Finchley
Finchley is a popular and attractive area of North London in the Borough of Barnet. It is situated a short distance from the North Circular Road and comprises several suburbs each with their own distinctive feel, high street, and recreational facilities. The area originally developed as a small hamlet within a wooded area called Finchley Wood before eventually being consumed by the urban sprawl of London.
Finchley is a popular area for families, couples, and individuals with quiet tree-lined streets and a varied mix of housing to suit all requirements. This includes modern apartments, semi-detached and detached properties, and even mansions in neighbouring Totteridge. There are several parks, open spaces, and nature reserves within easy reach, making Finchley perfect for anyone wanting a more slower-pace of life with reliable transport links to the rest of the city.
Woodside Park N12
Introduction:
The Woodside Park area of Finchley is a leafy London suburb centred to the west of North Finchley High Road and Ballards Lane. Modern-day Woodside Park in N12 is a relatively quiet residential area with tranquil tree-lined streets and a plethora of property types. Originally developed as a ‘garden suburb’, it has a quiet village-like feel away from the hustle and bustle of central London. Yet it is within easy reach of many neighbouring areas of the city with its convenient transport links.
Demographics:
Woodside Park has a broad demographic. The average age of residents is 30s to 40s, and approximately 20% of the population is of retirement age. The area is a popular choice with city workers, families, and retired residents. There is also an established Jewish community who attend Woodside Park United Synagogue. But many other faiths are represented. Numerous languages are spoken in the area aside from English, including Greek, Japanese, Indian, and Chinese.
Parks & Recreation:
One of the advantages of Woodside Park is its proximity to open green spaces, including wide expanses of space to the north of London. The neighbourhood has many community parks, golf courses, and playing fields within walking distance. Multiple nature reserves are also within the vicinity. Woodridge Nature Reserve and Darland’s Lake Nature Reserve are only minutes away by car. The Dollis Valley Greenwalk beside Dollis Brook provides wonderful greenery and is popular with runners and dog walkers alike, especially in the spring and summer months.
Transport:
Woodside Park underground station on the Northern Line is the main transport hub. Conveniently located within the centre of the area and within a 10-minute walk of most streets, this station provides easy access to the rest of London. West Finchley underground station is located at the southern end of Woodside Park and is an alternative option for residents. For drivers needing to travel north, the M1 motorway is a short distance away. The North Circular Road is also within easy reach.
Property:
There is a wide variation of property options available in Woodside Park, including Victorian and Edwardian houses, modern builds, apartments developed from renovated houses, and everything in between. The area has something for all budgets, from small studio apartments and semi-detached housing to detached abodes and mansions in nearby Totteridge. The diversity of properties attracts a varied demographic, including city workers, families, and retired residents. Bennett Mason is the principal estate agent in Woodside Park, Finchley. Get in touch with us today for residential sales, lettings, and property management.
Education:
The education provision in Woodside Park is excellent, with a mixture of nurseries, primary schools, high schools, and specialist schools. St Michael's Grammar School, Northside Primary School, and Finchley High School are popular destinations for children. But there are also a handful of specialist schools, such as Montessori schools. Several faith-based schools are also within easy travelling distance. The majority of the schools in Woodside Park gain a ‘good’ or ‘excellent’ Ofsted rating.
Restaurants/Nightlife:
Much of the restaurant and entertainment offer is situated on North Finchley High Road and Ballards Lane. This area provides an eclectic mix of restaurants and eateries for residents living in the area. There is a good selection of Italian, Indian, Japanese, Caribbean, and Asian restaurants to try, plus smaller eateries and takeaways. Pubs like the Bohemia, Finchley Tavern, the Elephant Inn are also located on the main high street and are popular, especially on the weekends.
Shopping:
Woodside Park is located just west of North Finchley high street, which is the main shopping centre for the area. But for those who want convenience on the doorstep, there is a small cafe and shopping area in Woodside Park itself. For a greater range of shops undercover, Brent Cross shopping centre is a 15-minute drive away. Woodside Park and West Finchley underground stations give straightforward access into central London. The West End can be reached in approximately 25 minutes.
North Finchley N12
Introduction:
North Finchley in N12 is situated north of Church End and east of Woodside Park. The area is centred around Tally Ho Corner, a busy traffic intersection, and High Road, the main high street that serves the area. The neighbourhood has pleasant tree-lined streets and many shops and services within easy reach. There is a wide range of properties to suit all tastes and budgets. Transport to other areas is mainly by tube and bus, with Woodside Park underground serving the majority of the immediate area.
Demographics:
North Finchley appeals to families, individuals, and couples. There is a seamless blend of cultures and faiths, which is reflected in the numerous restaurant cuisines and specialist services available. There is a prominent Jewish contingent, plus an established Japanese community. While the area is extremely popular and ideally suited toward families, it is equally popular with young city workers.
Parks & Recreation:
The quiet town-like feel of North Finchley is certainly one of its major draws. But besides the tree-lined avenues, there are plenty of green open spaces for families. The Riverside Walk at Dollis Brook in Woodside Park is on the doorstep. Slightly further afield there is Swan Lane Open Space, Friary Park, and Glebelands Local Nature Reserve. North Middlesex Golf Club just north of the town is a large golfing area set next to the upscale mansion-lined Friern Barnet Lane.
Transport:
Most of the nearby areas of North Finchley can be reached on foot, by bus or by car. The suburb is located in London’s Zone 4 and is served by Woodside Park and West Finchley underground stations on the Northern Line. Totteridge & Whetstone tube station is another option for residents living near the northern area of the High Street. These tube stations provide access to central London in 20 to 30 minutes.
Property:
One of the main appeals of Finchley North is the abundance of property types to suit all age groups, tastes and budgets. Semi-detached homes, terraces, detached properties, apartments, and even mansions are available. Although many of the houses are Victorian, there are some Edwardian examples. Modern apartments, such as those at Tally Ho Corner, appeal to individuals and younger professionals.
Education:
Finchley North is fortunate to have many high-quality educational establishments. There are several highly sought-after high schools and primary schools, plus nurseries and specialist schools. A number of faith schools are also in the immediate area. Wren Academy, Woodhouse College, and other schools in adjoining Woodside Park are within walking distance or a short car journey away.
Restaurants/Nightlife:
When it comes to restaurants and evening entertainment, Finchley North has an impressive selection. Although the main restaurants, bars, and entertainment are centred around the High Street, there are some gems to discover off the beaten path. There is a wide range of cuisines on offer to suit all budgets and tastes, plus cafes, pubs, bars, and a range of bakeries and takeaways serving all sections of the community.
Shopping:
The shopping offer is surprisingly good in Finchley North. Convenience is the order of the day, and the majority of shops are located on the main high street. There are cafes, fashion outlets, convenience stores, plus a range of specialist services. Having a local high street gives the area a real small-town feel. There is often no reason to travel elsewhere. Most provisions are catered for locally.
Finchley Central N3
Introduction:
Finchley Central sits south of North Finchley and West Finchley. The area is also known as Church End, a name that hails from St Mary-at-Finchley parish church. The neighbourhood is centred around Regents Park Road and Finchley Central underground station. It is a popular area for families and offers quiet residential side streets with attractive semi-detached and detached Victorian properties.
Demographics:
Similarly to other areas of Finchley, Finchley Central has a varied mix of residents. Many faiths and ethnic groups are represented, and there is a strong Caribbean and Somalian community. Many of the people work in professional roles, managerial capacities, administration, and skilled trades. The proximity to green open space and the abundance of high-quality education attracts many families to the area.
Parks & Recreation:
There is no shortage of green space within easy reach of Finchley Central. The Dollis Valley Greenwalk is minutes away and offers a pleasant tree-lined walking trail next to a running water stream. Victoria Park is a great spot for exercise or relaxing,
while Windsor Open Space south of the area is another expanse of greenery.
Transport:
Finchley Central underground station is situated just off the main high street in the centre of the suburb, making it highly convenient. It provides access to other areas of London via the Northern Line. Regular bus services are also readily available for people who want to travel more locally. There is access to the North Circular Road and M1 motorway for those who wish to travel by car.
Property:
There is a broad selection of property types in Finchley Central to suit different requirements and budgets. Victorian and modern semi-detached and detached family homes sit away from the main high street on quiet tree-lined roads. But there are also many flats and apartments in new and recently renovated buildings, which appeal to individuals, couples, and workers in professional roles.
Education:
Much like other areas of Finchley, Finchley Central (Church End) has an abundance of quality schools for all age groups. There are also several nurseries and preschools, making the area attractive to families with young children. Specialist schools and adult education centres, such as the Finchley School of English, can also be found nearby and a short distance away in North Finchley and Woodside Park.
Restaurants/Nightlife:
The wide array of restaurants in Finchley Central means there is something for everyone. The majority of eateries, takeaways, and dine-in establishments can be found on Regents Park Road and Ballards Lane, the main thoroughfare. There is also a small yet quality selection of pubs. The Catcher in The Rye, the King of Prussia, and the Joiners Arms being some popular choices for eating and drinking.
Shopping:
Finchley Central’s main shopping offer is based on Ballards Lane and Regents Park Road. This traditional high street has grocery stores, fashion outlets, cafes, eateries, banks, plus specialist shops and services. The high street is no longer than a 10-minute walk from most residential streets. With plenty of choices, most shopping trips can be completed locally without venturing into other areas of the city.
West Finchley N3
Introduction:
The West Finchley area in N3 is centred around Nether Street, a quiet residential area with a small parade of convenience shops. West Finchley sits just south of Woodside Park. There are many semi-detached houses on the leafy side streets, making the neighbourhood ideal for families. West Finchley tube station is centrally located and several nurseries, schools, and colleges are nearby.
Demographics:
West Finchley has a similar demographic makeup to its neighbour Woodside Park. The area attracts families, individuals, and couples. Many residents work in professional services or skilled trades. A large number of ethnic groups are represented, giving the area a multicultural feel. With its quiet suburban tree-lined streets, West Finchley can be described as a ‘village within a city’.
Parks & Recreation:
There is no shortage of parks and recreation ideas within easy reach of West Finchley. Families with children can enjoy several nearby green open spaces, such as Finchley Way Open Space and Victoria Park. Dog walkers and those who enjoy walking or running will enjoy the Dollis Valley Greenwalk, a mere 10 minutes away.
Transport:
West Finchley underground station is the principal transport hub for the area. This provides connections on the Northern Line to areas like Woodside Park, Totteridge & Whetstone, and Finchley Central (or access to other areas of London). It is conveniently located on Nether Street, in the centre of the area.
Property:
Attractive semi-detached properties form the bulk of the housing in West Finchley. This makes the area highly sought-after by families and couples. Some of the semi-detached properties are developed as apartments and these are popular with individuals or people on a low budget. With a quiet small-town feel, the area is pleasant to live in and provides many amenities within walking distance.
Education:
Families moving to West Finchley will benefit from numerous high-quality education establishments in the immediate area. Nearby Woodside Park and North Finchley have many nurseries, primary and secondary schools, including a grammar school, an academy, and other specialist and adult education centres.
Restaurants/Nightlife:
Residents of West Finchley are close to a wide variety of dine-in restaurants and takeaway eateries. Clusters of restaurants offering different cuisines can be found at the south end of Ballards Lane, a short walk away. Additional restaurants near Tally Ho Corner on the High Road at North Finchley are also worth exploring.
Shopping:
The shopping offer in West Finchley is limited, but there is a small parade of convenience stores. For a greater choice of stores, North Finchley high street is within walking distance and easily accessible by bus. Residents will find dozens of popular chain stores, plus a variety of independent stores as well.
Whetstone N20
Introduction:
The area of Whetstone in N20 is set east from Totteridge and north from North Finchley. The area is a great choice for families with new build developments set around Oakleigh Park, and a range of semi-detached and detached modern and period properties. Excellent schools are within easy reach, as are many examples of open green space, perfect for exercising and spending time with the family.
Demographics:
Whetstone attracts families, city workers, professionals, and retirees looking for peace and quiet away from the hustle and bustle of busier areas of London. Neighbouring Totteridge and Oakleigh Park also attract wealthier residents. There is a mixture of faith groups and ethnic groups represented in the area.
Parks & Recreation:
Living in Whetstone has many advantages, including being near to areas of green open space. Whetstone Stray, Brook Farm Open Space, and Wyatts Farm Open Space are a short walk or bus ride away. There are also several distinguished golf clubs nearby, recreational areas, and children’s play areas.
Transport:
Totteridge & Whetstone underground station is conveniently accessible from the main high street, offering fast access to other areas via the Northern Line. Oakleigh Park railway station is a 10-minute walk away and provides access to London via Thameslink and Great Northern Rail. Frequent bus services are also available and are cost-effective for reaching nearby areas like North Finchley and Finchley Central.
Property:
Whetstone is largely an upscale area with many detached properties, although there are some semi-detached housing and more affordable apartments. The well-kept, quiet tree-lined streets that surround the main shopping street attract families, city workers, professionals, and retirees alike. Nearby Totteridge to the west of Whetstone has a village-like feel and features many large mansion houses.
Education:
The Finchley area as a whole boasts a superb range of educational establishments, including primary and secondary schools, nurseries, preschool centres, and specialist schools. There are also a handful of faith schools within a short travelling distance. Many of the schools have achieved ‘good’ or ‘outstanding’ Ofsted reports.
Restaurants/Nightlife:
Residents seeking to dine out will find over a dozen high-quality restaurants, eateries and coffee shops on Whetstone high street, the northern section of High Road. Many cuisines are represented, including Indian, Italian, Turkish, Lebanese, and others. Several pubs and bistros are also in the vicinity, a popular example being The Griffin.
Shopping:
The High Road features multiple convenience stores for residents of Whetstone. There is a large Marks & Spencer, a Waitrose, plus a variety of specialist shops and services, such as hairdressers and beauty salons. Further shops can be found in North Finchley, a short bus ride away.
Estate Agents in Finchley
Bennett Mason is the local estate agent in Finchley, serving Woodside Park, North Finchley, and Finchley Central (Church End). We have great experience and knowledge and specialise in residential sales, lettings, and property management.
Finchley Estate Agents: 020 3150 2224
