Living in Muswell Hill

About Muswell Hill

Muswell Hill is a safe village with plenty of open space, making it easy to imagine raising a family here. The area offers commanding views over London, beautiful Edwardian architecture and a lively Broadway lined with child-friendly cafés and restaurants. Situated between Alexandra Park and Highgate Woods, Muswell Hill is a haven for dog owners and outdoor enthusiasts. With its green spaces, vibrant high street and strong community feel, Muswell Hill remains one of North London’s most desirable neighbourhoods.

Fact file

• Muswell Hill was named after the 12th-century discovery of a local stream. The ‘Mossy Well’ was believed to have miraculous, healing properties.
• Alexandra Park had its own racecourse between 1868 and 1970, when the eccentric track closed due to failing popularity and the increasing cost of keeping it open. Nicknamed ‘The Frying Pan’ for its distinctive layout, as recently as 1999, there was a campaign for it to reopen.

Architecture and property 

The opening of Alexandra Palace in 1873, designed as North London’s answer to the Crystal Palace, sparked development in Muswell Hill. Most of the area’s property boom took place between 1896 and 1914, led by developers James Edmondson and William J Collins. Their commitment to high-quality materials and a unified design gave Muswell Hill one of the most cohesive architectural styles in London. Attractive red brick Edwardian homes dominate the landscape and much of the area is now a designated conservation zone, preserving its period charm. This blend of heritage architecture and modern living continues to make Muswell Hill one of North London’s most desirable residential areas.

Going out

Muswell Hill has plenty to offer when it comes to food and drink. For award-winning fish and chips, Toff’s is a local institution. You’ll also find a Côte Brasserie and a wide choice of independent coffee shops along the Broadway, making it easy to grab a relaxed brunch or a quick espresso.

For pubs and bars, The Victoria Stakes is a favourite among locals thanks to its craft beers and cosy atmosphere, perfect for a weekend afternoon. The Clissold Arms is steeped in history as the venue where The Kinks played their first gig, while the Maid of Muswell offers a laid-back vibe. 

Film lovers are spoilt for choice. The Everyman cinema brings a touch of glamour to movie nights, housed in a Grade II listed Art Deco building dating back to 1936. Nearby, the Phoenix Cinema is one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the UK and is run by a charitable trust for the local community, making it a true cultural landmark.

Local amenities

On Sundays, locals flock to the farmers’ market at Alexandra Palace to pick up baked goods, preserves and olives, organic fruit and veg and speciality meats, as well as street food snacks.

There are several supermarkets to satisfy everyday shopping needs, including Marks & Spencer, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. The jewel in the area’s shopping crown has to be Planet Organic with its array of healthy foods and drinks. Other popular options include the specialist teas and coffees at W Martyn and Walter Purkis fishmonger, which smokes its own fish in a century-old smoke house behind its Crouch End store.

Bookworms are at home in Muswell Hill and can take their pick from the independent Muswell Hill Bookshop on Fortis Green Road, or the well-used Muswell Hill Library. The Children’s Bookshop and the Muswell Hill Toy Library cater to a younger age range. The friendly Muswell Hill Methodist Tennis Club is open to everyone, with teams of all levels up to the Middlesex Premier League and opportunities for professional coaching.

Green spaces

Alexandra Park has 196 acres of beautiful parkland and boasts famous city views, alongside a boating lake, pitch and putt course, rose garden and even a deer enclosure. The park is also home to Alexandra Palace, an important historical venue that now hosts concerts, conventions and events, such as the Darts World Championships. In winter, a visit to the ice rink is an annual ritual for locals, as is the Bonfire Night fireworks display.

The 70 acres of ancient woodland at Highgate Wood is a great place to escape after a busy day in the city, and many locals enjoy long weekend walks along its scenic trails, while the smaller Queen’s Wood and Coldfall Wood are perfect for picnics. For something more challenging, try the Parkland Walk, four and a half miles of nature reserve connecting Finsbury Park and Alexandra Palace.