Car Hire Hendon

After turning off the A41 into Hendon, it didn’t take long before the traffic gave way to open parks and quiet streets. Tucked into North West London’s Borough of Barnet, Hendon, with a population of 36,000, blends suburban calm with big-sky parkland and surprising splashes of history. Just off the A406 (North Circular), Hendon’s road links make it a convenient spot for those driving in from central London or beyond. We reached it easily while passing Colindale and quickly found ourselves in a place that’s more village than city—but with all the access of Greater London.

Spring and summer bring Hendon’s parks to life, with mild temperatures perfect for walking and riverside exploring. A light jacket usually does the trick, though in autumn the chill settles in fast. Bring shoes you don’t mind getting muddy—many of Hendon’s charms lie on grassy trails and open hills. Early autumn and late spring are ideal for a visit, when crowds are fewer but the weather’s still cooperative.

Attractions In Hendon

Having a car in Hendon makes it easy to jump between parks, museums and activity centres spread out across NW4 and surrounding areas. Parking’s manageable in most places and you’ll avoid the slow haul of public transport when hopping between green spaces or outlying spots like Brent Cross and the Welsh Harp.

Sunny Hill Park

We started with a coffee stroll through Sunny Hill Park, one of those well-kept local favourites where paths loop gently around hillocks and flower beds. The Watford Way entrance gave us direct access to picnic areas, a café kiosk and an open field where dogs and kids shared the space. While nearby in Golders Green, it’s a quick drive up and worth it for a quiet break. Open 24 hours a day, it’s peaceful early in the morning and sociable by afternoon.

Royal Air Force Museum London

Approaching from Grahame Park Way, the RAF Museum felt more immersive than we expected. We followed a timeline of aviation history from WWI biplanes to Cold War jets, wandering under the wings of real aircraft in huge hangars. One moment we were standing beneath a Lancaster bomber; the next, peering into cockpits from the Jet Age. High popularity is no surprise here—the exhibits are curated with care and families seemed genuinely engaged. It’s free to enter and open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. This spot is often recommended by folks in Finchley.

Hendon Park

Tucked just off Queens Road, Hendon Park gave us a soft patch of green near the High Street bustle. We grabbed takeaway breakfast and sat near the Japanese garden section, shaded and neatly laid out. The space isn’t vast but it’s welcoming. A favourite for people in Cricklewood, the park is open all day and doubles as a commuter shortcut and dog-walking haven.

Brent Park

Right along the North Circular, Brent Park felt like a slice of calm cut into a busy zone. Tall trees buffer traffic noise and a winding stream runs parallel to walking paths. It was early morning when we arrived and a few joggers were already making the circuit. This peaceful rhythm carries across to Burnt Oak, whose locals often drift here for quiet time.

Welsh Harp Open Space

We parked near Cool Oak Lane and wandered into the vast, semi-wild expanse of the Welsh Harp. It’s one of those places that rewards slow walking—part reservoir, part nature reserve and wholly unspoilt. Children fed swans by the shore while runners lapped the gravel tracks. We walked until the water turned silver with dusk light, then headed back to the car. It links easily to Mill Hill and it’s open all hours for whenever the mood strikes.

Malcolm Park

Malcolm Park, near the crescent it’s named after, was smaller than others—but we liked it for the exact reason it might get overlooked. The playground is well-kept and never too busy, giving us room to breathe. A short drive from West Hampstead makes this a practical option for young families on the go. Open daily, 8 AM to 8 PM.

Claremont Park

Just off Claremont Way, we found Claremont Park freshly updated—a standout within the Brent Cross redevelopment area. There’s a sandpit, water play features and tiered grassy banks that encouraged kids to run without restraint. We ended up staying longer than expected, watching parents settle on benches as children played in the fountains. Families from Neasden were out in numbers and one local we met said they visit weekly. Open from 7 AM to 8 PM, it’s modern, clean and relaxed.

Flip Out Brent Cross

We booked ahead for Flip Out and were glad we did—it was packed by noon. Inside, trampolines stretched in every direction and the energy was contagious. Foam pits, dodgeball zones and wall bounces kept the pace fast. With late closing hours (till 9 PM most nights) and helpful staff, it’s easy to see why it draws a wide crowd.

Game Over London

Located upstairs in the Brent Cross complex, Game Over London delivers atmospheric escape rooms with sound design that caught us off guard in the best way. We tackled the “Nightmare Hotel” and genuinely jumped more than once. Sessions run from 2 PM to 10 PM on weekdays and earlier on weekends. It’s a perfect rainy-day plan when you’re in the area.

Princes Park

We wrapped things up with a slower-paced stroll at Princes Park, tucked between residential roads off Oakfields. Modest in size, it offered enough space to decompress, with a central play area and quiet benches along the edges. We saw a couple of grandparents playing with toddlers and it struck us as a local comfort more than a destination. Open daily from 7 AM to 9 PM.

Cafés, Plates And A Place To Stay

Hendon winds down gently in the evenings—a place where the rhythm slows and the pavements empty early. We settled in for dinner at White Fish, a kosher seafood restaurant on Bell Lane known for its fresh grilled options and sushi, served under KLBD supervision. Just across from Brent Street, Café Toulous gave us strong espresso and flaky pastries—it’s technically just beyond the Hendon border in Hampstead Garden Suburb but it’s well within reach and loved by locals. For the night, The Hide London stood out with spotless rooms, free parking and a location just off the Hendon Way—two minutes from the Tube but quiet enough for a proper rest.