Barnsbury

Guide to Homes, Schools, Restaurants & Transport In Barnsbury, Islington

Barnsbury is one of the most desirable residential neighbourhoods in Islington, situated between Caledonian Road, Upper Street and Liverpool Road. Known for its wide tree-lined streets, tranquil garden squares and elegant Georgian and Victorian architecture. Barnsbury offers a peaceful village feel just moments from the heart of central London. The area takes its name from the manorial lands held by Ralph de Berners in the 13th Century, consisting of hilltop fields and springs until building started in 1820s.

Walking through Barnsbury, it’s easy to forget you’re in one of the busiest cities in the world. The area blends charm and sophistication with easy access to transport and the vibrant amenities of nearby Angel and King’s Cross.

Types of residential property in Barnsbury

Barnsbury is especially renowned for its period homes. You’ll find handsome Georgian townhouses, stucco-fronted villas, and Victorian terraces, many of which remain as family homes while others have been converted into stylish apartments.

The most sought-after properties are located around Lonsdale Square, Thornhill Square, Thornhill Crescent and Barnsbury Square, where homes overlook beautifully maintained garden squares. Quiet back streets like Belitha Villas, Cloudesley Square and Cloudesley Road are also highly prized for their period charm and community atmosphere.

The area is popular with a mix of families, professionals, and long-term residents, many of whom are drawn to Barnsbury for its peaceful setting and architectural beauty, along with some great gastro pubs and restaurants.

Location and transport links

Barnsbury is exceptionally well-connected. Residents can walk to Highbury & Islington station for the Victoria Line and London Overground. Caledonian Road & Barnsbury Overground station provides quick access to East and West London, while Angel station on the Northern Line is also within easy reach. King’s Cross / St Pancras Stations is also a short walk from Barnsbury which provide access to the Circle Line, Hammersmith & City and Metropolitan Lines, Piccadilly Line and Victoria Line with St Pancras International and National.

Regent’s Canal, although admittedly not in Barnsbury but certainly within striking distance, offers a scenic route for walking or cycling towards King’s Cross, Coal Drops Yard, Camden and beyond. The area’s location makes it ideal for commuters travelling into the City, West End or Tech hubs like King’s Cross and Old Street.

Shopping, eating out and entertainment

While Barnsbury itself has a more residential character, it benefits from being just moments away from the lively shops, cafés and restaurants of Upper Street. Islington Square, the former Royal Mail sorting office, welcomes a variety of restaurants and shops as well as a farmers market on Saturdays. Islington Square also offers a variety of entertainment such as the big screen for the likes of Wimbledon and World Cup.

Barnsbury is certainly not short of some highly regarded gastro pubs, with local favourites including The Albion, The Drapers Arms, The Pig and Butcher, The Crown, The Hemingford Arms as well as Sunday for brunch and The Tamil Prince for possibly one of the best curries of your life. For a more extensive retail experience, Coal Drops Yard at King’s Cross and Angel Central shopping centre are both nearby.

Green space and activities

Barnsbury has a peaceful, leafy feel, thanks to its abundance of garden squares and pocket parks. Barnsbury Square Gardens is a local gem – well-maintained and perfect for a quiet stroll or a morning coffee. The square was developed in the 1830’s; in one corner lies the picturesque Mountford Crescent, with pairs of grand stuccoed houses and a single house, once St. Andrews vicarage.

Barnsbury is renowned for several other garden squares such Milner Square, designed by architects Roumieu and Gough in the early 19th century, a beautiful square with substantial properties set over five floors looking onto an oasis of mature trees and cherry blossom trees with an award winning children’s play area.  Gibson Square designed by Francis Edwards takes it name after Thomas Milner Gibson, who secured the lease in 1823 to develop the land for housing. Thornhill Square and Thornhill Crescent, which take their name from the Thornhill family was built in the 1840’s as part of the Thornhill Estate's development, transforming former dairy fields into a residential square with surrounding houses and St Andrew’s Church to the north section.

Lonsdale Square is probably one the most iconic garden square with its distinctive Gothic Revival properties which were designed by Richard Cromwell Carpenter. Built between 1838 and 1845 on land known as Gosseyfield, owned by the Drapers' Company, the area was a former a cattle pen for Smithfield Market. Rumour has it, that they was uproar from residents when the council lifted the original paving stones and replaced them at Lonsdale Square!

Barnsbury Wood located north of Thornhill Crescent is London’s smallest local nature reserve. It opens to the public on Tuesday afternoons and provides a hidden, woodland escape. Thornhill Road Gardens and Barnard Park are also firm favourites with many dog walkers. 

Schools

Barnsbury falls within the Islington Local Education Authority and has access to a wide range of primary and secondary schools. Located within Barnsbury itself are Thornhill Primary School and St Andrew’s (Barnsbury) C of E Primary School, both of which were judged Good in their most recent inspections. Residents of Barnsbury do fall within the catchment of several other schools such as St Mary Magdalene Academy, which was judged Outstanding by Ofsted in 2023.