and the famous crossing from the iconic Beatles album cover, it’s a spot that any music lover has to visit.
Although totally legendary, you might find this a bit of a bore if you’re not into your music – or The Beatles for that matter.
11.) Primrose Hill
With a leafy, chilled out vibe, Primrose Hill is just north of Regent’s Park and totally easy to visit whilst in North-London’s central area.
Now, for me, I love heading on a little stroll around Regent’s Park Road. Here, you’ll find heaps of local eateries, bars and independent boutiques that are too gorgeous to miss.
Plus, you can easily partner a trip to Primrose Hill with a stroll through the canals to nearby Camden Town, too. With totally different vibes, each neighbourhood really shows how diverse and epic the areas of London are!
12.) BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Nestled, just shy of Stonebridge Park Station, BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is a stunning and ornate Hindu temple that you can’t miss. It’s incredible to see and is open to all who’d like to visit.
It’s so iconic and incredible to see.
Read more: Best things to do in London
13.) Madame Tussauds
Love it or hate it, visiting Madame Tussauds is one of the best things to do in North London if you’re a first-timer to the city.
Probably the world’s most famous waxworks, Madame Tussauds is a great spot to visit for all the family.
With over 400 waxworks on display, It’s the kind of place to whisk away a few hours in the city whilst rubbing shoulder with royalty, celebs and heads of state!
One thing I would say, you never need to pay the full list price to enter Madame Tussauds. Typically, there’s always some sort of offer or 2for1 deal available (search Google for Madame Tussauds 2for1 and you’ll see what I mean). Also, keep an eye out for chocolate bars, cereal boxes and other household food items as they tend to have this voucher attached to them.
14.) Wembley Stadium
Heading to Wembley is easily one of the best things to do in North London if you’re a footy lover! You see, perched right in the centre is the world-renowned Wembley Stadium that hosts international competitions, concerts and events throughout the year.
Can’t get a ticket for a game? Then, head for one of the tours of the stadium itself. It’s great if you’re interested in football, though, I’ll be honest – give it a miss if you’re not!
Read more: Best things to do in London
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