Let me be honest with you. Cricklewood isn’t the first name that springs to mind when people dream of London. It doesn’t have the royal parks of Kensington or the hipster buzz of Shoreditch. For years, to many, it was just a name on the Thameslink line, a blur of traffic on the A5, or perhaps a mention in an old film. But having spent a good amount of time there, I’ve come to see it for what it truly is: one of London’s most unassuming and genuinely mixed communities. It’s a place where you can find a century-old pub next to a fantastic Kurdish restaurant, where vast green parks sit alongside bustling, no-frills high streets. This guide is for anyone curious about Cricklewood, whether you’re a potential resident, a commuter passing through, or just someone who likes to explore London’s less-charted corners. We’ll walk through its location, its heartbeat, and the practicalities of life here.
Where Exactly is Cricklewood? Let’s Clear Up the Confusion
This is the first thing to understand about Cricklewood. Its borders are famously fuzzy. Ask three locals where it starts and ends, and you might get three different answers. Officially, it’s a district in North West London, straddling three London boroughs: Barnet, Brent, and Camden. Postally, it’s mostly NW2. The main spine is the A5, Cricklewood Broadway, which runs through its heart.
To give you a mental map, think of it like this. Cricklewood is nestled between some better-known neighbours. To the north, you have the affluent suburb of Golders Green. To the east, the peaceful, family-oriented West Hampstead. To the south, the creative hub of Kilburn. And to the west, the massive expanse of the Welsh Harp reservoir and Brent Cross. This in-betweenness is key to Cricklewood’s identity. It’s a borderland, absorbing influences from all around it, which is why it feels so diverse. The easiest landmark is probably the iconic Cricklewood Clock Tower, a local meeting point that has seen the area change for over a century.
The Character of Cricklewood: More Village Than You’d Think
If you only know Cricklewood from its busy Broadway, you’re missing its secret. Step away from the main road, and you’ll find rows of quiet, tree-lined Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. The atmosphere shifts quickly from bustling to peaceful. There’s a strong sense of community here, something I noticed when I saw neighbours chatting on the street and local shopkeepers knowing their customers by name.
Cricklewood has a rich history, particularly with the Irish community, who settled here in large numbers during the mid-20th century. This legacy is alive and well in pubs like The Crown and The Royal Oak, which have a proper, old-school public house feel. But the community has expanded wonderfully. Today, you’ll hear a tapestry of languages and find shops and restaurants representing the world. There’s a significant Polish presence, fantastic Middle Eastern grocers, and incredible Kurdish and Turkish grills that are worth the trip alone. It’s not a polished, gentrified bubble. It’s real, working London, and that’s its strength. It feels lived-in and authentic.
The Practicalities: Cricklewood Transport & Getting Around
Now, let’s talk about getting in and out, because Cricklewood’s transport is its superpower. The star of the show is Cricklewood Thameslink station. This isn’t just a little local stop. Thameslink services run on a core north-south line through central London. From here, you can be at St Pancras International (for Eurostar) in about 12 minutes, Farringdon (for the City) in 15, and London Bridge in under 25. You can also go north to St Albans, Luton Airport, and beyond. For a London suburb, this direct, fast link into the heart of the city is a massive advantage.
If you prefer the Tube, Cricklewood Underground station on the Jubilee line is your gateway. It’s just one stop from Kilburn and a short journey to Finchley Road, where you can change for the Metropolitan line. It’s also a straight shot to Bond Street, Green Park, and Waterloo. Between Thameslink and the Jubilee line, you have an exceptional range of options. The bus network is also extensive, with routes like the 16, 32, 98, and 332 connecting you to places like Victoria, Willesden, and Neasden. For drivers, the A5 and the North Circular (A406) are right there, which is great for accessibility, though it does contribute to the traffic you’ll notice on the main roads.
Living in Cricklewood: An Honest Look at Pros, Cons & Property
So, is Cricklewood a good place to live? Like anywhere, it depends on what you value. Let’s break it down.
On the plus side, you get a lot more space for your money compared to its more fashionable neighbours like West Hampstead or Hampstead. The housing stock is largely Victorian and Edwardian terraces and semi-detached houses, many with generous gardens. There are also modern apartment developments, particularly near the stations. It’s fantastically well-connected, as we’ve covered. You have a big, beautiful green space right on your doorstep in Gladstone Park (more on that soon). And the local amenities are practical and diverse – you can find almost any ingredient you need for a global recipe on the Broadway.
On the challenge side, the main through-roads are busy and can be noisy. The Broadway has pockets that feel a bit tired and could use investment, though there are always new independent spots popping up. It lacks the boutique, high-end shopping streets of other areas, but that also means it’s less expensive. The schools are a mix, with some good primary options, but it’s not known as a prime catchment area for outstanding secondaries, so parents often research carefully.
From a property perspective, it represents value. It’s an area often spotted by first-time buyers and young families who are priced out of adjacent postcodes but want to stay connected. The sense is of an area with potential, quietly waiting for more people to discover its benefits.
The Heart of the Community: Pubs, Eats & Gladstone Park
Life in Cricklewood isn’t about glossy attractions. It’s about the daily pleasures. For a pint in a proper pub, you can’t go wrong with The Crown on Cricklewood Broadway. It’s spacious, has a great beer garden, and often has live music and a buzzing atmosphere. The Royal Oak is another classic, with a warm, welcoming feel.
When you’re hungry, the world is your oyster. For a superb, value-for-money meal, head to one of the Kurdish/Turkish restaurants like Hazev or Antepliler. The mixed grills and freshly baked bread are incredible. The Cricklewood Fryer is a legend for fish and chips. For a fancier meal, Pizza Pappagone on the border with West Hampstead does excellent Italian food.
But Cricklewood’s crown jewel is undoubtedly Gladstone Park. This 80-acre park is a proper local treasure. It’s not just a field; it has a great children’s playground, a small animal enclosure (with goats and chickens), tennis courts, a café, and the remnants of Dollis Hill House, which offered views that inspired Winston Churchill. On a sunny weekend, the park is full of families, football games, and people walking their dogs. It gives the area a breathing space and a real community focal point that many London neighbourhoods would envy.
Conclusion: The Cricklewood Verdict
Cricklewood won’t try to sell you a fantasy. It’s not a picture-perfect postcard. What it offers is something arguably more valuable: authenticity, fantastic transport links, solid housing, and a relaxed, unpretentious community spirit. It’s for people who want to be connected to London without paying a premium for a trendy postcode, who appreciate diversity in their daily life, and who find joy in a great local park and a honest pub. It’s an under-the-radar neighbourhood that gets on with things, offering a slice of real, convenient, and surprisingly green London life. If you’re looking for a place that feels like a community rather than a destination, Cricklewood might just be your happy surprise.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is Cricklewood in London a safe area?
A: Like many parts of London, Cricklewood has safer and less-safe spots. The residential streets away from the main roads are generally quiet and feel safe. As always, it’s wise to be aware of your surroundings on the busy Broadway, especially late at night. Checking local police crime maps for specific streets is recommended when considering a move.
Q2: Which London zone is Cricklewood in?
A: Cricklewood stations (both Thameslink and Underground) are in Travelcard Zone 3. This makes it a relatively affordable zone for commuting compared to inner London zones.
Q3: What’s the difference between Cricklewood and Kilburn?
A: They are neighbours, with Kilburn roughly to the south and east of Cricklewood. Kilburn High Road is busier and more densely packed with shops and nightlife. Cricklewood tends to have a slightly more suburban, residential feel in its side streets, though their borders blend into each other.
Q4: Does Cricklewood have a market?
A: There isn’t a major daily street market like in other areas. However, the Broadway itself acts as a continuous line of shops, grocers, and independent retailers that serve the community’s needs.
Q5: Is Cricklewood good for families?
A: It can be. The primary benefits are access to larger, more affordable homes with gardens, and the excellent resource of Gladstone Park. The transport links are also great for family outings. The consideration for families is often around secondary school options, so thorough research is advised.
Q6: What is Cricklewood famous for historically?
A: It was once famous for Cricklewood Studios, where many early British films were made, including Alfred Hitchcock’s The Lodger. It was also a major industrial and manufacturing centre, home to the Handley Page aircraft factory and Smith’s clocks. The Irish community’s strong presence is also a key part of its social history.