Living in Queens Park

About Queens Park

Queen’s Park has long attracted families and professionals in the media and creative industries, many of whom move from nearby Notting Hill when looking for more space. The area offers a great lifestyle mix – from independent cafes and restaurants to yoga studios and a thriving farmers’ market. Local schools and nurseries are well-regarded and many homes have been thoughtfully extended to suit growing families. Designated a conservation area in the 1980s, the streets around the park have retained a distinct character and charm. Community spirit runs strong here, with much-loved annual events like Queen’s Park Day and the Queen’s Park Book Festival reinforcing its friendly, village-like atmosphere.

Fact file

• Queen’s Park is a lovely example of a Victorian park, opened in 1887 and named in honour of Queen Victoria.
• Local football team Queen’s Park Rangers was formed in the area in 1886 but moved to its current Shepherd’s Bush location in 1917.
• Yusuf Islam, aka Cat Stevens, set up the Islamia School here in 1983, which became the UK’s first Muslim school to receive government funding.

Architecture and property 

The streets between Salusbury Road and Queen’s Park are among the most sought-after, thanks to their elegant Victorian terraces and proximity to the park. Overlooking the park, the larger Edwardian houses on Kingswood Avenue, Chevening Road and Milman Road are also highly desirable. Families seeking even more space often look slightly further north, towards the 1930s houses on Christchurch Avenue, Aylestone Avenue and Mount Pleasant Road, where properties come with larger gardens and garages. To the west, between Salusbury Road and Kilburn High Road, colourful Victorian terraces dominate the streetscape, many protected under conservation area status.

Going out

The Salusbury is a beloved local pub with its own attached deli and wine store, with its Italian menu especially popular for standout pizzas. For sushi lovers, Michiko Sushino serves authentic Japanese food, while Milk Beach brings a taste of Australia with excellent coffee and brunch options. Cafe Jack’s, a long-standing favourite, has recently expanded and continues to draw loyal customers after more than 20 years. 

A disused garage now houses Wolfpack Brewery, known for its impressive range of craft beers. For cocktails, head to Alice House, or venture just across the park to Paradise By Way of Kensal Green and Parlour, both of which are also excellent dinner destinations.

Nearby is home to the Kiln Theatre, while The Lexi Cinema in Kensal Rise offers a cosy, two-screen independent cinema experience that’s popular with locals. Shopping in Queen’s Park is endless, you’ll find a Planet Organic, Gail’s Bakery and a variety of eateries. 

Local amenities

The area also offers practical amenities including a post office, several florists, hairdressers, chemists and the excellent independent Queen’s Park Books. 

Kilburn Library is well-maintained and hosts popular drop-in sessions for parents and toddlers, making it a welcoming space for young families.

Every Sunday, the playground of Salusbury Primary School transforms into one of London’s finest farmers' markets. It draws crowds with its selection of organic fruit and vegetables, cheeses, fresh bread, flowers, cakes and much more. 

When it comes to grocery shopping, Queens Park is well-served; you’ll find both a Sainsbury’s Local and a Co-op Food, ideal for everyday essentials and quick top-ups. For more budget-friendly options, ALDI is just a short walk away, offering a wide range of groceries and household items.

Green spaces

At its heart lies the beautifully maintained Queen’s Park itself, which offers a wide range of amenities including a children’s farm, a well-equipped playground with a paddling pool and large sandpit, tennis courts, a pitch and putt course, a cafe and a designated Quiet Garden. Every September, the park hosts the much-loved Queen’s Park Day, a lively annual event with fairground attractions, food stalls, a community market and much more, drawing crowds from across the area.

Just a short walk away, Tiverton Green provides a smaller open space that’s especially popular with dog owners. For those seeking larger green expanses, Roundwood Park, Gladstone Park and Wormwood Scrubs are all within easy reach, offering scenic walking routes and recreational facilities. And for a true escape into nature, the iconic Hampstead Heath is only a short journey away, perfect for panoramic views of the city.