Car Hire St Johns Wood

St John’s Wood area, which is a home to 75,000 people, is a refined corner of Greater London where quiet sophistication meets layered history. Set just northwest of the city centre, the area is bounded by leafy streets like St John’s Wood Road and Prince Albert Road, creating a setting that feels distinctly residential yet rich in charm. The influence of nearby Westbourne Park can be felt in the blend of urban energy and elegant calm that runs through the neighbourhood. With a mild, sometimes breezy climate, it’s wise to bring layers and good walking shoes — especially if you’re planning to explore its many green spaces. Spring through early autumn is the ideal time to enjoy the open-air appeal of its parks, gardens and peaceful avenues. From historic cricket grounds to stately gardens and literary landmarks, St John’s Wood offers an easy pace with plenty to uncover.

Attractions In St John’s Wood

There’s a quiet richness to exploring St John’s Wood — one that reveals itself slowly as you move between tree-lined parks, tucked-away statues and architectural gems. The area rewards unplanned strolls and thoughtful pauses, whether you’re admiring a piece of history or simply resting on a shaded bench.

The Regent’s Park

Regent’s Park is the crown jewel of St John’s Wood — a vast green expanse that offers something for every kind of visitor. Whether you’re stretching out on the grass for a picnic, walking beside the pond to watch the ducks or joining a friendly match on one of the many sports pitches, the park’s open layout makes it easy to settle in. It’s a true local favourite for dog walkers, runners and families alike, with just one caveat — there are no shops inside, so it’s best to bring water and snacks beforehand. The buzz of Maida Vale isn’t far away but within the park, the atmosphere remains relaxed and restorative. Open daily from 5 AM to 4:30 PM and backed by over 46,000 glowing reviews, it continues to be a defining part of the area’s character.

The Japanese Garden Island

Tucked discreetly within the wider Regent’s Park, the Japanese Garden Island is one of the most peaceful spots you’ll come across in central London. Designed around traditional Japanese garden principles, it offers a place to slow down and observe — from the movements of the resident peacock to the stillness of the water feature at its centre. The garden is beautifully maintained and while weekends can bring a bit of a rush, visiting during the week rewards you with near-total calm. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly and treat the space with the same mindfulness that inspired its creation — a quiet escape that invites you to pause.

Primrose Hill

Just a short walk from the heart of St John’s Wood, Primrose Hill offers some of the best panoramic views of London. The open, gently sloping landscape is perfect for a late afternoon walk or a sit-down with friends as the city skyline stretches across the horizon. From the top, you can spot iconic buildings like the Shard and the London Eye, all framed by the surrounding greenery. Whether you’re up for a photo session, a light jog or simply enjoying the fresh air, the park has a uniquely calm atmosphere that keeps locals and tourists coming back. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, it’s a place where the city feels both close and far away.

St John’s Lodge Garden

Nestled within the more expansive Regent’s Park, St John’s Lodge Garden feels like a quiet chapter from a forgotten novel — secluded, intimate and brimming with charm. The setting is perfect for birdwatchers, couples or anyone in search of a reflective pause, with elegant sculptures, a gentle fountain and a classical sense of layout that adds to its romantic character. A favourite for those approaching from Hampstead, this little sanctuary is easy to miss but hard to forget once found. Open daily from 5 AM to 6 PM, it remains one of the most peaceful corners in the area — perfect for a picnic, a book or simply to sit still.

Sherlock Holmes Statue

Just steps away from the famous Baker Street, the Sherlock Holmes Statue stands tall as a tribute to one of literature’s most iconic characters. Fans of the great detective flock here for photos and a chance to stand in the shadow of Holmes himself, pipe in hand and gaze fixed ahead. The statue’s location also makes it a great prelude to a visit to the nearby Sherlock Holmes Museum, tying together real-world London with the world of Arthur Conan Doyle’s imagination. Whether you’re an enthusiast or just passing through, it’s a charming stop that brings a fictional legend into tangible form. The site is accessible around the clock, except on Sundays when it’s open from 6 AM to 11:30 PM.

BT Tower

Rising above Fitzrovia, the BT Tower is a landmark with both height and history on its side. Originally opened in 1964 as a communications hub, it served for decades as a key structure for UK broadcasting — its location and functions were once classified under the Official Secrets Act. Although no longer open to the public, its legacy includes a revolving restaurant, panoramic city views and a unique silhouette in London’s skyline. These days, visitors often admire the tower from a distance, knowing its story is as compelling as its shape. Many travelling from Kilburn still include it on their photo lists, even as it prepares for a future life as a hotel following its recent sale.

The Wonderpass

What might seem like just a shortcut under Marylebone Road turns into something far more memorable when you step into the Wonderpass. This vibrant underground walkway near Baker Street is lined with colourful artwork and local history panels that celebrate the area’s past and personality. Rather than rushing through, visitors often find themselves pausing to read, look around and appreciate the creativity on display. Open at all hours, it’s a small but impactful touch of character that adds surprise and charm to the local landscape.

Lord’s Cricket Ground

Known worldwide as the “Home of Cricket,” Lord’s is a revered destination for anyone with a passion for the sport. The venue offers guided tours that walk you through the pitch, the historic dressing rooms and the commentator’s box — all while weaving in stories that make the place feel alive. Our guide was both funny and deeply knowledgeable, which added warmth to the experience and made it easy to understand why this ground holds such prestige. Partway through the visit, we chatted with someone visiting from Primrose Hill who described Lord’s as a spiritual home for cricket fans — and honestly, it’s hard to disagree. Open daily from 6 AM to 5 PM, it leaves a lasting impression whether you’re a lifelong supporter or new to the game.

Lord’s MCC Cricket Museum

Located within the Lord’s complex, the MCC Cricket Museum is one of the oldest sports museums in the world — and it shows its age in the best possible way. From iconic memorabilia to thoughtful displays on cricket’s development, the space balances history with enthusiasm. What makes it shine is the staff: helpful, informed and always ready to answer even the most obscure questions. Whether you’re touring the grounds or just popping in during the day, the museum is open from 10 AM to 4:30 PM and is well worth the time.

The Sherlock Holmes Museum

A visit to 221B Baker Street is practically a rite of passage for fans of classic detective fiction and The Sherlock Holmes Museum delivers the full experience. Spread across multiple floors, the museum begins with a short guided introduction before visitors explore Holmes’ recreated study and living quarters — all richly detailed and furnished in period style. On the top floor, the exhibit shifts focus to the broader cultural impact of Holmes and his enduring legacy in literature and media. Many visitors return time and again from nearby areas like Camden, drawn by the nostalgia and the museum’s ability to bring Holmes’s world vividly to life. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 6 PM and bolstered by over 20,000 glowing reviews, this museum continues to impress newcomers and devoted fans alike.

Freud Museum London

Set within the final home of Sigmund Freud, this museum offers an unusually personal look into the world of the father of psychoanalysis. Rather than feeling clinical or distant, the house feels lived-in, with Freud’s study at the centre, complete with his famous couch and treasured antiquities from around the world. Visitors are drawn in not just by the historical setting but by the thoughtful curation, which includes insights into Freud’s theories and the life of his daughter Anna. The museum is compact but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere. From the peaceful garden to the well-stocked bookshop, every element adds to a layered, reflective experience. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5 PM, it’s a brilliant stop for those curious about psychology, history or both.

St John’s Wood Church

Quietly standing near Lord’s Roundabout, St John’s Wood Church is one of the area’s most architecturally and historically significant sites. Built in 1814 in a neoclassical style by Thomas Hardwick, the church grounds were once an extensive cemetery and have since transformed into tranquil public gardens. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the church’s past is filled with intrigue — from local ghost stories to a dramatic Victorian-era shooting. Just outside stands a bronze statue of St George slaying a dragon, a striking WWI memorial. During our visit, a guide mentioned that visitors from West Hampstead often stop here as part of their weekend walks, drawn by the peaceful atmosphere and rich narrative. With opening hours from 9 AM to 5 PM on weekdays and slightly extended on Sundays, it offers both quiet reflection and compelling storytelling.

Grove House

With its grand facade partly obscured by trees and security fencing, Grove House is as much a mystery as it is a landmark. Sitting on Prince Albert Road, it’s known more for its enigmatic presence than for open tours or visitor access. Guard dogs, locked gates and an air of quiet exclusivity only add to its intrigue, making passersby wonder who lives behind those walls. Though private, the house is a compelling visual on any local stroll — a reminder that some stories in St John’s Wood remain untold.

Maida Hill Tunnel

A stretch of Regent’s Canal infrastructure dating back to 1816, the Maida Hill Tunnel is less about scenic appeal and more about its role in connecting waterways. Though the tunnel doesn’t boast the polished look of nearby attractions, it plays a quiet part in the city’s industrial past and present. The walls show every bit of their age but canal walkers and boaters still pass through, using it as a functional link in the wider London canal network. Its appeal lies in authenticity — unchanged, a bit rough but still in use over two centuries later.

Babylon Park London

Tucked just a short distance from the heart of St John’s Wood, Babylon Park London offers an easygoing escape perfect for families, groups of friends or anyone looking to inject a little fun into their afternoon. The park is packed with a lively range of attractions and the unlimited rides ticket proves great value if you’re planning to stay a while. Although a few machines were out of service during our visit, it didn’t take away from the cheerful buzz that filled the space — a quality often mentioned by families travelling in from Cricklewood. Open daily with extended weekend hours, it’s a solid choice for lighthearted entertainment.