Chancellors estate agents in Barnet

Barnet is a place of contrasts, where modern developments and historic buildings give way to wide expanses of countryside. It’s London’s second largest borough and enjoys a scenic location along the Metropolitan Green Belt. While residents can make use of the city’s vibrant attractions, the area still retains a rural appeal thanks to the surrounding countryside and nature reserves.

These wide open spaces are made even more impressive given the short commute to central London – only 35 minutes via the Overground. As such, Barnet has become a desirable location for families and young professionals looking to leave behind the chaos of the city centre in favour of a more relaxed setting.

With that being said, the area is still home to all the contemporary luxuries associated with city living. At The Spires Shopping Centre, major high street retailers sit alongside local businesses and boutiques. Alternatively, Barnet Market takes place every Wednesday and Saturday, with stalls selling everything from locally sourced produce to clothing and antiques.

Other attractions include the nearby golf courses and sports centres, as well as the cultural hub known as the Arts Depot. This award-winning centre hosts an exciting line-up of theatre productions and music events.

As added incentive for newcomers, the local schools are considered some of the best in the country. With so much to offer for both young and old, it’s no surprise that Barnet is fast becoming one of the capital’s most attractive boroughs.

Transportation in Barnet

Barnet links to the rest of the capital thanks to several Underground stations as well as an Overground station. The latter is New Barnet, which offers services to Liverpool Street in just 35 minutes. King’s Cross is also accessible in 30 minutes via frequent trains from Hadley Wood station.

Alternatively, High Barnet Underground station sits on the Northern Line, providing convenience for those travelling as far as Tottenham Court Road. For the Piccadilly line, Cockfosters tube station offers a 35-minute commute to Covent Garden.

Finally, Barnet’s close proximity to the A1 provides ease of access for those travelling by car to the M1 and M25 motorways. Both Heathrow and London Luton airports can be reached in under 50 minutes.

Primary and secondary schools in Barnet

Parents have an extensive choice of schools situated in and around Barnet. Many of these have been judged ‘outstanding’ or ‘good’ by Ofsted. The borough is home to over 80 primary schools, as well as 22 secondary schools. Some of the most notable include Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School, Aldenham School and Queen Elizabeth’s Boys School, which opened in 1573. Due to its 100% record of pupils achieving at least five GCSEs, the school is regarded as one of the best performing in the country.

For higher educational courses, students have the option of attending Barnet Southgate College. Three main campuses host a huge variety of courses, from university accreditations to traineeships and professional-based studies.

History of Barnet

Barnet’s rich and fascinating heritage is present on every street corner. Visitors are often surprised by the abundance of historic sights, from its impressive grade II-listed Tower Mill to the famed Barnet Physic Well – a medicinal spa once frequented by Samuel Pepys. Most of these treasures date back to Barnet’s days as a rural town, when the area was best-known for its weekly market.

Despite its sleepy village past, Barnet did play a pivotal role in The War of The Roses. It was here that Edward IV defeated the Earl of Warwick in the Battle of Barnet. Although civil unrest was to follow in the Tudor period, the town still prospered as a trading hub. Queen Elizabeth I issued another market charter and Barnet became home to London’s largest meat market.

After the development of Barnet station in 1850, the population soared and neighbouring New Barnet was born. As infrastructure improved in the early 20^th century, the town left behind its rural image and became a vibrant borough of London.

Things to do in Barnet

Barnet is a cultural melting pot, home to an exciting mix of attractions, from museums to family-friendly activities and sports complexes. Some of the highlights include:

• Royal Airforce Museum London
• Barnet Copthall
• Dollis Brook
• Avenue House
• Golders Green Hippodrome
• Everyman Cinema
• Hollywood Bowl Finchley
• Dinosaur Safari Adventure Golf
• Belmont Farm
• Hadley Wood
• Jack’s Lake
• The Arts Depot

How to get to Barnet

• By road: Barnet can be reached from the M25 via Junction 24, following signs for the A111. Alternatively, travel from central London takes approximately 36 minutes via the A4201.
• By rail: New Barnet station sits on the East Coast Main Line, with frequent services to both King’s Cross and Peterborough.