Car Hire Archway

Archway rises gently above North London, just off the A1, making it an easy drive from Holloway, Highgate or further south. Whether you’re passing through or planning a stop, the area rewards those travelling by car—especially with the freedom to pull over, park up and explore pockets of green, historic corners and hilltop views. The climate is typically mild, though a sudden shower isn’t unusual, so it’s worth keeping a jacket in the boot. From late spring to early autumn, the weather is at its friendliest—ideal for a stroll after the drive.

The area holds its character quietly. Once the site of a grand bridge—long gone now—it’s grown into a mix of Victorian architecture, local cafés and arts spaces, all tucked into walkable streets. We looped in from Kentish Town as part of a wider drive through North London and found Archway easy to navigate and full of short-stop appeal.

Attractions In Archway

Driving through Archway feels less like ticking off landmarks and more like following small turns that lead somewhere interesting. You’ll pass quiet parks tucked between residential roads, glimpses of city views from unexpected angles and heritage spots that appear without fanfare.

Parliament Hill Viewpoint

Just a short drive and a short climb later, this high spot gives one of the best panoramas over London. The open view makes it especially magical at sunset. It’s open 24 hours and always feels like a rewarding detour.

Lauderdale House

Highgate Hill’s incline is a breeze when you’ve parked nearby. We stepped inside this old Tudor building to find art exhibitions, children’s workshops and the soft sounds of a grand piano being rehearsed. The venue is open from 10 am to 5 pm and while compact, it makes a good break between drives—especially for anyone exploring from Highgate.

Highgate Wood

A short drive north led us to this ancient woodland—surprisingly quiet on a weekday morning. With ample parking nearby, it’s the kind of place where you can stretch your legs without straying too far from your car. Locals from Crouch End often make the same journey. The gates open at 7:30 am and close around 4 pm.

Waterlow Park

On the edge of Archway Hill, this tiered park offers wide lawns, shaded benches and quiet ponds. We parked just up the road and walked down—perfect for a takeaway picnic or a breather before heading back into traffic. It’s a common side trip for those already exploring Finsbury Park.

Highgate Hill Murugan Temple

Just off the Archway Road, this Hindu temple stood out immediately with its vibrant tower. We parked easily along the side roads and dropped in during early evening. Open daily 8 am–2 pm and 5–9 pm, it adds a moment of reflection—and colour—to the drive.

Mission: Breakout

Driving gives you the freedom to fit in more than one stop—and we made time for this top-rated escape room on Kentish Town Road. Housed in an old underground station, it’s immersive, clever and open from 10 am to 11 pm. A handy rest stop for drivers passing through Tufnell Park.

Petrie Museum Of Egyptian Archaeology

Easily reachable from Highbury, this museum near UCL is one for the history-inclined. There’s no fuss getting there if you’re behind the wheel—and once inside, the sheer density of artefacts makes it worth the stop. Typically open from 1 pm to 5 pm, closed Sundays and Mondays.

Kenwood Viewpoint

We took a quick drive past Archway and parked near Hampstead Lane for this one. The viewpoint, just behind Kenwood House, offers one of the clearest views over the city skyline. A favourite for anyone driving out of Holloway in search of a scenic breather.

Royal Northern Gardens

This small park doesn’t demand much time—or much walking. We stopped here between stops for a sandwich break. There’s a football pitch, swings for the kids and it’s open from 8 am to 6 pm daily. It’s a handy rest spot for drivers heading into Archway from Camden or nearby.

World Peace Garden

While heading down South Hill Park, we pulled over for a brief visit to this secluded garden. Hidden, yes but not hard to access by car—and sometimes that’s all you need: a quiet corner, ten minutes of calm and then back on the road again.

Good Food, Quiet Stays And Everyday Comforts

Archway works well for drivers—not just for the road links but for the stop-and-go rhythm it offers. We found no trouble parking along the high street or near green spaces. Food-wise, you’ve got plenty to choose from: woodfired pizza, Turkish grills, vegan bakes—many with spots to sit in or take away to the park. Lauderdale House’s café is a gentle stop, especially if you’re waiting out traffic. For overnights, accommodation leans residential—low-key guesthouses, flats or larger hotel chains in nearby areas. Shops cater to day-to-day needs: not flashy but dependable—the kind of place where you can stock up, pause and carry on.