A local’s guide to things to do in North Finchley, London, from shops to cute cafes and bakeries, restaurants and experiences in the North London neighborhood!
A lively and charming corner of North London, North Finchley was once my home, and a posh area packed with hidden gems and surprises.
Whether you’re looking to move to London and wondering if North Finchley would be a good place to live, or feel like rediscovering the area, you’ll find lots to explore there.
The High Road, but the beating heart of North Finchley, offers everything from amazing charity shops to cozy cafes and great street food.
Fancy a dose of culture?
Whether you want to attend shows and events or would just like to find a good bookshop for new titles, this tucked away neighborhood has it all.
London’s Secret North Finchley: 7 Things to Do in the Area
What I mostly enjoyed about living in North Finchley (aside from the rent – I found a room for 350 pounds p/m at the time – it was a shoebox, but still!) was how many shops, cafes, bakeries and restaurants are established in the area.
By walking around North Finchley, that I still can’t believe I called home for no fewer than 6 months, I discovered secret churches like St Catherine’s and its picturesque churchyard, lots of charity shops, and worked at the study cafes on the High Road more times than I can remember.
A perfect blend of laidback and charm, North Finchley might be one of the most secret neighborhoods in London, but it does pack some punch – here are my favorite things to do in the area.
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: North Finchley High Road
Lined with independent cafes, makeup shops like Boots and Superdrug, and even budget stores like Flying Tiger, North Finchley High Road is a friendly, almost village-like street.
Located about 15 mns on foot from Friary Park, where I used to spend long moments walking around and enjoying the sunset, North Finchley’s High Road is easily accessible with many bus lines.
Pita Time on the High Road is one of my favorite street food spots; affordable, with delicious braised meats cocooned inside a warm pita bread and adorned with fresh veggies and fries.
Another must-visit street right off the High Road is Ballards Lane; there, you’ll find bakeries and cafes like Joie de Vie, along with plenty of grocery shops of all kinds and, at the end, Arts Depot on Tally Ho Corner.
Read: 9 Pretty Cafes in London With Dazzling Christmas Decor
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: Arts Depot, Tally Ho Corner
The Arts Depot on Tally Ho Corner is a popular venue in North Finchley close to many bus lines, grocery shops and charity shops on nearby Ballards Lane, that hosts a variety of events and performances throughout the year.
Whether you’re visiting London in the fall, around Christmas time, or maybe during the warm days of summer, the Arts Depot is perfect for modern comedy shows, plays, live music, and art exhibitions.
Pop into the Depot Cafe before the show for a coffee, a light bite, to catch up with friends or maybe just do some journaling.
After visiting, take a stroll about Tally Ho Corner and the High Road – if you’re hungry, you’ll find plenty of restaurants worth visiting, from Istanbul Restaurant for delicious Turkish mezze to Bim’s for mouthwatering halal burgers.
Read: 7 Amazing Things to Do in Highgate, North London
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: Go Charity Shopping
The North Finchley High Road and Ballards Lane close to the Arts Depot are the two main streets to go charity shopping in North Finchley; a quite impressive concentration of thrift shops can be found there.
Whether you visit the Cancer Research or RSPCA, the North London Hospice, All Aboard or the British Heart Foundation, you’re bound to find great gems on the cheap.
The Bothy on the High Road is probably one of the most unique charity shops in London, with games, well-curated collections of clothing and accessories, and other cute homeware bits.
After some good thrift shopping, take a coffee break at one of the many (many!) cafes of North Finchley.
Emmanuel’s is great for delicious cakes of all kinds, while Joie de Vie offers more French pastries, croissants, and savory bites for lunch.
If you’d like to keep thrifting, though, take the 134 bus to Muswell Hill’s charity shops: the brands and items you’ll find there are posher, with great discounts on clothes, designer bags, boots, and other shawls.
Read: London Memories #1: Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: Walk to the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Catherine, Barnet
I stumbled upon the Greek Orthodox Church of St Catherine in Barnet on a lazy day walking around North Finchley, trying to find hidden gems I’d not yet discovered, and found this one probably one of the most peaceful places in London.
If you come from Tally Ho Corner, get a fresh bake or a doughnut at Greggs on the High Road, and get on your way – the route winds through calm residential streets and green spaces.
With its blue and red door and arched windows, the Greek Orthodox Church of St Catherine, at its prettiest when the church garden is covered with blooming daffodils, is a great place to visit if you’re interested in London’s history and architecture.
Take a moment to admire this serene place, dotted with bent gravestones, and don’t forget to check the church’s schedule for cultural events and services open to the public.
When you’re done enjoying the church’s beauty, make your way to the High Barnet Market, filled with vintage bits, crafts and food stalls on Saturdays, or make your way to Hadley Green, a scenic spot perfect for a picnic with views of historic Barnet.
Read: The Most Secret Churches in the City of London
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: Treat Yourself to a Book at Waterstones
One of my favorite shops in North Finchley is none other than Waterstones on the High Road.
There’s something magical about stepping into this local, pretty bookshop where rows of titles beckon you to browse and dream.
Not only is Waterstones a must-visit, should you ever buy Jellycat soft toys in London, but this one is very well-stocked in terms of plushies of all kinds.
In addition to interesting books about London, a few of which I’ve bought and devoured, Waterstones also has loads of psychology, history, fiction and children’s books.
Once you’ve chosen your next great read, settle in a cozy cafe nearby; Caffè Nero on the High Road is not only a favorite of mine when it comes to study cafes in North London, but also offers a particularly warm atmosphere.
For lunch, The Bohemia, a gastropub just a short walk away, makes some incredible street food – or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try La Génoise, a cafe with great desserts in the shopfront at all times of the day.
Read: London Memories #2: Harry Potter Warner Bros Studios
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: Get Great Street Food and Pastries
One thing’s for sure; North Finchley’s cafes and restaurants are truly hidden paradises for grabbing delicious pastries and food of all kinds.
The North Finchley Market could be the great start to a culinary adventure if you decide to visit the area on a Friday; located near Tally Ho Corner, this market is packed with street food vendors from falafel wraps to burgers and other bao buns.
Patisserie Joie de Vie, a French-style patisserie, offers éclairs, croissants, tarts and waffles combined with a rustic, almost vintage cafe atmosphere.
Or, if you’re more into pretty Full English breakfasts, Holybella on the High Road, which has another branch in Muswell Hill, is a great cafe for breakfast and brunch that you can put on the ‘gram.
You’ll find many more places to eat in North Finchley just by walking around; another favorite of mine is Apollo Bakery, a Greek bakery with Turkish-style coffee and delicious glazed cakes served by the slice.
Read: Shopping in Camden Town: 13 Spots from Charities to Souvenirs
Best Things to Do in North Finchley: Visit Nearby Whetstone and Muswell Hill
If you’re exploring North Finchley, don’t miss the chance to visit its lovely neighbors, Whetstone and Muswell Hill – both have a village charm that’s hard to resist.
A short bus ride from the center of North Finchley, Whetstone is filled with concept stores, unique homeware shops and other charity shops, in addition to charming restaurants and cafes.
One particular shop I love in the Whetstone area is the French Market, a French grocery shop and bakery selling all sorts of fine foods, sauces and dips like Maille mustard (perfect to add to a Paris in London itinerary!).
From Whetstone, hop on the 134 bus to Muswell Hill to discover its shops and restaurants – Toff’s of Muswell Hill is iconic for fish and chips, while Bob’s Cafe offers delicious burgers and vegetarian bites.
If you feel like shopping in Muswell Hill, you’ll find many things to buy there; quirky gifts at the Crocodile Gift Shop, and more upscale fashion and lifestyle at Oliver Bonas.
Then, once you’re done, stroll up to Alexandra Palace and Park for views of London, year-round ice skating and the odd concert – a day well spent discovering North London’s hidden gems!
Read: London Memories #3: St Dunstan in the East, City of London
London’s Secret North Finchley: 7 Things to Do in the Area
At the end of the day, North Finchley, despite being a tucked away neighborhood in North London, offers plenty of hidden gems, making it a place that’s easy to fall in love with.
The charity shops might have been spots where I spent lots of time when living in North Finchley, but if you’re looking for culture, food, nature and other kinds of independent shops, this area keeps on giving.
You could spend the morning exploring the North Finchley markets, grab lunch in one of the restaurants and many street food spots lining the High Road, and finish with unforgettable dessert at Emmanuel’s Cakes.
For those who love nature and blooming flowers, a walk around Friary Park is more than welcome in the spring and summer.
And, if you’d like to venture out, nearby neighborhoods like Muswell Hill and Whetstone complement a day in London perfectly!