Barnet: Discover Green Routes and History

In Barnet, green landscapes and historic sites sit side by side: paths lead through open green spaces, while the museum, well and churches tell the story of the area. Those planning a trip to Barnet can choose nature and culture as separate focuses—or combine both.

Paths through Barnet’s Green Spaces

The Dollis Valley Greenwalk links green spaces from Moat Mount in Mill Hill, through Barnet, to Hampstead Heath. The walking route is 10 miles long, mostly flat and has firm surfaces. It is suitable for walkers, runners and wheelchair users; weather and maintenance can affect the condition of the route in specific places. Cycling is possible on some sections, which are signposted for that purpose.

The Barnet and Hadley Walk offers a shorter route: it is about 5.5 kilometres long and has ten stops in and around High Barnet and Hadley. The two routes therefore differ in both length and layout. If you would like to check the current route or available route materials, contact the Council in advance.

Nature Reserves and Landscape

The 32-hectare Darlands nature reserve is in Totteridge Valley, between Totteridge and Mill Hill in the London Borough of Barnet. Woodland, wetlands, grassland, scrub, carr woodland and open water form a diverse habitat there. The landscape is ideal for walks in a rural setting and wildlife watching.

The Woodridge Nature Reserve is on a different scale: this local nature reserve in Barnet covers 2.47 hectares and features numerous oak trees as well as wooded and grassy areas. Totteridge Fields also has its own distinctive landscape: the area is considered a piece of traditional English countryside and is full of diverse life every spring and summer. The London Outer Orbital Path runs along its northern boundary and provides access.

Barnet’s parks and open spaces include formal parks and gardens as well as natural landscapes, extensive green belts and green river valleys. Community amenities in the parks include opportunities for recreational sports, park cafés, playgrounds and dog walking. The facilities available may vary from park to park.

Museum, Well and Historic Sites

Barnet Museum is housed in an early Georgian building in the Wood Street Conservation Area, in the heart of Chipping Barnet. Its collection includes hundreds of artefacts dating from the Bronze Age to the present day. An archive complements it with material on local history and family history research. The museum is run by volunteers; check current opening arrangements before visiting.

Barnet Physic Well is a mineral spring once believed to have healing properties and visited by Samuel Pepys. Beneath a Tudor-style building erected in 1937 lies a 17th-century well chamber. Volunteers from Barnet Museum look after the well and offer regular public openings with free admission. Check the current opening dates with the museum in advance.

St Mary the Virgin Church in Monken Hadley also tells the story of several eras: the Grade II listed church was rebuilt in 1494 on a site where religious buildings had stood since the 12th century. At Hadley Highstone, a stone obelisk erected in 1740 commemorates the Battle of Barnet.

Historic sites also include Stephens House & Gardens, a Grade II listed house with extensive landscaped gardens. Henry Charles “Inky” Stephens donated the gardens for public use and enjoyment.

Market History in High Barnet

High Barnet’s market has existed since at least the 12th century, though it has taken different forms and been located in various places. Its history extends beyond local trade: until the late Tudor period, the market controlled the sale of almost all the meat in London. High Barnet therefore also played an important role in London’s meat trade until the late Tudor period.

Discover more destinations: Barnet, Golders Green, Greenwich, Islington, Westminster, Hillingdon, Brent, Newham.

For the main travel overview: Greater London.