With a population reaching 331,500 according to the latest census, Barnet is indeed the second largest borough by population on the territory of Greater London at the present moment. Located to the north west of Central London, Barnet borders Hertfordshire and is made up by a number of pretty fine districts – both residential suburbs and relatively busy commercial and retail areas. Let us have a look at some of the finest places in Barnet at the present moment.
The London Borough of Barnet – key locations
Listed below are several of the finest and best known districts in the present day borough:
- Church End is located some 11 kilometers away from Charing Cross, Church End is a former village and now a suburb with residential functions, actually one of the best reputed in the London Borough of Barnet. It is also home to the small and very interesting Stephens Collection – a privately owned museum dedicated to the private collection of art, photographs and writing archives of the eponymous family.
- Cockfosters – for the first time recorded in 1524, Cockforsters today is a suburb which main attraction is the country park that goes by the name of Trent Park. The area is also known for being home to the Chickenshed Theatre Company, an independent theatre and company that were originally founded in 1975 and famous for its very progressive and liberal policies.
- Colinale – Colindale is located 12.9 km away from Charing Cross. It is home to one of the more prominent shopping areas in Barnet, which actually extends to the neighboring borough of Brent too. The area is among other things, home to some of the biggest present day North London institutions such as the Royal Air Force Museum, Public Health England’s Centre for Infections, the Colindale Campus of Barnet and Southgate College and the celebrated Peel Centre. The area is currently being served by the Colindale tube station too.
- Colney Hatch – throughout the 19th century the area was known primarily for the Colney Hatch Lunatic Asylum, but today it is mainly a very comfortable residential area, in the best traditions of North London. Residents of the N11, N10 districts of Colney Hatch often use the New Southgate railway station to commute to Central London.
- East Barnet – surrounded by New Barnet, Cockfosters and Southgate, East Barnet is a residential area that is also known for being home to some of the finest schools, shops and pubs on the territory of the London Borough of Barnet. If for some reason or another you find yourself in East Barnet, make sure to check out the Bodens Performing Arts School, Church Hill School and the New Barnet railway stations which are all serving members of the local community.
- East Finchley – East Finchley is located less than 9 kilometers away from Charing Cross and it is often regarded to as one of the best places to live in the London Borough of Barnet. Originally the area was part of the Bishop of London’s own hunting grounds, but slowly and surely it became the residential area that we all know today. Naturally, the biggest boost in the development of East Finchley was the arrival of the railway in the 19th century, which brought many people to the area. Here you will find all sorts of housing – from 19th century town houses to 1960s council estates and newer developments too.
Edgware – it is one of the most densely populated districts of Barnet, with well over 70 000 people living and working within the territory that goes by the name of Edgware. The area is being served by as many as three Tube stations, which are as follows: Edgware Station, Burnt Oak station and Colindale station, all of which are on the Northern Line. Notable locals include actress Aleanor Bron, footballer Anita Assante, journalist and author Mitchell Symons and many others.- Finchley – part of the N2, N3 and N12 postal districts, the town of Finchley is a well known area of Barnet, home to a number of notable landmarks such as the College Farm, the 13th century St Mary’s parish church, and the famous sculpture The Archer on the East Finchley tube station, work of notable artist Eric Aumonier.