Colindale is a modern and up-and-coming area of London zone 4, with lots of things to do and see. It boasts great connectivity to Central London, has many places of interest alongside eating and drinking options, and it is home to our student accommodation and Colindale co-living premises. It’s a great place to live for students as it’s close to all the fantastic universities London has to offer.
Let us guide you through the great things to do and the unique character of Colindale.
Where is Colindale?
Colindale is located in the north-western part of London, within the London Borough of Barnet, zone 4. It is serviced by Colindale tube station, which lies on the Northern Line. The Northern line passes through many key areas of Central London (which you can find in the dedicated section about transport links below).
Is Colindale a Good Place to Live?
Yes, Colindale is an awesome place to live, with many green spaces, convenient supermarkets and eateries. It’s an area that balances beautifully between the ease of student living and the perks of a modern neighbourhood. With well-known museums and popular eating destinations, there is so much to explore. The Northern Line means speedy access to North and Central London. Middlesex University students will also be delighted to discover The Stay Club Colindale is a 10-minute bike ride from the university’s campus. The fact that there are cool things to do near Colindale, like Brent Cross Shopping Centre’s many stores and popular chains, is just an added plus.
A Brief History of the Colindale Area
The area remained without buildings, aside from a few exceptions of houses and cottages, until the 20th century. That is when Colindale began to grow. The British Museum’s depository for newspaper collection and Hendon Aerodrome and Police College were constructed around the time when Colindale developed. The fact that the Royal Air Force started flying from Hendon Aerodrome was important for the area that today houses the RAF Museum. Recently, Colindale has been under redevelopment, with new homes in Beaufort Park and surrounding areas.
Colindale Transport Links
Colindale benefits from a variety of bus routes, most of which run through Colindale tube station or nearby Edgware Road. The tube station (situated under a minute from The Stay Club Colindale’s entrance) sits on the Northern Line, which passes through many of the city’s most central destinations easily. Chalk Farm and Camden Town are under 20 minutes on the tube, while King’s Cross (and close-by St. Pancras International train station) are just a few stops further.
The Northern Line splits into the Bank branch and the Charing Cross branch to offer even more destinations in the heart of the city. Depending on which branch you choose to take, you will find yourself walking around beautiful Angel, exploring artsy Shoreditch, or uncovering shops and eateries in Tottenham Court Road and Leicester Square. All in all, Colindale is a great pick if you are looking for an area away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre, still having it within easy reach.
Colindale’s easy access to the Northern Line means great connectivity with Central London, even during weekends. The Northern Line offers 24-hour service on Fridays and Saturdays, accommodating your student nights out.
10 Things to do in Colindale
We have researched some of the need-to-know aspects of living in the area, so you can get a feel for it. From a museum outing all the way to lush green spaces, there is plenty to see and do in and around the area.
- Colindale Park: this one is just opposite the Colindale tube station, and it is a great option to take a stroll and destress if you are a keen jogger.
- Rushgrove Park: as far as weekend outings are concerned, Rushgrove Park treats guests to a wonderful green space. It also has tennis and basketball courts if you are looking to organise a sports match, and some enjoyable walking paths to make the most of.
- Silkstream Park: sits on the opposite side of the Colindale area, close to Burnt Oak tube station and offers surroundings filled with greenery and a silk stream complete with bridges and wildflower planting to browse through.
- Royal Air Force Museum: The RAF Museum is one of Colindale’s most well-known destinations, with good reason. The museum is housed on the former Hendon aerodrome, and its selection of exhibits makes for an intriguing visit.
- Shopping: Moments away from The Stay Club Colindale, there are two supermarkets that can accommodate both your daily groceries, as well as any last-minute needs. There is also a superstore in the local area for when you want more of a choice, and a Chinese supermarket next to it as well. TNQ Colindale also hosts a couple of interesting supermarket chains. If you are looking for a shopping destination that includes anything from clothing brands to homeware, then the nearby Brent Cross Shopping Centre is a great option.
- Check out the traditional Welsh Harp Reservoir
- Indulge in food at the Bang Bang Oriental Foodhall
- Catch a movie at the Vue Cinema
- Play a round of golf at the Colindale Golf Course
- Attend a show at The Glee Club Comedy Club.
Enjoy the Scrumptious Food and Drink in Colindale
For those that appreciate a good bite in the area they live in, Colindale is one of the places where you can find different tastes. You will find a number of restaurants, cafes and bars to enjoy. Some of the area’s highlights can be found below.
Where to Eat
Student life needs to be filled with flavour, and what better way to do precisely that than live in an area with lots of eateries? Just opposite The Stay Club Colindale, you will find Spaccanapoli, an Italian restaurant with a menu that centres around pasta and pizza cooked in Neapolitan style. On Charcot Road, you will also find Mibento Taiwanese Café, offering daily fresh meal options among fixed menu classics. The area also hosts a local Taco Bell, where you can grab quesadillas and tacos to power up between your research sessions, also with a discount when flashing your Stay Club key card.
Cafes to Visit
If you are keener towards places that sport great coffee, pastries and the like, Colindale has you covered. ITJL is one of the area’s local hangouts, offering great coffee and some delicious brunch options. You can also benefit from a cool discount with a key card! Costa Coffee is also available for a coffee on the go, or a quick hot desking session, among other cosy spaces to enjoy, including our own café on the 7th floor (which also boasts a great roof terrace overlooking the area).
Pubs and Bars to Treat Yourself
Student life wouldn’t be the same without your local pubs and bars to head to after you have wrapped up your studying or when catching up with friends. Colindale has a number of them, from traditional Chandos Arms to the Beaufort Pub with its open space to soak in those sun rays during warmer days. It also has a lovely list of destinations to grab a beer or cocktail. Cielo Prlr is another place you’re bound to bump into as soon as you walk outside of our residence. It will treat you to a drinks menu complete with signature cocktails.
If you want to find out more about the pubs and bars scene of North London, though, then our best pubs and bars in North West London guide might be just what you were looking for!
What Health Care is Available in Colindale?
Health care should always be a priority when looking for the best area to live in, so we have gone through some basics to support you during your research:
GP: There is a number of Colindale GP practises, most of which are a walk of fewer than 20 minutes from the accommodation. This easy-to-use NHS Service Search allows you to find the options that are available to you.
Dentist: Caring after your smile is important, and living in Colindale guarantees you are always close to a number of dentists that can cover your needs. Colindale Dental Practise is only a five-minute walk from The Stay Club Colindale, while Beaufort Dental Clinic (next to Beaufort Park Colindale) and Corner House Dental are also easily approachable on foot. For more help and advice, find your local dentist with the NHS.
Optician: Boots and Asda Opticians are both under 15 minutes walking distance from our accommodation, but you can go through the full list of local opticians here.
Pharmacies: Benefit from a number of options when you are looking for a pharmacy – there are four chemists located under 15 minutes on foot from our accommodation, with McParland Pharmacies being the closest.
Whether you are a university student or a young professional, the Colindale area has something for everyone. With a number of amenities, including convenient supermarkets, restaurants, and independent cafés, you’ll always find everything you need living here. The green spaces and attractions make this neighbourhood all the more interesting. Plus, The Stay Club’s quirky social areas, ensuite studios flaunting individual kitchenettes and 24/7 reception are bound to add to that experience.
