A local’s guide to the best things to do in Highgate, North London, from hidden gems to secret museums and tucked-away gardens!
Perched on a hill in North London, Highgate is a village-like area a stone’s throw away from quaint Muswell Hill, and steeped in history where every cobblestone seems to tell a story.
Whether you’re living in London or visiting for the first time, you’ll find in this historic neighborhood plenty of unique places to visit that blend the charm of the old and the buzz of the independent shops and cafes.
Georgian architecture and winding streets, free views of London from Parliament Hill, a picturesque Victorian cemetery – Highgate seemingly has it all: here are some really cool things to do in this North London area!
7 Things to Do in Highgate, North London from Christmas to Summer
If you’ve been here before, you might have noticed that I’m all about the old, the past, in a nutshell, historical sites.
What could be a better place than Highgate when you want to visit London off the beaten path, and are not necessarily looking to spend?
Sure, places like the gorgeous Highgate Cemetery do have an entrance fee, but you’ll see – if you’re looking for free places to visit, Highgate has lots to offer.
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Highgate Cemetery
Opened in 1839 as part of the Magnificent Seven cemeteries of London, Highgate Cemetery, with its Victorian architecture, Egyptian Avenue and perfect angles for pictures in the fall, is one of the first places to lose yourself when visiting Highgate.
Designed as part of an incentive to tackle London’s overcrowded churchyards, Highgate Cemetery is the resting place to many an elite figure, from Karl Marx (who actually has two tombstones there!) and George Eliot.
You can either get a ticket for the East side, or a ticket encompassing both the East and West Side.
To be honest, the entrance fee is very much worth it, especially if you’re into dark academia, old places and the odd ruin.
If the East is more structured, the West Side of Highgate Cemetery is much more atmospheric, with winding paths, a forest feel, sculptures and statues tucked away at every corner.
Read: Marylebone’s Hidden Gems: A Quick Itinerary in Central London
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Holly Village
With something of a dark Alice in Wonderland atmosphere, Holly Village is another Victorian place that London offers the curious eye willing to tread off the beaten path.
Built in 1865 by the wealthy philanthropist Baroness Angela Burdett-Coutts, it was originally designed as a gated community of Gothic-style cottages, and located just minutes away from Highgate Cemetery.
The houses are adorned with intricate carvings and pointed arches, making it one of London’s most charming Victorian gems – a historical site that doubles as a perfect photo spot.
When you’re done visiting, you’ll find that strolling down Swain’s Lane will lead you to Waterlow Park and the secret Lauderdale House, a gorgeous stately home that offers exhibitions and even has an on-site coffee shop – great for a cup of chai latte or hot chocolate during the cooler days!
Read: Fitzrovia’s Hidden Gems: A Quirky Itinerary in London
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Hampstead Heath & Pergola
If you’ve been here before, then you’ll have seen me write about the stunning Hampstead Heath, its pergola, its peace and super instagrammable spots – truly a hidden gem of North London!
Probably even more famous for its swimming ponds than for its pergola though, Hampstead Heath is one of the must-visit places to catch free views of London from Parliament Hill, and a favorite of mine to enjoy some nature in the city.
The Hill Garden and Pergola, much more recent than the park itself since they were built in 1904, make for a striking ruin that dresses up in wisteria as soon as spring comes around.
Roses, climbing ivy, and a romantic wood-and-stone structure make it a bucket list staple if you’re looking for new photo spots away from Central London.
Read: Rotherhithe’s Hidden Gems: A Unique London Itinerary
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Highgate Village and Archway Market
Lovers of anything romantic should make their way to Highgate Village at one point or another; this is indeed one of London’s cutest villages!
Complete with cobblestone streets, unique shops and Georgian architecture, Highgate Village is easy to walk around, and a gorgeous neighborhood that screams ‘fall vibes.
A few must-visits while in the area?
The Highgate Bookshop, of course, a beautiful bookstore with a very aesthetic old-world atmosphere, and, just a couple of minutes away, the Oxfam Bookshop for affordable used books.
When you’re done treading Highgate Village, make your way down the hill to Archway market on Holloway Road, a very boho market that takes place every Saturday and sells everything from street food to vintage clothes.
Read: The Curious Traveler’s Guide to London’s Street Art Neighborhoods
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Lauderdale House and Waterlow Park
If you’re ever looking for new ways to see art in London, Lauderdale House, a striking Tudor mansion built in 1582, is a great spot to visit.
Nestled inside Waterlow Park, Lauderdale House offers live performances, art exhibitions and even jazz nights, perfect for music lovers.
Why not walk around on a warm summer day, unraveling terraced gardens and ornamental ponds before enjoying some well-deserved coffee-and-a-cake in Highgate Village?
Read: The Best Things to Do in Canary Wharf
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Jacksons Lane Arts Center
Let’s keep going with another arty place – the Jacksons Lane Arts Centre, located only a few minutes away from Highgate Tube station.
Take a moment to admire the Gothic architecture of the arts centre; now a Grade II-listed building, it was originally built as a Methodist Church and then turned into a contemporary arts centre primarily focusing on circus and theater.
If you’re visiting London at Christmas time, you might be interested in Jacksons Lane Arts Centre’s Christmas productions – why not also take part in one of the many workshops offered by the arts center?
Whether you’re going solo, on a date or are visiting London with kids, there’s always something to do there before heading up to Highgate Village, taking a tour of Highgate Cemetery or enjoying the greenery at Waterlow Park.
Read: 13 Things to Do in Crystal Palace, South East London
Best Things to Do in Highgate: Kenwood House
Kenwood House, a jewel in North London, sits on the edge of Hampstead Heath and is a dream spot for art lovers and history buffs alike.
This stately home, built in the early 17th century and remodeled by Robert Adam in the 1760s, is an architectural masterpiece that houses a gorgeous art collection and includes works by Vermeer, Rembrandt and Turner.
The best part?
If Kenwood House is quite secret, it also makes for a completely free museum to visit, allowing anyone from families to digital nomads to take in culture and aesthetics.
Once you’re done, head to Hampstead Village for coffee or lunch, or, if you’re visiting at the end of the day, enjoy delicious British cuisine at the picturesque Holly Bush.
Read: The Best Things to Do in Greenwich
7 Things to Do in Highgate, North London from Christmas to Summer
If areas like Covent Garden, Leicester Square or Piccadilly Circus are easier to reach than the stunning Highgate neighborhood, its history and independent charm make it one of my favorite places in town.
Marvel at the beauty of Lauderdale House, get blown away and maybe a little spooked at Highgate Cemetery, or take in the romantic vibes of the Garden Hill and Pergola – Highgate has something in store for everyone.
One of North London’s prettiest neighborhoods, it is also one that neither architecture nor history lovers, nor coffee shop and food enthusiasts should miss!