Car Hire Highgate

It only takes one turn off the A1 or a quiet detour from Archway Road to realise Highgate is unlike anywhere else in Greater London. Perched above the city, this North London village balances heritage architecture with vast open spaces, making it an ideal place to explore by car. This suburb of London is a home to 11,000 people. The area is accessible via Junction 2 of the A1 or by cutting in through Highgate Hill, a scenic climb best enjoyed with the windows down.

Spring and autumn bring the clearest skies to this elevated pocket of London, with crisp air and long views stretching over Hampstead Heath. A light waterproof helps if you’re visiting in October, while a picnic blanket and comfortable shoes are perfect for the summer. We planned a day trip from Crouch End and found the mix of green space and cultural heritage well worth the drive.

Attractions In Highgate

Highgate isn’t the sort of place to rush through. Hiring a car gave us the freedom to wander leafy trails in the morning, stop for lunch with a view, then finish the day with something unexpected. Here’s where we ended up.

Waterlow Park

Waterlow Park was our first stop and it instantly set the tone. We parked off Highgate Hill and walked straight into 26 acres of gardens that felt almost private. The stepped lawns, ornamental ponds and mature trees created the perfect atmosphere for a lazy stroll. While nearby in Archway, this is one of the first green spaces people recommend and we could see why.

Highgate Wood

Highgate Wood brought us into what felt like a forgotten part of London. Entering from Muswell Hill Road, we followed earthy trails past hornbeam and oak, the canopy filtering the afternoon sun into a soft green glow.

It’s not just the setting. It’s the mood of the place. Even the café near the playground had a slower pace. A favourite for people in Muswell Hill, this spot made us linger far longer than planned.

Lauderdale House

Just beside Waterlow Park, we stepped into Lauderdale House, part arts centre, part 16th-century residence. There was an exhibition running in the Long Gallery but we were more taken by the upstairs views and the feel of the building itself.

The staff were warm and left us to browse freely. It’s a regular pick for families coming from Tufnell Park for Sunday workshops.

Tomb Of Karl Marx

At Highgate Cemetery East, we visited the grave of Karl Marx, not for politics but for history. The bust is larger than expected and feels solemn, set back from the main path.

You need to book in advance, which made the whole visit feel a little more purposeful. This section of the cemetery is popular with those from Holloway looking for something reflective without being touristy.

Parliament Hill Viewpoint

We arrived at Parliament Hill close to sunset. The slope was dotted with joggers and families, all facing out toward London’s jagged skyline. From our patch of grass, we could see the Shard and even the faint silhouette of Wembley Stadium.

This scenic point draws many from Kentish Town and it’s easy to see why. It’s open 24 hours a day and offers something raw and beautiful.

Kenwood House

Kenwood House surprised us. We expected something grand and imposing but inside we found a light-filled gallery with serene corners and polished parquet floors. The Rembrandt painting was the obvious crowd-puller but we kept coming back to the Orangery and its view over the Heath. Someone from Hampstead told us they bring a book and sit by the pond whenever the weather allows. We’re tempted to do the same next time.

Egyptian Avenue

The tour guide at Highgate Cemetery West lowered their voice as we approached Egyptian Avenue and we instinctively did the same. The gothic arch, the worn columns, the stillness—it all felt designed to slow your heartbeat.

Perfect in the colder months, this avenue gets its fair share of visitors from Turnpike Lane, especially around Halloween. We left a little quieter than when we entered.

George Michael’s Bench

Under a tree in Waterlow Park, we found a simple bench with a few worn tributes. There were photos, candles and handwritten notes. This quiet corner has become an informal memorial for George Michael and though unmarked, it clearly means something to the fans who visit.

Highgate School Museum

This tiny museum hides in plain sight. Tucked near the school’s tabernacle building, it opens occasionally for visitors curious about the institution’s long history. Inside, we saw old school uniforms, century-old timetables and hand-written records that offered a glimpse into Victorian school life. Much like Crouch End itself, it’s understated and not made for tourists, which is part of the charm.

Isokon Gallery

We made a quick stop at the Isokon Gallery on Lawn Road, just a short drive from Highgate and ended up staying nearly an hour. Focused on modernist architecture and the creatives who once lived there, the space was modest but magnetic.

We learned about Agatha Christie, Bauhaus émigrés and the design legacy that shaped postwar London. It draws thoughtful repeat visitors who appreciate the calm tone of the space.

Cafés, Plates And A Place To Stay

Highgate’s evenings settle into something calm. After a long day, we enjoyed a delightful meal at the Flask, a historic pub offering classic British fare in a cosy setting. For a quicker bite or a morning treat, GAIL’s Bakery on Highgate High Street serves freshly baked goods and excellent coffee in a bright, welcoming space. We ended our day at the Bull & Last, a gastropub that combines top-notch dining with boutique accommodations, providing a comfortable and memorable stay.