Whether it’s the high-performing schools, multicultural attractions or scenic open spaces, Finchley continues to attract both young and old. Aside from these perks, residents can enjoy a quick commute to Central London, which is only seven miles away.
Despite its location, Finchley may be North London’s greenest suburb. As an area once covered by untamed woodland, it’s managed to preserve that former character thanks to its proximity to the Metropolitan Green Belt. Several parks are dotted throughout the area, offering a tranquil haven amidst the chaos of city life. Other outdoor gems include the nearby golf courses of Finchley and Highgate.
Careful development in recent years has brought all the modern luxuries to the area. On High Road and Ballards Lane, major retailers sit alongside boutiques and fashionable eateries. Alternatively, for everything under one roof, the nearby Brent Cross Shopping Centre is 10 minutes away.
Finchley’s leisure and arts scene is just as impressive. At the Arts Depot, two theatres and a gallery play host to an exciting calendar of events. The Great North Leisure Park is another big draw for families, boasting a multiplex cinema, swimming pool and bowling alley. Finally, the many gyms and sports clubs cater for the active individual.
Things to do in Finchley
Finchley is well known for its exciting attractions, with something to suit all tastes. Here are some of the highlights, covering sport, shopping, culture and family-friendly attractions:
- Arts Depot
- Phoenix Cinema
- Finchley Lido
- Dollis Valley Greenwalk
- Clown Town Indoor Playcentre
- Finchley Golf Club
- Victoria Park
- The Royal Air Force Museum London
- Vue North Finchley
- Avenue Tennis Club
- Avenue House
- Great North Leisure Park
What is Finchley Like?
Finchley has been called home by names as famous (and infamous) as George Michael, Margaret Thatcher, Emma Bunton, and Spike Milligan. It isn’t hard to see why: central London is just a few Underground stops away, yet Finchley is green, leafy and cosy. Finchley offers an incredible oasis of greenery and community while making it easy for residents to access the city of London and more.
There’s a remarkable concentration of superb schools, too, with many enjoying an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. Coupled with the multitude of green spaces, this makes Finchley an excellent place to raise a family.
With low crime rates, a relaxed atmosphere and a welcoming community, Finchley is the perfect place for someone wanting to step out of the hustle and bustle of London without losing their access to the city.
Find out more about living in Finchley.
Transport Links
Finchley enjoys superb links to central London. Four Underground stations (East Finchley, Finchley Central, West Finchley and Woodside Park) sit on the Northern Line, making it as easy to reach the West End or the financial district, depending on your need to travel.
Nearby Overground stations New Southgate and Alexandra Palace run services to King’s Cross and Moorgate if you need an alternative route into the city.
Drivers will appreciate the proximity of the M1, which will give you a direct path to the M25, and thereby to much of the rest of London. The M1 also takes you north to Watford, Luton, and Leicester, as well as a straightforward route to Birmingham.
Flyers and holidaymakers will also appreciate how the M1 takes you to Luton and its airport in less than 35 minutes, and from there to dozens of international destinations.
Schools in the Area
With a wealth of outstanding schools, Finchley is a superb place to raise a family.
Parents of primary-age children are spoilt for choice, with a number of excellent schools receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. These include Chalgrove Primary School and Manorside Primary School.
There are a number of excellent secondary schools, too, with both Wren Academy Finchley and St Michael’s Catholic Grammar School both receiving an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted. Wren Academy Finchley is an all-through school, providing both primary and secondary education.
For young people looking to continue their studies, easy access to the Northern Line means the University College London (UCL) is right on their doorstep.
Attractions in Finchley
Thanks to its proximity to the Metropolitan Green Belt, Finchley is one of North London’s greenest areas. As a result, many of Finchley’s biggest attractions are greener than you’d expect for a North London suburb.
For example, Cherry Tree Wood is a 5.3-hectare remnant of the historical Finchley Wood. Run by local residents, it’s home to both woodland and grassland, as well as offering a playground and tennis courts too. It’s also the site of the annual East Finchley Community Festival, a free, one-day festival for the local community, packed with live music, entertainment, good food and stalls from local businesses.
If you’re looking for other green spaces, you really are spoilt for choice. Long Lane Pasture is a two-acre wild meadow, carefully preserved by an independent trust to provide an unalloyed green space in the heart of Finchley.
Stephens House & Gardens is a listed Victorian house now used to host both private and public events, from weddings to art workshops, conferences to live music.
Slightly further afield is the Royal Airforce Museum London, a must for any with an interest in military history or a love of anything that flies! There’s a staggering number of aircraft on display, from biplanes like the Sopwith Camel to modern fighters like the Eurofighter Typhoon.
When you’re in the mood for a little retail therapy, you might be drawn to the unique independent and antique shops of East Finchley. Or, for a more ‘high street’ experience, the rows of shops stretching along High Road offers plenty of places to find what you’re looking for. There’s a shopping centre just a few minutes away by car, too: The Mall Wood Green is filled with big high street names as well as places to stop for a drink or a bite to eat when you need to recharge. There is also the Great North Leisure Centre, with a Vue multiplex cinema, Hollywood Bowl and the Finchley Lido Leisure Centre.
Bars, Restaurants and Nightlife
Both local attraction and a place for a great night out, The Phoenix Cinema is one of the UK’s oldest purpose-built cinemas, and has been screening films since 1910. Today, you’ll find both big budget films shown under the vaulted ceilings, as well as independent cinema and screenings of opera, theatre, ballet and dance.
Bufi is a superb local Italian restaurant with a traditional wood-fired oven from which comes authentic Neapolitan pizza. There’s plenty more on the menu, including delicious pasta dishes, as well as traditional Italian meat and fish dishes.
The family-owned gastropub The Clissold Arms hosted The Kinks’ first ever gig, but you’ll be visiting for the food rather than the musical history. That’s because The Clissold Arms was founded on a “food comes first” philosophy, which is reflected in a superb menu that features everything from astounding Sunday roasts to locally-sourced fresh fish and light bites too.
The Catcher in the Rye offers great British food, serving alongside a wide range of beers, real ales, wines and spirits, this dog-friendly pub offers quiz nights, live music (including open mic nights), all alongside a service with a smile. A great place to get a drink or a bite to eat with friends or family.
Leisure Centres and Sports Clubs
There are a number of fitness and sporting options for the residents of Finchley.
Finchley Lido Leisure Centre recently underwent major refurbishments that means it now supports an incredible variety of activities to get your heart rate up. The 80-station gym features state-of-the-art equipment as well as a range of fitness classes.
David Lloyd Finchley is a health club with a lot to offer. Recently renovated, the gym offers state-of-the-art equipment, and you can also take your pick from 19 tennis courts, 4 badminton courts, and a sports hall. Swimmers have a choice of a 20m indoor pool and a 25m outdoor pool (both heated), and there’s an indoor splash pool for kids too.
Finchley Golf Club offers as much a charming oasis as it does a beautiful, 18-hole golf course. Designed by Scottish golfer James Braid, the course winds through charming parkland. If golf isn’t your game, you might prefer Finchley Manor Tennis Squash & Health Club. On top of being one of the oldest tennis clubs in the world, the superb facilities include 10 tennis courts, four squash courts, a fully-equipped gym, and even a sauna for post-game relaxation.
History of Finchley
Throughout much of its recorded history, Finchley was little more than sparsely populated woodland. During the medieval period, a small agricultural trade flourished, with residents supplying pigs and fuel to the capital. Despite the land being held by the Bishop of London, it remained an area of dense forest until the 15th century. Cultivation of farmland gave rise to a hay industry, and open spaces such as Finchley Common were established.
It wasn’t until the 19th century that Finchley gained its reputation as a desirable location for commuters. After the newly built train station connected Finchley to Edgware in 1867, the population began to soar as affluent Londoners chose to settle here.
Later, the Underground New Works Programme established stations throughout the area, encouraging further growth. Suburban housing developments catered to this demand, but many of Finchley’s open spaces were preserved thanks to its position in the Metropolitan Green Belt.