Hendon is one of those parts of north London that quietly gets on with being a very liveable place. It has proper neighbourhood energy, good transport, a few genuinely lovely green spaces, and a surprising amount of history packed into its streets. It is also a place where you can spend a calm Sunday morning in a park, then be in central London without feeling like you have crossed continents.
If you are researching a move, planning a day out, or just trying to understand what Hendon is like beyond the postcode, this guide is built to answer the questions people actually type into Google: what to do, how to get there, where to eat, what it costs, and what it feels like to live here.
Quick note: Hendon usually refers to the NW4 area (Barnet), but locals also talk about nearby pockets like West Hendon around the Welsh Harp and Hendon rail station. I cover both where it is helpful.
Hendon At A Glance
Hendon sits in the London Borough of Barnet, roughly north west of central London, and it blends three things that rarely coexist without friction: strong transport links, family friendly streets, and pockets of proper nature.
What it feels like day to day
- Residential and settled in many streets, with a mix of classic suburban houses, mansion blocks, and newer flats.
- Student and academic in places, thanks to Middlesex University’s London campus in Hendon. Middlesex – London
- Culturally layered, with long established communities, busy local shops, and food options that punch above their weight for a “quiet” area.
- Aviation history everywhere, especially once you realise how close you are to the RAF Museum and the story of Hendon as a cradle of early flight. RAF Museum
The quick geography that helps
- Hendon Central is the Underground anchor for many people, served by the Northern line and in Zone 3 plus 4. Transport for London
- Hendon rail station (Thameslink) is especially useful for fast north south journeys, and it is also the station most associated with West Hendon. Transport for London
- The A41 and North Circular are close, which is a blessing for drivers and a reality check for anyone sensitive to traffic noise in certain pockets. martyngerrard.co.uk
Why Hendon is on more shortlists in 2026
A lot of Londoners are doing the same calculation: “I want space, I want good transport, and I do not want to pay a premium just for a fashionable name.” Hendon often lands in that sweet spot, especially for buyers and renters who like being near Golders Green, Finchley, Mill Hill, and Brent Cross without being right in the thick of it.
Getting To Hendon And Moving Around
Transport is one of Hendon’s biggest selling points, and it is not just one option. You get the Tube, National Rail, major roads, and plenty of buses.
The Tube
Hendon Central Underground Station is on the Northern line and sits in Zone 3 plus 4. Transport for London
That matters because it keeps Hendon realistic for commuting, meeting friends, and getting around London without needing a car.
Practical tip: if you are house hunting, it is worth timing the walk from the exact street to the station at the time you would actually travel. Hendon has hills and busy crossings in places, and “ten minutes” can mean different things to different people.
National Rail and Thameslink
Hendon rail station is served by Thameslink, which can be brilliant if your life involves cross London travel without swapping lines multiple times. Transport for London
It is also a very useful option if you are commuting to places like St Pancras area, the City via Thameslink core stations, or heading north.
Accessibility varies by station and platform, so if step free access matters, check the operator’s station information before you commit to a route. Thameslink Railway
Roads and driving
Hendon is close to the A41 and the North Circular, and it has good access to the wider road network. Middlesex University explicitly points out proximity to the North Circular and A41 as part of Hendon’s connectivity. Middlesex – London
This is useful if you work across London, travel frequently, or you are the designated family driver.
The honest trade off: traffic can be heavy at peak times, and some pockets near major roads will feel louder than the quieter residential streets.
Local buses and everyday convenience
Even if you barely use buses, the dense network matters because it keeps Hendon connected to nearby high streets, shopping areas, and stations. It is one of the reasons Hendon works well for people who want to live car light or car free.
Best Things To Do In Hendon
If your mental picture of Hendon is “just houses”, you are missing the best bits. Here are the places that actually make weekends feel like weekends.
Visit the RAF Museum London
This is the headline attraction in the wider Hendon area, and it is genuinely worth a trip even if you are not an aviation obsessive. The RAF Museum London promotes free entry and runs a packed programme of exhibitions and family friendly activities. RAF Museum
What to do there
- Walk the hangars and get close to aircraft you have only seen in books or documentaries
- Take kids or curious friends because it is interactive and not stuffy
- Use it as a “local gem” day out when you do not want central London crowds
If you like the deeper backstory, the RAF Museum itself documents Hendon’s role in aviation before and after the RAF, including Hendon’s earlier life as a civil aerodrome and RAF station. RAF Museum
Spend time around the Welsh Harp and Brent Reservoir
Locals will often say “the Welsh Harp” with the same affection people reserve for their favourite big park. Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp) is described as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with habitats that support an unusually large selection of wetland birds and plants for an inner city reservoir. Canal & River Trust
A detail that tells you it is actively cared for: the Canal and River Trust notes funding used for floating ecosystems to support nesting habitat and improve water quality. Canal & River Trust
How to enjoy it
- A calm walk when you need air and perspective
- Birdwatching if you are that way inclined
- A low cost “reset day” that feels far from London even though it is not
Parks that make Hendon feel greener than people expect
Sunny Hill Park is one of the best “local life” parks. It is large, hilly, and known for wide views, and it is recognised for nature conservation value alongside neighbouring Hendon Churchyard. Wikipedia
This is the kind of park where families spend entire afternoons: playground, sports courts, and enough open space to feel like you have escaped the density of London. Wikipedia
Hendon’s civic heart and the Town Hall area
Hendon Town Hall is not just a building you pass. It is a key local landmark and the location for Barnet council meetings, and Barnet lists its address right on The Burroughs in NW4. Barnet Council
Even if you never go inside, it anchors the area and gives Hendon a clear “centre” feeling in a borough where some places are more scattered.
A quiet history lesson hidden in plain sight
Hendon’s aviation story is not just museum marketing. Hendon Aerodrome played a major role in early aviation history in London, and the museum and surrounding area still carry that heritage. Wikipedia
Property Renting And Cost Of Living
People come to Hendon for the liveability, but they stay (or move on) based on the numbers. Here is the reality, with the clearest available public indicators.
What homes cost in Hendon and NW4
Sold price data changes, but it is still useful for getting your bearings.
- Rightmove reports an overall average sold price in Hendon of about £602,614 over the last year, with flats the most common sale type. Rightmove
- Zoopla reports an average sold price in NW4 of about £623,296 over the last 12 months, with clear differences by property type. Zoopla
- Rightmove also reports NW4 overall average around £641,292 over the last year, again with flats dominating transactions. Rightmove
Takeaway: Hendon is not “cheap”, but it often looks comparatively good value against areas closer to Zone 2, particularly when you factor in space, schools, and green space access.
What renters should expect
Rents fluctuate too quickly for any guide to pin down without going stale, but the pattern is consistent:
- Flats near Hendon Central and Hendon rail are popular with commuters and students
- Family houses command a premium, especially in quieter pockets and near strong schools
- Newer developments can be more expensive but may come with modern insulation, lifts, gyms, or concierge features
Where people look within Hendon
Hendon is not one uniform thing. In practice, people compare:
- Hendon Central area for walkability to the Tube
- The Burroughs for the town hall and Middlesex University presence
- West Hendon for proximity to Hendon rail station and the Welsh Harp side of life Wikipedia
- Pockets edging towards Golders Green or Finchley for specific school catchments and high street access
A sensible note on “is Hendon safe”
Safety is always personal. It depends on your routine, your street, and your comfort level. With that said, if you want data points:
- Crystal Roof lists Hendon ward with an annual total crime rate metric and rates it as relatively low compared to many areas, while also providing borough context. Crystal Roof
- Barnet Open Data highlights how crime types vary and notes that crime levels differ significantly between wards, including West Hendon in some comparisons. open.barnet.gov.uk
- For the most practical, postcode level view, the official police site provides a local crime map you can check around any specific street you are considering. Police.uk
Best advice: do not decide based on borough wide averages alone. Check the immediate area at day and night, and use the crime map for the specific postcode.
Schools Campus Life And Community
Hendon often wins people over because it supports real life: families, students, professionals, and older residents who want calm without isolation.
Middlesex University gives Hendon a steady rhythm
Middlesex University’s London campus is in Hendon, and the university itself emphasises that it is close to the Northern line and Thameslink rail, with routes into central London in under 30 minutes. Middlesex – London
That student presence keeps cafés and everyday amenities busy, and it adds a bit of energy without turning the area into a late night party zone.
Schools and the family conversation
If you are moving with children, Hendon is often evaluated through the lens of schools and catchments.
Two official reference points you can use as starting anchors:
- Hendon School is listed by Ofsted with its key facts (age range, type, local authority). Ofsted Reports
- St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School also has an Ofsted listing with address details and inspection record access. Ofsted Reports
Because Ofsted grades and leadership changes can shift, the best approach is:
- shortlist schools within your realistic travel radius
- read the latest full Ofsted report for each
- if moving, confirm catchment rules directly with the school or local authority
Community and identity in Hendon
Barnet has one of the UK’s largest Jewish populations, and Barnet’s own open data summary of Census 2021 notes that residents identifying as Jewish make up 14.5% of Barnet’s population, well above the London average. open.barnet.gov.uk
In Hendon itself, you can see that cultural presence in everyday life, especially around Brent Street, where kosher cafés and restaurants are part of the local food landscape. Tripadvisor
That same “everyday diversity” is one of Hendon’s strengths: you do not need a festival weekend to feel like you live somewhere with multiple cultures and rhythms. It is just built into the place.
Food Shopping And Local Tips
If you want Hendon to make sense quickly, spend a couple of hours on Brent Street and nearby routes. It is where you feel the area’s personality.
Eating and drinking in Hendon
Hendon’s food scene is not trying to be Shoreditch. It is trying to be good, reliable, and local. That often means:
- independent cafés where staff remember faces
- family restaurants that have survived long enough to be institutions
- a strong kosher dining presence around Brent Street
A couple of concrete examples that show up in local listings and reviews:
- Sami’s Kosher on Brent Street is repeatedly described as a long standing Hendon staple. Tripadvisor
- Places like Bagels Bar operate directly on Brent Street, reinforcing how this strip functions as a food hub rather than a single standout venue. bagelsbar.com
Tip for visitors: if you are planning around Shabbat hours, some venues will have different weekend schedules, so check opening times before you travel.
Shopping and essentials
Hendon is not built around one huge shopping centre, but it sits near several strong retail zones. For daily needs, local supermarkets and independents cover most bases. For bigger shopping missions, many residents hop towards Brent Cross or other nearby centres depending on what they need.
A simple one day itinerary that actually works
If you want to “try” Hendon in a day, do this:
Morning
- Coffee and breakfast around Brent Street
- A walk in Sunny Hill Park for views and fresh air Wikipedia
Midday
- RAF Museum London for a few hours, especially if you want something memorable and free entry RAF Museum
Afternoon
- Welsh Harp for a calmer finish, with a proper nature feel Canal & River Trust
Evening
- Dinner back on Brent Street or in nearby Golders Green depending on your mood
Local tips for people moving to Hendon
- Choose your “main station” first. Living near the Tube feels different from living near Hendon rail, even if both are Hendon on paper. Transport for London
- Check road noise. Hendon’s connectivity comes with major roads nearby, and the difference between two streets can be huge. Middlesex – London
- Use the police crime map for the exact postcode. It is the quickest way to sanity check any area you are unsure about. Police.uk
- Walk the area at the times you will live it. School run, late evening, weekend mornings. Hendon changes personality throughout the week.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hendon
Is Hendon a good place to live in 2026
For many people, yes, especially if you want a calmer residential base with strong transport links and green space. It is not the cheapest corner of London, but it often feels worth it when you factor in lifestyle.
What zone is Hendon Central
TfL lists Hendon Central as Zone 3 plus 4. Transport for London
Is Hendon on the Northern line
Yes. Hendon Central is on the Northern line. Transport for London
Does Hendon have a Thameslink station
Yes. Hendon rail station is served by Thameslink. Transport for London
What is the best free thing to do near Hendon
The RAF Museum London is the standout, and it promotes free entry. RAF Museum
Where is the best nature spot near Hendon
Brent Reservoir, also known as the Welsh Harp, is a top choice and is recognised as a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Canal & River Trust
Is Hendon good for students
It works well largely because Middlesex University is based in Hendon and the area has good links into central London. Middlesex – London
Where is Hendon Town Hall
Barnet lists Hendon Town Hall at The Burroughs, Hendon, London NW4 4BG. Barnet Council
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Transport timetables, prices, and development plans can change. Always verify details with official sources and professionals before making decisions.