Car Hire Hornsey

We turned off the A504 and into a quieter stretch of North London. Hornsey sits between Turnpike Lane and Harringay, close to the slopes of Alexandra Palace and surrounded by green spaces, local cafés and terraced streets. It’s an area shaped more by daily routines than tourism, with a steady mix of parks, schools and corner shops which serve its 13,000 residents.

Drivers can access Hornsey easily via the North Circular (A406) or the A103. On-street parking is manageable around Middle Lane and Priory Park, especially outside peak school hours. The weather shifts often, typical of London—scattered rain and grey skies are common but on warmer days, locals fill the parks and outdoor tables. Spring and autumn bring the most balance between quieter streets and comfortable walking weather.

Attractions In Hornsey

The area blends everyday activity with local landmarks and parks. Most places are walkable, with small details that stand out the more time you spend here.

Alexandra Park

Alexandra Park stretches across the hill just beyond Hornsey. It’s open 24 hours and includes woodland walks, a boating lake and long views over the city. We passed dog walkers and children learning to cycle, while a food van near the viewpoint did a steady trade in coffees and toasted sandwiches. If you’re coming from Wood Green, it’s one of the easiest places to spend a free afternoon.

Alexandra Palace

The palace itself is a short walk up from the park. Inside, there’s a year-round ice rink, an events hall, bars and a few quiet corners overlooking the grounds. We booked a morning skate session and warmed up with tea and biscuits at the Phoenix Bar. It’s open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm and remains a go-to for both local families and day visitors, even when no events are on.

St Mary’s Church Tower

This site is tucked between the high street and a small row of flats. The medieval tower stands alone now, surrounded by a garden with benches and wildflowers. There’s no entrance fee, no gift shop and no formal tour—but the space is cared for and peaceful. We approached from Crouch End and found it by accident.

Crouch End Clock Tower

A landmark more for locals than tourists. The tower marks the start of the Broadway and it’s easy to spot with the surrounding fruit stands and bakeries setting the tone. We sat nearby and watched as someone tuned a violin and a pair of children raced scooters along the pavement. The clock keeps time; the square keeps moving.

Philosopher’s Garden, Little Dinosaurs And Cherry Tree Wood

We made three short stops that afternoon. Philosopher’s Garden, found off Barrington Road, was empty but tidy—ivy creeping up the fence, a single bench under a hawthorn tree. Little Dinosaurs, nearby in Alexandra Park, was louder: soft play inside, espresso and lunch boxes outside. Cherry Tree Wood, a short drive from Hornsey via East Finchley, had the most space. It’s a gentle, open park with shaded paths and a café serving toasted sandwiches. This trio makes a good break if you’re heading in from Muswell Hill with children or just want to take your time.

Priory Park

There’s a café by the tennis courts, often busy and a fountain where local kids play on hot days. Priory Park is one of the most used green spaces in Hornsey—open 24 hours and welcoming to all ages. We saw families having lunch, two people playing chess under a tree and someone painting watercolours by the rose garden. It’s also a common stop for walkers heading in from Bounds Green, especially on weekends.

Parkland Walk

Part walking route, part local secret. This former railway line has been turned into a raised green trail with brick remnants, old signage and ivy in every direction. Hornsey connects to it near Florence Road. We took the route late in the day from Finsbury Park and passed joggers, dog walkers and a few teenagers filming dance routines under one of the old bridges. It’s always open and worth exploring.

Kenwood House

Kenwood House sits just beyond Hornsey’s boundary on Hampstead Lane. Managed by English Heritage, it’s open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and features a permanent art collection with works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. The building is well-maintained and free to visit. We wandered through the library and had a quiet lunch on the terrace café before heading back via Highgate. A popular stop for anyone coming from Archway.

Where To Eat And Stay In Hornsey

Hornsey’s food scene leans casual, with a mix of family-run spots and independent cafés. The Intrepid Fork, on Hornsey High Street, offers house-baked bread, light brunches and coffee without the crowding. Just a short walk away in Crouch End, Bistro Aix serves classic French dishes in a calm, neighbourhood setting—ideal for slower dinners.

If you’re staying overnight, White Lodge Hotel on Queen’s Avenue remains one of the area’s most convenient options, with straightforward rooms and friendly, local service. For something more creative, Green Rooms in nearby Wood Green offers an arts-led hotel experience with regular exhibitions and flexible accommodation just a few minutes from Hornsey by car or bus.