Car Hire Colindale

Tucked into north-west Greater London, Colindale is one of those places that quietly surprises you. This district which houses 17,000 people is easily reached by car, with straightforward access from the A5 and M1, making it an easy detour from busier parts of the city. Mild, changeable weather dominates here, so packing a light jacket and comfortable shoes is wise—especially with the number of parks and open spaces begging to be explored. Spring and early autumn offer the best mix of fresh air and quieter streets, ideal for relaxed discovery.

Colindale’s long-standing ties to aviation history, alongside its more recent wave of modern parks and hidden eateries, give it a distinct character. There’s a sense of heritage mixed with renewal—and if you’re already driving through Mill Hill or Finchley, it’s well worth planning a stop here to experience a softer side of London life.

Attractions In Colindale

Exploring Colindale feels pleasantly unhurried. We found ourselves drifting between fascinating museums, hidden parks and waterside walks without ever needing a strict plan. It’s the sort of place where a casual wander can easily turn into a full day of discovery and the quieter streets make driving and parking refreshingly simple.

Royal Air Force Museum London

Our first stop had to be the Royal Air Force Museum on Grahame Park Way—a name that rightly draws visitors from across London. With more than 17,000 glowing reviews, it’s an impressively immersive space filled with real aircraft, flight simulators and wartime exhibits that stretch across enormous hangars.

Open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, it’s the kind of place you could lose hours exploring without even realising it. A favourite among families based in Golders Green, it’s easy to see why it keeps people coming back.

Sunny Hill Park

Approaching from Hendon, we made a quick turn into Sunny Hill Park, a lovely sprawl of open fields and shaded corners. It’s a park for meandering—wide enough to feel peaceful but small enough that you’re never far from a good view. Open 24 hours, Sunny Hill carries a low-key charm. It’s not polished or fussy but that’s exactly the point.

Fryent Country Park

Fryent Country Park brings a real slice of wilderness into the mix. Tucked within easy reach of Neasden, it’s a quiet labyrinth of ancient hedgerows, sleepy ponds and wildflower meadows. Some days, it almost feels like stepping into a rural English village scene.

We ended up staying longer than expected, caught up chasing butterflies through the open fields. Best of all, it’s open 24 hours—perfect for early morning adventurers or golden hour walks.

Inflata Nation Colindale

If you’re travelling with kids (or just a strong sense of mischief), Inflata Nation at Colindale Retail Park is a riot of colour and bounce. Giant inflatable obstacle courses, climbing walls and ball pits fill the space with non-stop energy.

Open from 12 pm to 7 pm on weekdays and earlier on weekends, it’s often a lifesaver for rainy afternoons. Plenty of families from Burnt Oak pop over for an easy, energy-burning few hours.

Welsh Harp Open Space

Somewhere between a hidden lake and a quiet nature reserve, the Welsh Harp Open Space sits beside the Brent Reservoir. The moment we stepped onto the paths, the noise of the city faded away, replaced by bird calls and the soft ripple of water.

It’s easily reachable from Cricklewood and if you time it right, the sunsets over the water are spectacular. Best of all, there’s always room to find your own peaceful patch.

Montrose Park

Montrose Park, found just off Silkstream Road, doesn’t try to impress—it simply offers exactly what you need. We watched children racing each other across the open fields while joggers looped past in quiet circuits.

Without the fuss of big event spaces, Montrose stays community-focused. It’s the kind of place that feels familiar even on your first visit.

Heybourne Park

Heybourne Park is a smaller pocket of green, tucked close to the new developments in Colindale. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in casual charm. It’s a practical pause point—a place to stretch, relax or let the kids run about between other activities. No frills needed here. Just fresh air, a few swings and space to breathe.

Claremont Park

Claremont Park stands out for its polish. Located in the heart of the Brent Cross redevelopment, its modern landscaping and neat café make it feel curated but not overdone.

We stopped for coffee and ended up lingering much longer than planned, drawn in by shady seating areas and the gentle hum of local families enjoying the splash park. Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm, it’s a neat counterpoint to the wilder parks nearby—a favourite for those from West Hampstead on easy weekend drives.

Game Over London

Ready for something different? Game Over London is a top-rated escape room tucked into Brent Cross and it doesn’t disappoint. We chose the ‘Nightmare Hotel’ challenge and found ourselves laughing, shouting and genuinely spooked. Sessions run late—until 10 pm most days—making it ideal for squeezing in some adventure after dinner.

Barn Hill Pond

Last but not least, Barn Hill Pond offered the perfect cool-down at the end of the day. This tiny but lovely lake near Wembley is framed by whispering trees and quiet walking paths. If you find yourself nearby, pull over and stretch your legs. You won’t regret it.

Food, Rest And Relaxation

Colindale’s understated charm carries over into its cafés, shops and places to stay. After a day outdoors, we found welcoming eateries dotted along Edgware Road and inside Beaufort Park—many offering Middle Eastern, Asian and British classics. Accommodation here is practical and car-friendly, ranging from serviced flats to modern hotels with onsite parking. Whether you’re staying overnight or simply passing through on a Greater London road trip, Colindale offers a refreshingly mellow alternative to the city’s usual rush.