Muswell Hill, a vibrant neighbourhood in North London, is a must-visit destination for those looking to explore the city’s hidden gems. With its abundance of independent restaurants, wooded areas, and stunning views of the capital, Muswell Hill has something for everyone.
Made famous by Madness’ hit song “Driving in My Car,” Muswell Hill has become a popular neighbourhood for young professionals and families. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best things to do in Muswell Hill, from exploring the local cuisine to practical tips for making the most of your visit.
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Key Takeaways
- Muswell Hill is a vibrant neighbourhood in North London with independent restaurants, wooded areas, and stunning views of the capital.
- The area is popular with young professionals and families, and is known for its cultural significance in music.
- Visitors can explore the local cuisine and take advantage of practical tips for making the most of their visit.
Things to do in Muswell Hill
Visit Alexandra Palace
One of the top attractions in Muswell Hill is Alexandra Palace, also known as Ally Pally. This 19th-century Grade II-listed venue was originally built as a centre of public recreation, education, and entertainment. It was destroyed by fire in 1873, but it was rebuilt and became home to the BBC’s first regular TV broadcasting service in 1936. Today, it is a thriving event and concert space that hosts regular theatre shows, music gigs, darts, ice-skating, and snooker tournaments throughout the year.
Go Boating on Ally Pally’s Lakes
Behind Alexandra Palace, visitors can find a large boating lake full of ducks, geese, swans, and boats. Rent a pedalo and spend a few hours enjoying the water, or grab a coffee and a cake at the excellent café beside the lake.
Unleash Your Wild Side at Go Ape
For those seeking adventure, Go Ape offers a high-wire adventure course for the brave. Located to the North-East of the palace, this treetop challenge allows visitors to explore the woodland canopy while enjoying a panoramic view of London.
Stroll Through Highgate Woods
Highgate Woods is a beautiful, untouched natural woodland that provides visitors with a stunning forest area to enjoy. The open meadow, set within a clearing in the wood, is the perfect spot for frisbee, cricket, or football, while younger children can run riot on the excellently-equipped playground. The Queens Wood Café stocks plenty of hot drinks and treats, while woodland wardens offer night walks to spot owls, bats, and other night creatures.
Catch a Flick at Everyman Cinema
Everyman Cinema in Muswell Hill is one of North London’s real treats. This three-screen cinema shows Hollywood blockbusters and independent cinema’s cutest releases, as well as regular nostalgia trips down memory lane. Enjoy dinner and cocktails beforehand before settling back on their comfy sofas and enjoy the trappings of drinks and snacks delivered to your seat.
Eat Your Way Around Alexandra Palace Farmers Market
On Sundays, Alexandra Palace hosts a famous Farmers Market selling the finest fresh food in North London. Visitors can find a vast array of produce, including charcuteries, pies, freshly baked cookies, bread, biscuits, relishes, sauces, and pickles.
Catch a Show at The Gatehouse
The Gatehouse is an excellent pub that houses one of London’s best pub theatres upstairs. The auditorium, which can accommodate around 100 people, stages productions from single-person fringe shows to full-blown musicals and Broadway greats. With slick production and outstanding acting, this is one of London’s most intimate theatrical treats.
Take the Parkland Walk
The Parkland Walk is a stunning trail that runs along a disused railway line between Alexandra Palace and Finsbury Park. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views across North London and beyond, and see where stations used to sit on this line with the platforms still visible. The walk is sheltered from the hustle and bustle of North London, giving the impression of being in the deepest parts of England’s countryside.
Things to do in Muswell Hill: Eating and Drinking
The Victoria Stakes
The Victoria Stakes is a charming gastropub located at the foot of Muswell Hill, boasting a century-old history and a tastefully decorated interior. The pub offers a sustainable and ethically sourced menu that rivals any fine-dining restaurant in London. A must-try is their Sunday Roast, which many claim to be the best in the city.
In addition to their delectable food, The Victoria Stakes offers an impressive selection of craft beers, wines, and spirits that are sure to satisfy any thirst.
La Lluna
For lovers of tapas, La Lluna on Muswell Hill Broadway is a must-visit. This restaurant sources local, organic ingredients and combines them with authentic Spanish specialties, such as cheese, ham, and Padron peppers.
Guests can indulge in a variety of picky snacks or opt for a full tapas board, paired with a glass of authentic Spanish Rioja or a refreshing Sangria. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a live flamenco performance while you dine.
What to do in Muswell Hill: Practical Tips
Muswell Hill is well-connected by train and bus services, making it easy to explore the neighbourhood and beyond. Visitors can take the East Coast Mainline to Alexandra Palace or use the Piccadilly Line to reach Wood Green tube stop. Several local bus services also serve Muswell Hill, providing easy access to destinations across North London and the city centre. For those with mobility issues, taking a bus up the hill to Alexandra Palace is recommended to enjoy the stunning views. On a sunny day, visitors can take in the best views of North and Central London.