Moving to Gospel Oak Area Guide
As one of those places that have all the amenities of London without the high prices, Gospel Oak might be a little edgier than central London, but it will surely give you the community feel of a lived and loved neighbourhood.
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Where is Gospel Oak?
Gospel Oak is in the north-west part of London, in the London Borough of Camden, to the south of Hampstead Heath. It lies across the NW5 and NW3 postcodes.
A brief history of Gospel Oak
The name of the area derives from a local oak tree, under which parishioners used to gather to hear the regular gospel readings of the day. Sadly, the oak is not standing anymore and was last recorded on a map in 1801. In 1998, a local resident, Michael Palin, attempted to re-plant another oak, but it did not survive.
The development of Gospel Oak began in the mid-19th century, funded by the local landowners and Lords – Mansfield, Southampton and Lisburne. Their plan was based on the creation of elegant streets leading off Lismore Circus, but their plans were interrupted by the building of the railway lines.
A curious story of Victorian Gospel Oak appeared in the local press of the time, and was titled “The Elephants of Gospel Oak”. In March 1884, Sangers Circus was due to perform at Gospel Oak, but two elephants ran away and ended up in Pemberton Gardens. The circus eventually captured them without any injuries or harm done, but it must have offered the locals some excited at the time!
After the bombing raids during the 1940s, large parts of Gospel Oak were affected and numerous damaged Victorian houses were torn down to make way for more modern estates that can be seen today.
An in-depth look at Gospel Oak
Who lives there?
Gospel Oak attracts families and young professionals that want a middle way between workplaces in the city centres, good schools and proximity to big open spaces.
Types of property in Gospel Oak
Many of the best properties in Gospel Oak are in Mansfield Conservation Area, Oak Village, Parliament Hill and Glenhurst Avenue. There you will be able to find numerous Victorian and Edwardian terraced houses. But there are also newly built developments with affordable prices. Numerous estate-style house building took place in Gospel Oak in the 1940s, resulting in well-valued flats, with the greatest demand being on those on Dunboyne Road, Haverstock Road and Lismore Circus.
If you’re planning on moving to Gospel Oak, you should expect to pay in the range of £1,000 to £1,300 per month for a one-bedroom flat, while a two-bedroom place usually starts from £1,300 and can reach £2,000 per month depending on its size, modernity and location. A three-bedroom property enters the market from £1,700 per month while houses with four bedrooms or more will cost from £2,000 per month and above.
Gospel Oak transport
Gospel Oak is served by the London Overground, at Gospel Oak station, which is also a stop on the Northern Metropolitan Line. Gospel Oak station connects all major parts of London and is just 1 mile away from Kentish Town station, which is served by Thameslink. You can reach King’s Cross in only 25 minutes and will find that many bus routes link very well to the pulsing centre of London.
Restaurants and shopping
Highgate Road has a large number of stylish restaurants that offer a high-end dining experience. Along with it, you’ll also find many gastro-pubs, cafes and bars.
Kristin Baybar’s Toy Emporium
Kristin Baybar’s Toy Emporium is a famous attraction of Gospel Oak and is well known for its hand-crafted dolls’ house furniture and numerous other old-fashioned toys. Every corner is filled with toys and board games.
Ristorante Rossella
This cosy and family-run Italian trattoria offers a warm welcome and simple but authentic cuisine from Naples and the Sicilian island. Ristorante Rossella is the culmination of this family’s passion for food, which has been passed from one generation to the next up to the present day.
Southampton Arms
Southampton Arms has Dickensian décor and an outstanding selection of beer and ciders that have made it famous destination among local and tourists. All beers and ciders are exclusively sourced from UK independent breweries.
Bull and Last
Bull and Last is an award-winning gastro-pub that offers a delicious Sunday roast and hand-made puddings – all within the beautiful surroundings of a 19th-century coaching inn.
Art in Gospel Oak
Roundhouse Arts Centre is a hub of inspiration where artists and emerging talents can grow as creative individuals. They give young people a change to fully engage with art through music, media and performing art projects. They also support an artist’s early career and offer artists in residence schemes.
Socialising in Gospel Oak
Gospel Oak has all the features that make for a great residential and friendly community atmosphere. There are also a number of things to do in the area, and many concern nature, which is an integral part of this area of London.
- Swim at the Parliament Hill Lido, built in 1937
- Stroll around or exercise in the open air at Hampstead Heath
- Watch the sunset from Parliament Hill
- Enjoy the feeling of a secret garden at Waterlow Park, one of London’s finest landscape parks
- Watch a play at the Roundhouse Arts Centre
- Visit John Keats House, once home to the famous poet
Moving to Gospel Oak
Great open spaces where you can organise a lovely outdoor picnic, go for a run or stroll and enjoy the birdsong – these are just some of the many options Gospel Oak offers. If you’re keen on all of this and more, then it’s time to find a home in Gospel Oak.
