Barnsbury Area Guide
Explore the areas we serve – from parks, entertainment and transport links, to shopping, eating and drinking.
Living in Barnsbury
Barnsbury is often referred to as one of London’s hidden gems, offering a village appeal to those looking for something a little quieter. Yet, the great thing about Barnsbury is it is still only a stone’s throw away from the vibrant N1 communities found in nearby Caledonian Road and Upper Street. Amongst the leafy streets you will also find two of London’s most beautiful squares – namely Thornhill Square and Lonsdale Square. Many of the residences in this cosy neighbourhood are large, converted houses which stretch back to the mid-1800s.
Our Islington Branch
314 Upper Street, London, N1 2XQ
Location Overview
What is it like to live in Barnsbury?
What is it like to live in Barnsbury?
The grand architecture of the properties located in Barnsbury have come to typify Islington over the past few decades. It welcomes everyone from growing families, to young professionals making a start on the property ladder. The clean streets, tidy house fronts, and the boutique shops and restaurants found nearby make Barnsbury feel like a one off in north London.
5 interesting facts about Barnsbury
1.
Barnsbury gets its name from the Berners family, who arrived with the Norman Conquest.
2.
Ex-prime minister Tony Blair lived in Barnsbury until he moved to 10 Downing Street in 1997.
3.
Small local dairy farms in Barnsbury used to supply milk to Londoners in the 18th century.
4.
Barnsbury used to be the first staging post for travellers heading from London to the north.
5.
Pentonville prison has existed in Barnsbury since 1842.
Properties in Barnsbury
Properties in Barnsbury
The eye-catching architecture found in Barnsbury can be seen in the beautifully designed Georgian and early Victorian houses that populate many of its streets. The magnificent townhouses and garden squares appeal to anyone looking for a secluded space away from the busier streets of Islington. These iconic period buildings are either divided into individual flats, or house large 3, 4 or 5 bedroom interiors.
There are also a wide variety of high-quality new developments in Barnsbury, which attract younger professionals and families. These blocks often come with entry-phone access and private parking spaces, while older flats from the 50s and 60s prove to be just as popular with those looking for a place to settle down in the area.
Public transport
Public transport
When it comes to public transport, Barnsbury is extremely well connected. Angel Tube station is only a short walk away and travels along the Northern Line. Commuters can get into Bank and London Bridge in as little as 5-10 minutes.
Highbury & Islington Tube is served by the Victoria line which provides access to Oxford Street tube and London Victoria British Rail station. The Overground also runs from the station to destinations such as Clapham Junction, New Cross and Stratford.
There are plenty of buses to hop onto as an alternative. This enables residents to use a single bus to travel into places such as Waterloo, Tottenham Court Road and Victoria.
Green spaces in Barnsbury
Green spaces in Barnsbury
Despite the lengthy, interconnected streets in Barnsbury, there is also no shortage of outdoor spaces to enjoy. Highbury Fields is the most popular, providing 30 acres of wonderful greenery for locals to explore and enjoy anytime they need. Gillespie Park also features a nature reserve housing hundreds of different butterfly and bird species. Those who like to stretch their legs while taking in stunning scenery will no doubt enjoy the New River Walk. This allows them to follow the 28 mile 17th century aqueduct path that travels between Islington and Hertfordshire.
What to do in Barnsbury?
Dining
There’s a fantastic mixture of the new and old when it comes to eating in Barnsbury. You’ll find everything from Turkish, French, Italian and Spanish cuisine, all situated next door to each other.
Pubs and bars
During the summer you can enjoy rooftop bars and terraces, while there are plenty of places to grab a trendy cocktail or two. Traditional pubs are just as easy to find too.
Entertainment
The Almeida theatre regularly hosts plays, while Sadler’s Wells is known for its ballet performances. The Vue serves up all the latest blockbuster films, while Everyman cinema has a strong arthouse following.
Barnsbury schools
Barnsbury schools
Ensuring there is good education available plays an essential role in families deciding which area to move to. The good news is that Barnsbury has a strong reputation for consistently delivering high standards right across the board. This starts at an early age with Comet Nursery School and Children’s Centre currently recognised by Ofsted as one of the best performing nurseries in Barnsbury.
Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School is an all-girls secondary school that is currently rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted. St John Evangelist Catholic Primary School has a 3 out of 4 rating by the governing body and is another popular choice for locals.
Barnsbury Estate Agent
We provide an insight into the property market in Barnsbury that gives you access to the very best properties as and when they become available. Renters, buyers, sellers and leasers can rely on our expertise to get the very best out of the opportunities living in Barnsbury provides. Our knowledge of the local area extends beyond Barnsbury into Angel, Canonbury, Highbury & Islington and Holloway. We always put the needs of our customers first, helping you find the right home to secure the perfect deal to suit you.