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- Take a wander through that famous cemetery. Victorian extravagance has made Highgate Cemetery a seriously impressive place, and no wonder given that it’s a part of London’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ – a series of large, private cemeteries established back in the the 19th century to alleviate overcrowding in existing parish burial grounds.
- Try and tackle the pub quiz at The Boogaloo. The quiz at The Boogaloo, ‘Who Killed Bambi?’ is proud to be the longest running musical pub quiz in the whole of London Town.
- Go for a dip in the namesake ponds. Ah yes – we couldn’t do a roundup of the best things to do in Highgate without mentioning this one now could we? There are over 30 ponds dotted about the vast swathes of Hampstead Heath, but three have been specially designated for swimming – one just for men (Highgate Men’s Pond), another for women (Kenwood Ladies’ Pond), and one that’s shared by both (Hampstead Mixed Pond).
- Spot some wildlife on an amble through Highgate Woods. Set between Highgate and East Finchley hides this gorgeous 28-hectare London forest—an ancient woodland which dates back to Mediaeval times – nestled right into the background of suburbia.
- Highgate Cemetery
- Highgate Wood
- Holly Village
- Hampstead Heath
- Highgate Literary & Scientific Institution
- Go Blue Plaque Spotting
- Kenwood House
- Waterlow Park
- Whittington Stone
- Parkland Walk
Arguably London’s most famous graveyard,Highgate Cemetery is the best-known of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries that were built on the peripheries of Victorian London (others includeNunheadandKensal Green). It was built in 1839 – first came the famous West Cemetery, then the later East Cemetery extension that opened in 1860. Why’s Highgate Cemetery...
Undeservedly lost in the shadow of Hampstead Heath, Highgate Wood is one of thenicest green spaces in North London– a meandering stretch of ancient woodland that was mentioned in the Domesday Book. Stretching from the gates of Highgate Station all the way towards Alexandra Palace, this piece of woodland is gorgeous at any time of the year, it’s par...
Highgate is no stranger to imposing architecture, yet the elaborate Neo-Gothic buildings ofHolly Villagenever fail to make me stop and stare. The village within a village was built at the behest of Angela Burdett-Coutts – in Victorian times, the second richest woman in Britain – and no expense was spared on its rather outrageously flamboyant design...
I can only describeHampstead Heathas a stretch of countryside caught up in the outer regions of London – historically, that’s exactly what it is – a rolling vista of muddy lanes, copses and heathland that’s been gradually surrounded by London as it pursued its outward march. You can’t come to Highgate and not spend any time on the Heath. Despite th...
High thinkers and intellectuals have long gathered at theHighgate Literary and Scientific Institution. It was established in 1839 with the purpose of helping the wider public learn about the widespread change taking place as part of the Industrial Revolution. These days it’s known for its wide ranging program of events, films, lectures and music – ...
Highgate isn’t short of famous residents – historical as well as present: a fact that’s confirmed by the proliferation of blue plaques flanking the facades of many of the area’s buildings. Hunting them out is one of my favourite things to do in Highgate. We won’t give you a blow by blow rundown but here are a few to look out for. 1. Poet Samuel Tay...
The pretty Georgian exterior of Kenwood House makes an attractive addition to Hampstead Heath. Run by English Heritage, inside you’ll find an art collection featuring works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Gainsborough and Cezanne. There are also extensive gardens, woods, and grounds to wander around, including a duelling ground, exactly 40 paces wide, hidde...
The 29 acres of Waterlow Park was donated to the public by Sir Sidney Waterlow to be a ‘garden for the gardenless’. It has remained so since, a welcoming combination of formal gardens, stretches of lawn and water features. Lauderdale House – an arts and education centre whose buildings date back to the Tudor times sits at the centre of it all. Didn...
London’s legendary mayor Dick Whittington is the stuff of lore – so it may come as a surprise to find this small stone statue commemorating one of the pivotal events in his life. The Whittington Stone marks the spot where Whittington, at the beginning of his journey leaving London, heard the Bow Bells chiming ‘Turn again Whittington, thrice Lord Ma...
Starting just behind The Boogaloo,the Parkland Walk is one of my favouritewalks in London.It traces the path of a former railway from Highgate to Finsbury Park – though you can also continue from Highgate in the other direction to Alexandra Palace too.
- Highgate Cemetery. The resting place of such luminaries as Michael Faraday, George Eliot and most famously Karl Marz, Highgate Cemetery is of London’s ‘great’ cemeteries (yes, that is really a thing) and a Victorian place of remembrance.
- Waterlow Park. Our first foray into Highgate is Waterlow Park, gateway to Highgate Cemetery. Waterlow Park is also one of London’s underrated parks and green spaces, offering incredible views of the capital and colourful flora and fauna.
- Lauderdale House. Waterlow Park’s Lauderdale House was originally built in 1582 (updated several times over the years) and is now an arts and education centre that often hosts musical performances or weddings.
- Highgate Village. Highgate Village is a veritable feast of fabulous Georgian architecture with beautiful homes, incredible ancient pubs and inns (more on this later) plus shops and cute cafes with history all around.
What are the best things to see in Highgate? Hampstead Heath is a vast expanse of green space and a great place for a leisurely walk. If the weather's good and you fancy a dip, head to Highgate Ponds. Another top spot for a wander is Highgate Wood.
Apr 27, 2020 · If you’re planning on visiting Highgate, let me tell you about the most beautiful places you must visit in Highgate as well as the best things to do in Highgate. Without further ado, let’s get started.
Jan 25, 2022 · Walking around Highgate is like hunting for treasure. You discover Highgate’s secret gems around every corner of this picturesque and friendly London neighbourhood. It’s enchanting, with fascinating history, stunning views, famous inns and taverns, unique…
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Discover the best restaurants, pubs, parks and things to do in Highgate. They call the heart of Highgate ‘the village’ for a good reason. This impossibly pretty, olde-worlde neighbourhood has...
