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Content: With its own cricket green and duck pond, as well as a range of independent shops, farmers’ markets and cosy pubs, Barnes has all the qualities of a quintessential English country village. The village is listed in the Domesday Book, and it’s easy to imagine people living the good life here for a thousand years and more. Surrounded on three sides by a particularly picturesque stretch of the Thames and with 120 acres of green space enclosing it, it's no surprise that Barnes is one of London's greenest areas. A sense of peace and quiet prevails here, with strong community ties that bind its residents, but despite this almost rural atmosphere it also enjoys fine restaurants, contemporary design shops and even a fringe theatre. A train link takes residents to Waterloo in a mere 20 minutes, hence Barnes’s popularity with City professionals, and the major transport hub of Hammersmith is also easily accessible. In recent years Barnes has attracted a new demographic of international families, especially Swedish, and young professionals. Name: barnes_text_1 Content:Things to do in Barnes
Outdoors: For picturesque walks, it’s best to stick to the river’s south bank, safely removed from the busy roads north of Hammersmith Bridge. The bridge itself is a landmark in the Oxford and Cambridge University Boat Race, and Barnes locals with a riverfront property can enjoy the annual spectacle from the comfort of home. The wildlife spotting opportunities at the London Wetland Centre are sure to delight all animal lovers.
Eating: Sonny’s Kitchen is co-owned by Michelin starred chef Phil Howard and his influence can be seen throughout the menu. In summer it’s worth braving the queues at Dolce Crema for a creamy and rich Italian gelato, while on colder days riverside pubs like The White Hart and The Bull’s Head are filled with locals enjoying a hearty roast.
Culture: The Riverside Gallery showcases a broad selection of contemporary art of every genre, including sculpture, ceramics and glass. The Old Sorting Office Art Centre hosts art exhibitions as well as putting on professional and amateur plays and musicals all year round.
Community: The Barnes Community Association organises social activities and events, fundraising to support the local community, and campaigns to expand the Barnes Conservation Area. Annual events include the Easter Duck Race, the Barnes Fair in July and a Grand Jumble Sale in October. The Barnes Charity Fashion Show takes place every September, and pulls the community together over fashion and fizz.
Local amenities
• Taking place every Saturday, the Barnes Farmers’ Market is one of the oldest in London. It's held opposite the Duck Pond at Essex House.
• Those seeking delicious homemade dishes, a fine charcuterie selection or freshly baked sweet treats can take their pick of Barnes’s delicatessens. Old favourite Gusto & Relish is award winning and stocks locally sourced produce.
• The popular Ginger Pig butchery and deli is on Church Road.
• The Barnes coffee scene favours quirky independents including Spoonful and Fresh Café.
• To keep in shape, locals need look no further than the gym at Barn Elms Sports Centre. With football and cricket pitches, netball courts and tennis courts, it’s also a favourite spot for local children during the holidays.
• For something a bit different head to the Educogym, an unusual gym with a focus on nutrition and short, intense workouts. Great post workout treats can be found at the area’s many spas, like the acclaimed Kate Anderson.
• Castelnau Library runs storytelling sessions for children, as well as hosting regular reading groups for people of all ages.
Transport
Tube: Many Barnes residents live within walking distance of Hammersmith Tube. From this Zone 2 station, Piccadilly Line trains to Leicester Square take 20 minutes, and it’s also 20 minutes to Embankment on the District Line.
Rail: South West Trains services run every eight minutes on weekdays from Barnes station to Waterloo, taking 25 minutes.
Bus: Buses from Barnes connect with a variety of south west London locations. The 33 (to Fulwell), 72 (to Roehampton) and 485 (to Wandsworth) are particularly useful, and several others connect through Hammersmith station. The 33 and 72 are 24-hour services.
Road: It’s a 15-minute drive from Barnes to the M4, and from there the M25 is just half an hour away.
Education
Lowther Primary School, Barnes Primary, East Sheen Primary School and St Mary Magdalen's Catholic Primary School are all options for younger children, and a range of state secondary’s are available too. Barnes’s independent choices include The Harrodian School and the well-known St Paul’s School for boys. The Swedish School caters to the area’s Scandinavian residents.
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