Barnet is one of those parts of north London that rewards a slower look. The area has medieval history, long stretches of open space, Victorian architecture, theatres, museums and family attractions, while the wider London Borough of Barnet stretches from the northern edge of Hampstead Heath to Colindale and the borders of Hertfordshire.
For visitors searching for Things to Do in Barnet, the historic High Barnet and Hadley area is a natural starting point. This is where you can explore the story of the Battle of Barnet, browse Barnet Museum and walk through the streets around Wood Street and the Great North Road. Elsewhere in the borough, there are woodland walks around Monken Hadley, country-park scenery at Trent Country Park, aviation history at the Royal Air Force Museum and cultural programming at artsdepot.
The best approach is to choose an area rather than trying to cover the whole borough in one afternoon. A history-focused visit works well around High Barnet and Hadley, while families have plenty of options around Colindale, Cockfosters and North Finchley.
The best things to do in Barnet at a glance
| Attraction or activity | Best for | Area | Cost |
| Barnet Museum | Local history | Chipping Barnet | Free |
| Hadley Green | History and walking | Hadley | Free |
| Monken Hadley Common | Woodland walks | Hadley | Free |
| Barnet High Street | Local character and browsing | High Barnet | Free |
| Royal Air Force Museum London | Aviation and families | Colindale/Hendon | Free entry |
| Trent Country Park | Walking and countryside | Cockfosters | Free to enter |
| Go Ape Cockfosters | Outdoor adventure | Trent Park | Paid |
| Stephens House & Gardens | Gardens and heritage | Finchley | Gardens free |
| artsdepot | Theatre, arts and family events | North Finchley | Varies |
| Chickenshed | Theatre and performance | Southgate | Varies |
| Brent Cross | Shopping, food and leisure | Brent Cross | Free entry |
The London Borough of Barnet lists a substantial network of parks and open spaces, including Monken Hadley Common, Hadley Green, Friary Park, Coppetts Wood and the Riverside Walk at Woodside Park.
Things to Do in Barnet
1. Explore Barnet Museum
If you want to understand why Barnet looks and feels different from many other parts of north London, start at Barnet Museum on Wood Street.
The museum concentrates on the history of Chipping Barnet and the surrounding northern part of the borough. Its collection includes archives, photographs, maps, prints and material relating to the Battle of Barnet, alongside temporary exhibitions. The museum occupies an early Georgian house in the Wood Street conservation area.
It is a particularly useful stop before exploring the historic streets outside, as it provides context for the area rather than treating the old buildings as isolated landmarks.
Admission is free. Current published opening hours are Tuesday to Thursday from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm, Saturday from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm and Sunday from 2.30 pm to 4.30 pm. Opening arrangements can change, so check the museum before travelling.
Why visit Barnet Museum?
- Free admission
- Strong focus on local rather than national history
- Useful information about the Battle of Barnet
- Historic building in the Wood Street conservation area
- A good starting point for exploring Chipping Barnet on foot
Best for: history enthusiasts, curious visitors and families looking for an inexpensive indoor activity.
2. Walk around Hadley Green and the Battle of Barnet site
One of the most interesting things to do in Barnet is to walk through Hadley and consider how different the landscape would have looked in the 15th century.
Hadley Green is traditionally identified as the location of the Battle of Barnet, fought on 14 April 1471 during the Wars of the Roses. Edward IV’s Yorkist forces fought the Lancastrian army commanded by Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, better known as Warwick the Kingmaker. Warwick was killed during the battle.
Barnet Council’s historical records identify Hadley Green, St Mary the Virgin, and the surrounding landscape as important parts of the area’s heritage. An obelisk commemorating the battle was erected in 1740 near the historic junction of the Great North Road and the old road to St Albans.
The history is easier to appreciate on foot. Take time to look at the church, green and older buildings rather than simply visiting the memorial and leaving.
A simple history walk
- Start around High Barnet.
- Walk towards Hadley Green.
- Look for the Battle of Barnet memorial.
- Continue towards St Mary the Virgin.
- Explore the surrounding lanes and common.
- Return towards High Barnet for shops and refreshments.
Barnet Council has also produced a heritage walking route covering Hadley and the Battle of Barnet story.
Best for: history, walking, photography and anyone interested in London’s medieval past.
3. Take a walk through Monken Hadley Common
Monken Hadley Common provides a very different experience from the streets around High Barnet.
The common sits beside Camlet Way and forms part of a wider landscape of woodland, open ground and historic lanes. Barnet Council describes Monken Hadley as an area characterised by winding lanes, native trees, common land and notable historic buildings.
It is a good choice when you want to get outdoors without travelling far beyond London.
The common is particularly appealing for a relaxed walk rather than a destination-style attraction. Combine it with Hadley Green and the historic centre for a half-day outing.
What to look for
- Woodland and open common
- Historic lanes around Monken Hadley
- St Mary the Virgin
- Views around Hadley Green
- The Battle of Barnet heritage
Tip: Wear sensible footwear after wet weather. Paths across open and wooded areas can become muddy.
4. Explore High Barnet and Wood Street
High Barnet is the historic heart of the area and a useful place to simply wander.
Wood Street is home to Barnet Museum, while the wider Chipping Barnet area retains historic buildings and street patterns associated with the old settlement. The Great North Road was once a major route north, and Hadley developed in close relationship with this important road.
Rather than looking for one headline attraction, spend an hour exploring the area on foot.
A good walking circuit can include:
High Barnet → Barnet High Street → Wood Street → Barnet Museum → Hadley Green → Monken Hadley
You can shorten the route around the historic centre or extend it into the common depending on the weather and how much walking you want to do.
5. Visit the Royal Air Force Museum London
The Royal Air Force Museum London in Colindale is one of the borough’s strongest attractions and one of the best choices for a rainy day.
The museum tells the story of British aviation and the Royal Air Force, with more than 100 aircraft displayed across its London site. The collection covers aviation history, aircraft, wartime memorabilia, photographs and other objects.
It is particularly good for families because the aircraft provide a strong visual focus, but adults interested in military history, engineering and design can easily spend several hours here.
Barnet Council confirms that the museum has free admission, while the museum itself recommends booking free site entry.
The museum is on Grahame Park Way. Colindale is the nearest Underground station, while Mill Hill Broadway provides a rail alternative.
Allow plenty of time
The museum is much larger than a quick gallery visit. If aviation is your main reason for visiting, allow several hours rather than trying to squeeze it between other attractions.
Best for: families, aviation enthusiasts, military history and rainy-day activities.
6. Walk and explore Trent Country Park
At Cockfosters, Trent Country Park provides one of the clearest reminders that Barnet is not all urban streets.
The country park covers a large landscape of meadows, woodland, lakes and historic sites. It forms part of London’s Green Belt and occupies land associated with the former Enfield Chase. Visitors can walk, jog, cycle and enjoy the open landscape.
The park works particularly well for visitors who want a longer outdoor activity rather than a formal attraction.
Cockfosters Underground station is on the Piccadilly line and provides a convenient route into the area. The park’s own directions also identify Cockfosters and Oakwood as the nearest Underground stations.
What makes Trent Country Park worth visiting?
- Large open landscapes
- Woodland and wildlife
- Walking and jogging routes
- Historic surroundings
- Easy combination with Cockfosters
- Go Ape nearby for a more active day
Best for: walkers, families, runners, photographers and anyone looking for countryside without leaving London.
7. Try Go Ape Cockfosters
For something more energetic, Go Ape Cockfosters operates within Trent Country Park.
The attraction has high-ropes courses with crossings, obstacles, Tarzan swings and zip wires. The operator recommends booking ahead and asks participants to check age and supervision requirements before arriving.
It is a very different proposition from Barnet Museum or Hadley Green, making it useful for families and groups who want an activity rather than sightseeing.
The course is approximately a short walk from Cockfosters Underground station.
Good to know
- Book before travelling if you need a particular time.
- Check age and supervision requirements.
- Wear closed, sturdy footwear.
- Allow extra time for arrival and safety briefing.
- Combine it with a walk in Trent Country Park.
Best for: older children, teenagers, adults and active groups.
8. Spend time at Stephens House & Gardens
Stephens House & Gardens in Finchley offers a quieter heritage experience.
The Grade II listed Victorian mansion was built between 1874 and 1878 for Henry Stephens, whose family became associated with the famous blue-black ink. The gardens were designed with landscape gardener Robert Marnock’s influence and are now open to the public.
The grounds include gardens, mature trees and the Bothy Gardens. There is also a statue of comedian Spike Milligan sitting on a bench, installed by the Finchley Society.
The gardens are free to visit, while public access to the house itself is generally through specific tours and events rather than ordinary daily admission.
That distinction matters if you are planning your visit primarily around the historic house.
Best for: gardens, heritage, photography and a peaceful afternoon.
9. See a show at artsdepot
North Finchley’s artsdepot is one of Barnet’s key cultural venues.
The multi-arts centre has a 395-seat theatre, a 151-seat studio theatre, gallery and creative spaces, alongside a café and free children’s playspace. Its programme covers theatre, dance, music, comedy, circus, cabaret, spoken word, visual arts and family events.
That makes it a useful option when the weather is poor or when you want to build an evening around a performance rather than sightseeing.
The venue is at Tally Ho Corner on Nether Street in North Finchley.
Check what’s on before visiting
Unlike a museum or park, there is no single standard experience at artsdepot. The programme changes, so check the current listings and book tickets where required.
Best for: theatre, comedy, dance, music, families and evening entertainment.
10. Catch a performance at Chickenshed
Chickenshed Theatre in Southgate is another worthwhile option for performing arts in the wider Barnet area.
The theatre is on Chase Side, roughly a 10-minute walk from Cockfosters Underground station and around 12 minutes from Oakwood. Both are on the Piccadilly line.
Chickenshed is particularly distinctive for its inclusive approach to theatre and its programme of performances and community work.
It pairs naturally with a visit to Cockfosters or Trent Country Park, especially if you are planning an afternoon outdoors followed by an evening performance.
Best for: theatre-goers, families and visitors looking for something different from mainstream West End venues.
11. Spend a few hours at Brent Cross
For visitors who prefer shopping, food and indoor activities, Brent Cross is one of the easiest options in the borough.
The centre combines retail, restaurants, cafés and leisure experiences. Its current offering also includes District, a street-food destination with more than 130 seats and several independent food operators.
Brent Cross is useful when you want flexibility. A visit can be as simple as shopping and lunch, or you can combine food with entertainment and seasonal activities.
Core shopping hours currently published by the centre are Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 8 pm, and Sunday, 11 am to 6 pm, although individual retailers and leisure venues can operate different hours.
Best for: shopping, food, families, groups and wet-weather plans.
12. Explore Barnet’s parks and green spaces
One of the strongest reasons to visit the borough is the sheer variety of open spaces.
Barnet Council’s parks listings include areas such as Friary Park, Coppetts Wood, Hadley Green, Monken Hadley Common, King George’s Field, Riverside Walk and Woodside Park.
Friary Park
Friary Park in Friern Barnet is an Edwardian park associated with Friary House. It has gardens, open spaces, sports facilities, children’s play areas, a skate park, outdoor gym, tennis courts and a café.
It is particularly useful for families because there is more to do than simply walk around.
Dollis Valley Greenwalk
For walkers, the Dollis Valley Greenwalk is one of the most useful routes to know.
The route runs through Barnet’s open spaces between the Green Belt and Hampstead Heath Extension. Barnet Council describes the full route as roughly 10 miles, with sections suitable for a range of walkers and some parts suitable for cycling.
You do not need to tackle the entire route. Walking a shorter section can provide a more manageable way to experience the green spaces.
Barnet’s organised health walks
Barnet Council also runs organised health walks at locations including Woodside Park, Friary Park, Hampstead Heath and Totteridge. The published programme includes different difficulty levels, so it can be useful for visitors who prefer a structured walk.
Check the current programme before travelling because schedules can change.
13. Look around Hampstead Garden Suburb
The southern part of Barnet offers a very different architectural character.
Hampstead Garden Suburb is recognised through a series of conservation areas covering places including Central Square, the Artisans’ Quarter, Temple Fortune Lane, Meadway, the Heath Extension and other surrounding streets.
The area is best explored on foot. Central Square and the surrounding streets are particularly interesting for visitors who enjoy architecture, planning history and quieter neighbourhood walks.
It also provides a natural link to Hampstead Heath Extension and Golders Hill, making it possible to combine architecture with green space.
Best for: architecture, photography, walking and local history.
14. Plan a family day out in Barnet
Barnet has enough family attractions to build a full day without relying on central London’s major tourist sites.
The most useful options include:
- Royal Air Force Museum for aircraft and interactive family experiences.
- Go Ape Cockfosters for outdoor adventure.
- Trent Country Park for walking and open space.
- artsdepot for family performances and its free playdepot space.
- Friary Park for playgrounds and outdoor activities.
- Brent Cross for food, shopping and indoor entertainment.
Visit London’s Barnet listings also include attractions such as Belmont Children’s Farm, Phoenix Cinema and Hollywood Bowl among the area’s visitor options.
The best choice depends on the weather and the children’s ages. Younger children may prefer a park, farm or theatre experience, while older children are more likely to enjoy Go Ape or the RAF Museum.
15. Find things to do in Barnet when it rains
Barnet is particularly useful for rainy days because its attractions are not limited to outdoor spaces.
Best indoor options
| Activity | Why it works on a rainy day |
| Royal Air Force Museum | Large indoor museum with aircraft and aviation displays |
| Barnet Museum | Compact local-history museum |
| artsdepot | Theatre, exhibitions and family programming |
| Chickenshed | Theatre and performances |
| Brent Cross | Shopping, food and indoor leisure |
| Phoenix Cinema | Independent cinema experience |
The RAF Museum is probably the strongest choice if you want several hours indoors, while Barnet Museum works better as part of a wider historic walk.
How to get around Barnet
Barnet is large, so transport planning matters.
High Barnet is served by the Northern line, with High Barnet at the northern end of the branch. The same branch also serves Totteridge & Whetstone, Woodside Park and Finchley Central.
Cockfosters is on the Piccadilly line and is particularly useful for Trent Country Park and Go Ape. Oakwood is another option for the same general area.
Colindale is useful for the Royal Air Force Museum, with Mill Hill Broadway offering a rail alternative.
Which station should you use?
| Destination | Useful transport point |
| High Barnet & Barnet Museum | High Barnet |
| Hadley Green | High Barnet |
| Monken Hadley | High Barnet/Cockfosters area, depending on route |
| Trent Country Park | Cockfosters or Oakwood |
| Go Ape Cockfosters | Cockfosters |
| Royal Air Force Museum | Colindale |
| North Finchley / artsdepot | Totteridge & Whetstone plus local bus connections |
| Stephens House & Gardens | Finchley area with local bus connections |
| Brent Cross | Brent Cross and local bus services |
Always check TfL before setting out, particularly at weekends when engineering works can alter Underground services.
A practical one-day Barnet itinerary
If you have one day and want a mixture of history, walking and local character, this is a sensible route.
Morning: High Barnet and Hadley
Start around High Barnet and walk through the historic centre towards Wood Street.
Visit Barnet Museum if it is open, then continue towards Hadley Green and the Battle of Barnet memorial.
Lunch: High Barnet
Return towards the High Street and choose somewhere to eat locally. This keeps the afternoon flexible rather than committing you to a distant attraction.
Afternoon: Monken Hadley
Walk through Monken Hadley Common and the surrounding historic streets. Allow time to explore rather than treating the common as a quick photo stop.
Alternative afternoon
If the weather is poor, swap the outdoor walk for the Royal Air Force Museum in Colindale.
Evening: Arts and entertainment
For an evening activity, check the current programme at artsdepot or Chickenshed.
For a simpler evening, head towards Brent Cross for food and leisure.
Best Things to Do in Barnet by interest
| If you enjoy… | Start with… |
| History | Barnet Museum and Hadley Green |
| Walking | Monken Hadley Common and Dollis Valley Greenwalk |
| Aviation | Royal Air Force Museum |
| Gardens | Stephens House & Gardens |
| Adventure | Go Ape Cockfosters |
| Theatre | artsdepot or Chickenshed |
| Architecture | Hampstead Garden Suburb |
| Shopping | Brent Cross |
| Family activities | RAF Museum, Friary Park or Go Ape |
| Free activities | Hadley Green, parks, walks and Barnet Museum |
Pros and cons of visiting Barnet
Pros
- Strong local history, particularly around the Battle of Barnet.
- Plenty of parks and open spaces.
- Several good family attractions.
- Free museums and outdoor activities.
- Good Underground connections from several parts of the borough.
- A useful mix of heritage, culture, shopping and countryside.
Cons
- The borough is geographically large, so attractions are spread out.
- Some museums and heritage venues have limited opening hours.
- A few attractions require booking.
- Public transport connections vary depending on which part of Barnet you are visiting.
- Some outdoor attractions are less enjoyable in poor weather.
The solution is simple: plan around one part of Barnet rather than trying to cover the entire borough in one trip.
What are the best free things to do in Barnet?
The strongest free options include Barnet Museum, Hadley Green, Monken Hadley Common, many of Barnet’s parks and open spaces, and the public gardens at Stephens House & Gardens. The Royal Air Force Museum also offers free entry, although visitors are advised to book free site entry.
For a low-cost day, combine Barnet Museum with a walk around Hadley Green and Monken Hadley.
FAQ
1. What are the best things to do in Barnet?
The best things to do in Barnet include visiting Barnet Museum, exploring Hadley Green, walking through Monken Hadley Common, visiting the Royal Air Force Museum, exploring Trent Country Park, trying Go Ape Cockfosters and attending a performance at artsdepot.
2. Is Barnet good for a day out?
Yes. Barnet works well for a day trip, particularly if you focus on one area. A history day can combine Barnet Museum, High Barnet, Hadley Green and Monken Hadley, while families can choose the RAF Museum, Trent Country Park or Go Ape.
3. Is Barnet Museum free?
Yes. Barnet Museum has free admission. It is at 31 Wood Street and currently publishes limited afternoon opening hours on several weekdays and Sundays, with longer Saturday hours. Check the museum’s website before visiting.
4. Where can I learn about the Battle of Barnet?
Hadley Green is traditionally identified with the Battle of Barnet, fought in 1471 during the Wars of the Roses. Barnet Museum also has a Battle of Barnet display and local historical material.
5. What are the best free things to do in Barnet?
Free options include Barnet Museum, Hadley Green, Monken Hadley Common, many of Barnet’s parks and open spaces, Stephens House & Gardens and the Royal Air Force Museum.
6. What can families do in Barnet?
Families can visit the Royal Air Force Museum, explore Trent Country Park, book Go Ape Cockfosters, visit Friary Park, attend family programming at artsdepot or choose indoor activities at Brent Cross.
7. Is there good walking in Barnet?
Yes. Barnet has extensive parks and open spaces, including Monken Hadley Common, Hadley Green and sections of the Dollis Valley Greenwalk. The full Dollis Valley route is around 10 miles, but it can be tackled in shorter sections.
8. What can I do in Barnet when it rains?
The Royal Air Force Museum is one of the strongest rainy-day choices. Barnet Museum, artsdepot, Chickenshed, Phoenix Cinema and indoor attractions at Brent Cross also provide alternatives.
Final thoughts
Barnet is best understood as a collection of different neighbourhoods rather than a single attraction.
High Barnet and Hadley are the places to go for history, old streets and the story of the Wars of the Roses. Monken Hadley adds woodland and open space, while Trent Country Park offers a larger countryside experience around Cockfosters. Colindale has one of north London’s strongest aviation attractions, and Finchley and North Finchley provide gardens, theatres, shopping and cultural venues.
For first-time visitors, a historic walk around High Barnet, Hadley Green and Monken Hadley makes a strong introduction. Families may prefer the RAF Museum or Go Ape, while walkers can build a day around Barnet’s parks and the Dollis Valley Greenwalk.
The practical tip is to check opening times and transport before leaving home, then choose two or three nearby activities rather than attempting to cross the entire borough in one day.
