Barnes Green — Attraction in London

Barnes Green is truly the heart of the Barnes community, and every visit reminds me why this area is so special. The Green itself is beautifully maintained, with wide open lawns, mature trees, and the picturesque duck pond at its center. It’s a wonderful place to pause and enjoy a bit of calm in the city. What really sets Barnes Green apart, however, is the atmosphere on weekends. The area often hosts local fairs, outdoor concerts, farmers’ markets, and community events that bring residents together in a very warm and friendly way. There is something uplifting about seeing families, children, and neighbors gather here, whether it’s for a music performance, a charity run, or simply enjoying the food stalls and activities that pop up. These events give the space a real village feel, which is rare in London. The surroundings are equally impressive: Barnes is known for being a safe, elegant, and refined neighborhood with charming cafes, independent shops, and excellent pubs only a short walk away. The overall ambiance is peaceful yet lively, a perfect mix of community spirit and understated sophistication. If you are looking for a spot in London that combines natural beauty, community events, and a genuinely welcoming environment, Barnes Green is not...

I cannot in all honesty give this more than a three, remembering as I do what was better about it in times past. It still has a magnificent chestnut avenue. The Methodist Church still lowers over the scene in incongruous red-brick splendour. But the level of the pond is lower since it has been repaired, so you cannot see the sheen on it when you cross the bridge from the common. The pond itself is smaller, so small that it could be a water feature in an admittedly very large and grand garden. And the island is bigger (this is a very old complaint) without being in any way better. On the other hand it's actually used much more (unlike the common), by sunbathers, by rather ostentatious 'good' dads playing with their kids and increasingly by larger groups of special occasion picnickers. That's all good. Only the totem pole is irredeemable vile and inappropriate. And yes I do know that it is meant to be to the benefit of some of the most vulnerable members of...

Such a delightful place, traditional village feel complete with duck pond and several swans along with their young. Barnes manages to have a Baker, butchers, fish monger, the fantastic two peas in a pod for all your fruit and vegetable needs, haberdashery, an independent cinema along with charity shops, fabulous independent clothes and shoe shops for all the family, Barnes books, newsagents, pharmacy, dry cleaners, cobblers and gift shops. It has a Temple of the Green Circle, aka Starbucks along with Cafe Nero, a Gail's and several other independent coffee shops. A few pubs and restaurants, florists, along with beauty, hair and nail salons complete the picture as does the addition of Cook, Magic and Sparkle (M & S) food hall, a chip shop plus a Sainsbury's local. Folks are friendly and pass the time with each other. Wonderful to grab a drink and a snack, find a bench and while away the time to...