Tucked away between the rock-n-roll atmosphere of Camden and the lush landscapes of Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill is a picturesque neighbourhood that’s jam-packed with charming hotspots adored by locals. Whether you fancy a coffee with one of the best views of the capital or a drool-worthy dining experience in a renowned restaurant, you’re truly spoilt for choice in and around this gorgeous stretch of north London.
Historically a pasture for cattle until the mid-19th century, this area transformed into one of London’s most desireable neighbourhoods, known for its colourful townhouses, tree-lined streets, and bohemian spirit.
With the unbeatable views of the city from the top of the hill, it has long been a magnet for artists and writers, still being great for celeb-spotting if you’re into that kinda thing! So without further ado, here’s a quintessential Secret London round-up of some must-do activities in Primrose Hill.
1. Kick-start your day at ARVO Coffee
Need a caffeine boost before some well-earned exploration? Head to ARVO Coffee, a small and stylish café serving up top-tier brews and beverages. Located directly on the gorgeous Regent’s Park Road (more on that later), it’s the perfect place to start your day with a flat white and some cake. However, you can’t leave without trying one of their pastries, which are as delicious as they look–and perfect for snapping up some ‘gram pics if you’re a focused foodie for your friends!
📍57 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 8XD, UK
2. Climb to the tippy-top of Primrose Hill
Of course, no visit to Primrose Hill would be complete without visiting the reason for its name. Climb the famous hill itself for sweeping views of London’s skyline, which is undisputedly one of London’s best spots to catch a sunrise or sunset. So, grab yourself a blanket and enjoy one of the best free activities in London! We highly recommend taking a picnic if the weather calls for it, or if you’re looking to avoid the spenny restaurants in the area.
📍Primrose Hill Rd, London NW1 4NR.
3. Take a walk on the wild side at London Zoo
Located at the bottom of Primrose Hill, London Zoo is one of the oldest and most famous zoos in the world. Home to over 750 species, it’s an all-ages crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for families. From penguins to lions, tigers and beyond, it’s the perfect way to spend a fun afternoon learning all about wildlife and preservation. For more information and to book your tickets, click here.
📍Outer Cir, Camden, London NW1 4RY.
4. Get the pints in at The Pembroke Castle
Part of Camden’s urban myth of the railway workers that’s rooted in the 19th century, it’s said that pubs started to pop up around the area to cater for rival workers from England, Ireland, and Scotland, with the Pembroke Castle created for the Welsh in the 1860s. It’s unknown how legit this theory is, however, it doesn’t denote the fact that you should visit all of them as they are all special in their own, unique way. With a cosy interior and brilliant beer garden, this beloved Camden pub is great for some pints and pub grub, whatever the weather!
📍150 Gloucester Avenue, Camden, London, NW1 8JA.
5. Take a picturesque stroll down Regent’s Park Road
We’ve already mentioned Regent’s Park Road, which is the main artery connecting Camden to Primrose Hill. This stunning street is lined with pastel-coloured homes, independent boutiques, charming cafés, and quirky shops. Whether you’re window shopping, stocking up on reading material at a bookshop, or on the hunt for a hearty lunch, Regent’s Park Road has got you covered.
📍Regents Park Road, London, NW1 8UT
6. Dine at the charitable restaurant Home Kitchen
While we’re on the topic of Regent’s Park Road, a newly-opened restaurant is taking the area by storm that every Londoner should know about. As well as being a fantastic spot for a fine dining experience, Home Kitchen is doing some good by helping to tackle London’s homeless population. Hiring people who are experiencing homelessness, they offer training, advice, and help to cook up better lives for marginalised communities. Co-created by Michelin-starred chef Adam Simmons, if you’re into great food, then this is the restaurant for you. For more information, click here to read our article.
📍130 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 8XL.
7. Pay a visit to the Primrose Hill Food Market
Every Saturday, locals flock to the Primrose Hill Food Market for a fabulous range of organic produce, artisan products, and beyond. Perfect if you want to support local buisinesses and get some stuff for the pantry, this lesser-known market is an absolute gem if you find yourself in the area on the weekend. So, grab some snacks, maybe a coffee, and enjoy a lazy morning browsing all the fresh offerings before soaking up those Primrose Hill views.
📍Elsworthy Rd, London NW3 3DS.
8. Enjoy a walk down Regent’s Canal
For a lovely stroll to Camden or Little Venice, as well as other parts of London, make your way to Regent’s Canal. The tranquil waters offer a gorgeous contrast to the bustling city streets, and walking along the canal is one of the best ways to explore the area. There are also boat trips from Camden allowing you to explore the canal as it was intended!
📍There are several entryways to the canal in the Primrose Hill area.
9. See what’s on at the Cecil Sharp House
Folk music fans, this one’s for you! Cecil Sharp House is one of London’s more unique music venues and community centres, and is a hub for English folk music and dance. Offering gigs, performances, workshops, and exhibitions, it’s always worth checking out their schedule to see what’s on, folk fanatic or not! For more information and their current itinerary, click here to visit their website.
📍There are several entryways to the canal in the Primrose Hill area.
10. Tuck into some pub grub at The Queen’s
This is a Secret London neighbourhood round-up, do you really think we’d leave you high and dry with one pub recommendation? Of course not! The Queen’s is a local institution in Primrose Hill, being a Grade II listed building that’s still serving up classic British staples with a fantastic selection of ales and beers to boot! With its cosy atmosphere and stunning location, it’s a great stop after a long canal-side stroll, especially if you’re craving some grub as the food is top-tier.
📍49 Regent’s Park Rd, London NW1 8XD.
So there we have it – the best thing to do in and around Primrose Hill. From fabulous dining to watching the sunset on its iconic hill, keep these hotspots in mind for the next time you’re exploring Camden and its adorable neighbour.