Highgate Village is one of North London’s most picturesque and elevated neighbourhoods. With handsome houses, historic churches, generous green spaces, traditional pubs and independent shops, it’s tranquil and full of character. Red telephone boxes, community notice boards, a local library and Pond Square give it a distinctly English charm. Whether you’re strolling through parks, exploring the cemetery, enjoying a pint or simply soaking up the atmosphere, Highgate delivers a rich and rewarding experience. This area guide provides an overview of the best things to do, eat, and shop in Highgate.
Best Things To Do In Highgate Village
High on a hill, Highgate offers some of the best views in London from the Parliament Hill Viewpoint in Hampstead Heath. While much of the Heath falls within Hampstead, parts of it extend into Highgate, providing residents and visitors with access to wild woodlands, swimming ponds, and open meadows. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR.
Within the Heath, you’ll find Kenwood, a former stately home with a renowned art collection, a relaxed café, and glorious gardens. Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR.
For a more serene experience, head to Waterlow Park. Once the estate of Sir Sydney Waterlow, it was gifted to the public in 1889 as “a garden for the gardenless.” It features open lawns, landscaped borders, a kitchen garden, and shaded paths, making it perfect for reading, strolling, or enjoying a picnic. Highgate Hill, London, N6 5HG.
Tucked inside the park is Lauderdale House, a 16th-century Tudor building that now serves as an arts and heritage centre. Exhibitions, community events and a café with outdoor seating make it a popular local hub. Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London N6 5HG.
Adjacent to the park lies Highgate Cemetery, one of London’s most atmospheric landmarks. With ivy-covered tombstones, dramatic monuments and winding woodland paths, it’s a place of gothic beauty. Karl Marx is buried here, along with many writers, artists and thinkers. A guided tour is highly recommended to uncover its stories fully. The cemetery is split into the East and West sides of Swain’s Lane, London N6 6PJ.
On a warm, sunny day, step into the dappled shade of Highgate Wood. It’s a 28-hectare stretch of ancient woodland nestled between Highgate, East Finchley and Muswell Hill. Once part of the vast Forest of Middlesex, which blanketed much of London, Hertfordshire, and Essex, this historic woodland offers a tranquil escape beneath its leafy canopy. With roots tracing back to the Domesday Book, Highgate Wood is not only a peaceful place for a stroll but a living reminder of London’s natural heritage.
The Parkland Walk follows the route of an old railway line from Finsbury Park to Highgate and then onto Muswell Hill. At 4km, it’s London’s longest linear nature reserve. It’s lush, untamed, and dotted with street art and wildlife. You can begin and end at different points of the route.
Pond Square is a peaceful garden square and former village green tucked away in the heart of Highgate, London. Just steps from Highgate High Street and The Gatehouse pub, it marks the start of Swain’s Lane, which winds downhill toward Highgate Cemetery. Once home to ponds formed by gravel extraction, the square was gradually developed over time, with several surrounding houses dating back to the 1700s. Today, it offers a quiet pocket of greenery and a glimpse into Highgate’s layered history.
Highgate also has a great cultural scene. Upstairs at the Gatehouse, a theatre above a local pub, has been staging fringe musicals and new plays for over 25 years. 1 North Road, Highgate Village, London N6 4BD.
Not far away, Jacksons Lane, a converted Gothic church, is now a leading venue for contemporary circus and theatre, known for supporting bold and experimental work. 269a Archway Road, London N6 5AA.
Community life here is also well supported. The Highgate Society works to protect the area’s character while encouraging community involvement and new ideas. 10A South Grove, London N6 6BS.
Highgate Library offers a range of services and regular events for both children and adults, including film screenings, toddler groups, and talks by bestselling authors. Chester Road, London N19 5DH.
History is everywhere, marked by a mix of official blue plaques and pink plaques from the Highgate Festival that celebrate female poets, radicals, artists, and explorers who once lived in the area.
At the base of Highgate Hill stands the Whittington Stone, commemorating the moment when a young Dick Whittington, on the verge of leaving London, heard the Bow Bells and turned back, going on to become Lord Mayor. His cat sits atop the monument, now beside a pub of the same name.
Highgate’s architectural heritage is also striking. From the Tudor-era Lauderdale House to Cromwell House, dating back to the 1630s, and 19th-century St Joseph’s Retreat, the buildings span centuries. Witanhurst, built in the 20th century, is second only to Buckingham Palace in size. Highpoint, a Modernist icon from the 1930s, once caused controversy, while The Wrestlers pub has stood since 1547. Other landmarks include The Gatehouse, Highgate School (founded in 1565), Athlone House, and The Woolaston and Pauncefort Almshouses. You’ll find more information about historic Highgate at Visit Highgate.
Best Places To Eat in Highgate Village
You can enjoy a bite at one of Highgate’s historic buildings, such as Kenwood House or Lauderdale House. I stopped in at the latter for an avocado on sourdough.
Archie’s on Highgate Hill is a solid brunch spot, serving everything from raspberry French toast to breakfast burritos.
For healthy salads, coffee and more, try The Grocery Post. I had a juice there; it’s a food store with a few indoor and outdoor seats. 269 Archway Road, London N6 5BT.
Margot Bakery is worth a detour for their moist coconut cake. They also sell sourdough-based bread and pastries, including babka, brioche and croissants. 373 Archway Road, London N6 4EJ.
For Sunday roasts or drinks, Highgate’s pubs don’t disappoint. Try The Red Lion and Sun or The Bull, both on North Hill and excellent for a traditional lunch with family or friends.
For dinner, friends recommended The Shell Co. on Swain’s Lane, which also operates as a fishmonger. Namaaste offers Indian street food at South Grove, while Don Ciccio Osteria on Hampstead Lane and Rossella on Highgate Lane serve up well-reviewed Italian food.
Best Places To Shop in Highgate Village
The best shopping can be found near Highgate Station along Archway Road. Gonnermann is a standout for its beautifully curated collection of original 20th-century design, featuring furniture, lighting, and rare pieces at 408–410 Archway Road. Nearby, Sum Furniture offers more vintage gems at 265-267 Archway Road. There are also a couple of gift shops and a florist.
Highgate Hill has a more village-like feel with a florist, bakery, organic food shop and everything you need for day-to-day living. My favourites are the Highgate Bookshop at 9 Highgate High Street, Mary’s Living and Giving charity shop at 43 Highgate High Street, and the Avivson Gallery at 49 Highgate High Street.
Helpful Information About Highgate Village
Highgate is a leafy hilltop neighbourhood in North London, spread across the boroughs of Camden, Haringey and Islington. Postcodes include N6 and parts of N19 and N10. It borders Hampstead, Archway, Muswell Hill, Crouch End and East Finchley, and benefits from direct access to Hampstead Heath and Highgate Wood. The area is well-served by public transport, with Highgate Underground Station on the Northern Line and numerous buses linking it to Central London and beyond.
If you want to explore the area, you may find this article of interest:
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. To avoid disappointment, please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit.