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North Finchley: Essential Things to See and Do

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North Finchley is a delightful area of Barnet brimming with character, charm, and a wide array of activities for visitors of all ages. With the Northern Line ready to whisk you off to Central London and access to an array of green spaces, this area has it all. Whether you’re a local looking to explore more of your neighbourhood or a tourist seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, North Finchley has something for everyone. Here’s a guide to some of the best things to do in this vibrant community.

1. Get creative at Artsdepot

Artsdepot is North Finchley’s cultural hub, offering a wide range of performances, workshops, and classes in art, drama, and dance. The venue also features a gallery and café, making it a perfect spot to spend a creative day. Be sure to check their schedule for upcoming shows and events.

Visit Artsdepot: Artsdepot

2. Explore Darlands Nature Reserve

Located in the picturesque Totteridge Valley, Darlands Nature Reserve offers 80 acres of woodlands, wetlands, grasslands, and a serene lake. It’s a haven for wildlife and provides beautiful walking trails with stunning views. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful retreat or a family outing.

If you want to make a day of it, stop for lunch at The Orange Tree Country Pub.

Visit Darlands Nature Reserve: Darlands Nature Reserve.

3. Shop Local at Barnet Market

Just two stops away on the Northern Line, Barnet Market is held every Wednesday and Saturday. It’s a bustling food market where you can find fresh produce, baked goods, and more.

Visit Barnet Market: Barnet Market

4. Step Back in Time at Stephens House and Gardens

Explore the historic Stephens House and Gardens, a beautiful estate with ten acres of landscaped gardens. The mansion, once home to ink magnate Henry ‘Inky’ Stephens, now hosts a variety of events, workshops, and theatre performances. The on-site café is perfect for a relaxing break amid the picturesque surroundings.

Visit Stephens House: Stephens House & Gardens

5. Embrace Wellness at Local Gyms, Yoga and Pilates Studios

Stay active and embrace wellness at one of North Finchley’s fitness centres or yoga studios. From state-of-the-art gyms to calming yoga sessions, there are plenty of options to help you keep up with your fitness goals while visiting the area.

6. Get Your Hands Dirty at GROW Farm

GROW Farm in Totteridge is an agroecological farm dedicated to sustainable agriculture and community engagement. It’s the perfect place to connect with nature and learn about farming practices, with regular events and workshops throughout the year such as Pick Your Own Flowers, eco tie-dye making and kimchi making (events can be found on their Eventbrite page).

Volunteering opportunities are available on Wednesdays, with options for both drop-in and long-term volunteering.

You can also buy fresh vegetables, pickles, and dried flowers directly from the farm.

Visit GROW Farm: GROW – HOME

7. Catch a Film at Everyman Cinema in Barnet

The Everyman Theatre in Barnet provides a luxurious cinema experience with comfortable seating and a great selection of films, all within a Grade II listed building and boasting some of the most unique screens within the Everyman chain.

Visit Everyman Cinema Barnet: Everyman Cinema

8. Join the Fun at East Finchley’s Community Festival

This free, one-day festival features live music, food stalls, bars, local artisans, community activities, sports, children’s games, and more. It’s a fantastic event for the whole family.

9. Catch up with friends at the Local Pubs

North Finchley is home to several welcoming pubs, perfect for a casual night out:

  • The Elephant Inn: Regular pub quiz nights, pool tournaments, comedy, board games, and a sports bar.
  • The Bohemia: Known for its pub quizzes and on site craft brewery, The London Brewing Company.
  • King of Prussia: Craft beers, homemade pizza, and weekly events on offer. And better yet, there’s free shuffle board and jukebox!
  • The Catcher In The Rye: A relaxed and welcoming pub with classic pub food on offer.

10. Learn the art of pottery throwing from a local artist

Local artist Noriko Nagaoka teaches private pottery throwing lessons and specialises in ceramics inspired by nature. You can also buy her handmade ceramics online. 

Book pottery throwing classes: Noriko Nagaoka Ceramics

11. Enjoy Sports at Old Finchleians

Old Finchleians is a thriving sports club in Woodside Park, offering football, cricket, and golf. With teams for all ages and skill levels, it’s a great place to get active and meet new people.

Visit Old Finchleians: Old Finchleians Club

12. Shop and Pick Your Own at Finchley Nurseries

Just a 15-minute cycle from North Finchley, Finchley Nurseries is a family-run garden centre where you can pick your own fruit, vegetables, and dahlias. The farm shop offers a variety of fresh produce and plants, making it a great place to stock up on local goodies.

Visit Finchley Nurseries: Finchley Nurseries – Home

North Finchley is a treasure trove of activities and experiences waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re looking to immerse yourself in the arts, enjoy the great outdoors, indulge in delicious food, or simply relax and unwind, this charming part of North London has it all. So next time you’re planning a day out, make sure North Finchley is at the top of your list!

Looking to call North Finchley home?

Pocket offers affordable discounted homes exclusively for local city-makers, providing an opportunity for those on moderate incomes to get their foot on the property ladder and own a piece of the city they love. Our homes are unique and we sell our homes to first time buyers at a discount of at least 20% to other one-bedroom flats in the area. Pocket is an alternative to shared ownership, there is no rent payable on these homes, and you will own 100% from day one.

Our Woodside Park N12 development in Barnet is located right next to the underground station, with prices starting from £299,300. These homes are complete and ready to move into now! If you’d like to speak to one of our friendly Sales team, call us on 020 7291 3683 or email at sales@pocketliving.com

Get a Lower Mortgage Rate: The Own New Rate Reducer Explained

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What is an Own New Rate Reducer mortgage?

An Own New Rate Reducer mortgage is a new product which has been launched to help first time buyers with the cost of their monthly mortgage payments, allowing buyers to purchase a new build home with a lower interest rate mortgage. It’s a normal mortgage, just with lower monthly payments for the initial two-year or five-year fixed period.

The Building Societies Association’s Property Tracker Report from March 2024 shows that the recent interest rate rises have meant that the affordability of mortgage repayments remains the biggest challenge facing prospective first time buyers. Own New’s newest product aims to help with this problem.

How does it work?

Pocket has partnered with Own New, who work behind the scenes with mortgage lenders to reduce the cost involved with mortgage loans on new build properties. The reduction is funded by a contribution by Pocket towards the cost of the mortgage and enables the mortgage lender to offer buyers more competitive interest rates during the initial two-year or five-year fixed period of their mortgage.

A purchaser would obtain advice from an independent mortgage adviser (IMA) who is trained on the Rate Reducer scheme. Then once a purchaser has reserved a Pocket home and the purchase is proceeding, Pocket would liaise with Own New to arrange for the lower mortgage rate to be applied to the purchaser’s mortgage. The contribution from Pocket would be paid to Own New when the sale completes (completion is when you get your keys!)

What mortgage rates are available?

Mortgage rates will depend on a number of factors, such as the size of the buyer’s deposit, the lender, the level of incentive available, and whether an initial fixed term of two years or five years is taken out. In some circumstances, particularly when a buyer has a larger deposit, rates below 1% could be available.

Buyers can choose between two and five-year fixed terms, depending on the lender’s criteria.

Where is Own New Rate Reducer available?

An Own New Rate Reducer mortgage is currently available on Pocket homes at Addiscombe Grove CR0.

Buyer’s will need to meet the Pocket eligibility criteria for Addiscombe Grove CR0. Eligibility is at Pocket’s discretion, subject to receiving regulated advice from an independent mortgage advisor, and is subject to lender terms and conditions.