Living
in Barnet

History

Established in 1965, the borough emerged from the merging of territories from the historic counties of Middlesex and Hertfordshire. As of 2021, it boasts a population of 389,344, positioning it as the second-most populous borough in London and the 17th largest district across England. Spanning 86.74 square kilometers, it stands as the fourth largest among London's 32 boroughs in terms of area. 

The territory that the borough occupies today is steeped in history. Archaeological discoveries have unearthed first-century Roman pottery at Brockley Hill and Roman coins dating back to the third and fourth centuries at Burnt Oak, highlighting the area's historical significance. 

The borough also played host to the pivotal Battle of Barnet in 1471, a significant conflict within the Wars of the Roses. It was here, in Monken Hadley, just on the edge of what is now the borough, where the forces of Yorkist King Edward IV overcame the Lancastrian "Kingmaker," Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, and his brother, John Neville, marking a crucial turn in English history.

Cultural Gems

Barnet Museum welcomes visitors without charge, presenting an extensive collection that traces the area's history from the Bronze Age all the way to contemporary times.

The expansive Royal Air Force Museum, occupying a portion of the historical Hendon Aerodrome site, dedicates itself to preserving the legacy of flight and the stories of the British Royal Air Force.

The Arts Depot, known as a cultural beacon, stages a variety of performances including music, comedy, and theatre. It also provides opportunities for artistic education and stagecraft training for those interested in exploring the performing arts.

Every other year, the Mill Hill Music Festival lights up the local scene, offering stages across various venues for artists to perform genres like jazz and rock 'n' roll, celebrating the rich musical talent of the area.

The Phoenix Cinema, an exquisite Art Deco venue, screens not only the latest film releases but also special presentations of opera, ballet, and Shakespearean works.

Barnet is also proud to house two Grade I listed structures, both masterpieces of Edwin Lutyens: the Church of St Jude, with its striking Gothic spire, and the Free Church across Central Square, mirroring St Jude's in design but crowned with a concrete dome.

Must-Visit Nature Spots

In Barnet, residents are spoiled for choice with an abundance of verdant retreats. Just north of High Barnet lies Monken Hadley Common, a serene escape where you can meander through the woods and open spaces or engage in a bit of fishing in its tranquil lake.

Another gem, Stephens House & Gardens, offers a diverse ecosystem with its woods, a charming rockery, a serene pond, and a unique ‘bog’ garden, where one can spot woodpeckers, sparrowhawks, and the elusive tawny owl.

For those seeking more vigorous activities, the Dollis Valley Greenwalk provides a picturesque pathway for extended walks. This 10-mile trail weaves from the Green Belt to Hampstead Heath, offering a continuous natural landscape for adventurers.

Barnet prides itself on its 16 principal open spaces, referred to as 'premier parks.' Out of these, seven were honoured with the Green Flag Award in the 2009/10 period, signifying their excellence in green space management:

• Childs Hill Park and Basing Hill Park in Childs Hill
• Cherry Tree Wood in East Finchley
• Mill Hill Park in Mill Hill
• Sunny Hill Park in Hendon
• Swan Lane Open Space in Whetstone
• Tudor Sports Ground in New Barnet
• Victoria Park in Finchley Central, etc.

Shops & Restaurants: Not To Miss

Spizzico in Barnet is a favoured dining spot among locals, offering a diverse selection of Mediterranean, Cajun, and Italian cuisine. For those in pursuit of comforting meals, The Gate in Arkley is the place to go, with its delicious minted lamb cutlets and the classic steak and ale pie being standout choices.

In Finchley, Izakaya offers a taste of Japan with its expertly prepared sushi, especially the highly recommended salmon sashimi.

Every Wednesday and Saturday, Barnet Market becomes a bustling hub, featuring a variety of stalls selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, fish, and baked treats. Don't miss the Taste of the Mediterranean stall for an assortment of olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and stuffed peppers.

For mainstream retail therapy, The Spires Shopping Centre on High Street in Barnet, along with several quaint independent shops, provides ample shopping opportunities. A brief drive away, Brent Cross Shopping Centre boasts over 2,000 brands across 120 stores, including popular names like John Lewis and Apple.

Transport Connectivity

Barnet benefits from comprehensive transport links, including the northern ends of the Northern line of the London Underground, which has its termini at Edgware, High Barnet, and Mill Hill East, all within the borough.

The above-ground sections of the High Barnet and Edgware branches cover this area extensively. The High Barnet branch begins its surface journey near East Finchley, with a branch from Finchley Central leading to Mill Hill East, and then onward through several stations including West Finchley, Woodside Park, and Totteridge and Whetstone to High Barnet.

The Edgware branch comes above ground at Golders Green and continues over viaducts and through stations like Brent Cross and Hendon Central, ending at Edgware station. Although the Piccadilly line is in the neighbouring Borough of Enfield, Barnet residents have easy bus connections to its stations.

Additionally, Barnet is served by National Rail with the Midland Main Line skirting its western border, providing Thameslink services at Mill Hill Broadway, Hendon, and Cricklewood stations.

Health 

The Barnet Clinical Commissioning Group is responsible for organizing NHS services for the community of Barnet. Health services in the area are provided by several organizations, including the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, which oversees operations at Barnet Hospital, Chase Farm Hospital, and offers certain services at Edgware Community Hospital.

Additionally, the Central London Community Healthcare NHS Trust manages Finchley Memorial Hospital and contributes to services at Edgware Community Hospital.

Education

Schools & Colleges

Barnet boasts a comprehensive educational landscape with 86 primary schools, 22 secondary schools, and 4 schools dedicated to special education.

Woodhouse College stands as a prominent sixth form college located in North Finchley, catering to post-secondary students.

The borough's primary further education institution is Barnet College, which operates across five campuses.

Furthermore, Middlesex University's principal campus is situated in Hendon, while University College London maintains a teaching observatory in Mill Hill.

Libraries

The borough is well-served in terms of public libraries, with 15 council-operated libraries, alongside mobile and home library services catering for those unable to visit in person. For research and archival needs, there's also a dedicated local studies and archives library available to the public.

Property Settings

The property scene presents an eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, offering residents a unique blend of suburban charm and urban convenience. New developments in Barnet typically showcase a range of housing options, from sleek, contemporary apartments to spacious, family-friendly townhouses. 

These homes often come equipped with the latest in modern amenities, energy-efficient designs, and luxurious finishes, reflecting the evolving needs and tastes of today's homeowners.

A significant appeal of Barnet's new homes is their setting amidst lush, green spaces while still providing easy access to London's bustling city centre.

Many developments prioritize proximity to nature, with homes often featuring views of or direct access to parks, gardens, or green belts. This focus on green living is complemented by community amenities such as playgrounds, communal gardens, and cycling paths, enhancing the quality of life for residents.