Canonbury Area Guide
Explore the areas we serve – from parks, entertainment and transport links, to shopping, eating and drinking.
Living in Canonbury
Canonbury is one of a number of smaller neighbourhoods that make up Islington, with Angel, Barnsbury and Clerkenwell all found only a short walk away. While Barnsbury has more of a village feel about it, Canonbury is diverse and modern, mostly due to its larger streets and a broader selection of contemporary architectural styles.
The diversity of Canonbury is one of the main reasons why so many people are eager to find a property to live there. Residents hail from a wide variety of age groups and backgrounds, including media professionals, lawyers and tradespeople, with families, couples, singles and retirees all setting home up in Canonbury.
Our Islington Branch
314 Upper Street, London, N1 2XQ
What is it like to live in Canonbury?
What is it like to live in Canonbury?
As with much of Islington, there is no shortage of places to eat and drink, with the nightlife in Canonbury drawing people from far and wide. Nearby Upper Street and Essex Road attract a younger, trendier crowd, while there are still plenty of quieter bars and restaurants to enjoy if you want to stray from the beaten path.
5 Interesting facts about Canonbury
1.
The area got its name when granted to the Canons of St Bartholomew’s Priory in 1253.
2.
Writer George Orwell spent much of his life living in Canonbury.
3.
Charles Dicken’s wrote a story about a Canonbury based lamplighter set during Christmas.
4.
Evelyn Waugh, author of ‘Brideshead Revisited’ lived in the area from 1928 to 1930.
5.
Before finding worldwide fame, actress Cate Blanchett lived in Canonbury.
Properties in Canonbury
Properties in Canonbury
Some of the most handsome properties in the area can be found in Canonbury Square, Alwyne Villas and Canonbury Grove. These pretty locations are dotted with grand houses and canal side paths that look truly idyllic throughout the year. Some of these properties have been converted into small apartments for singles and couples, while families tend to occupy the larger houses found there.
Redevelopment in the northeast sector of Canonbury has given the area a much needed facelift in recent years, enhancing its reputation even further. New flat and apartment developments are also helping to attract newcomers to the neighbourhood. There are a number of planned builds due to start construction soon, providing new space for those eager to move into Canonbury.
Public transport
Public transport
With Angel and Highbury & Islington stations only a short distance away, residents of Canonbury never have a problem finding a way around town. The Northern Line serves Angel, where trains regularly travel into London Bridge and Bank underground stations.
At the opposite end of Upper Street sits Highbury & Islington tube, which operates the Victoria line and connects commuters to London Victoria British Rail and Oxford Street tube. There is also the option of taking the Overground to locations such as Stratford, New Cross and Clapham Junction.
Buses are easy to catch, with a number journeying into the centre of the capital, providing an alternative method of transport. They also connect to surrounding areas such as Hackney, Finsbury Park and Holloway.
Green spaces
Green spaces
Moving into Canonbury also means having access to all the wonderful green spaces located in Islington. These include delights such as Highbury Fields, which stretches out across 12 hectares of beautiful greenery. Gillespie Park always proves to be popular across all generations, with places for children to play and space for nature lovers to explore the well-kept reserve. A hidden gem on the outskirts of Canonbury is St Paul’s Shrubbery, a small park that offers the perfect escape for a few hours.
Schools in Canonbury
Schools in Canonbury
Primary schools in Canonbury stand head and shoulders above many in the capital. Our Lady and St. Joseph Catholic School is always in demand from local parents eager to secure a place for their children. Shoreditch Park Primary School is another that has received top marks from Ofsted during their last report. In terms of nurseries, Comet Nursery School and Children’s Centre also come highly recommended.
When it comes to secondary’s, Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School is rated as ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted, while North Bridge House Senior Canonbury is another that regularly receives strong feedback from parents and pupils alike.