Auction House London’s Area Guide to Cricklewood

This latest addition to the Auction House London series focuses on Cricklewood in northwest London, within the London Boroughs of Barnet and Brent. With a storied history and a variety of real estate options, Cricklewood offers plenty of opportunities for investors.

Cricklewood is an area of northwest London on the boundaries of the London Borough of Barnet and the London Borough of Brent. It sits about five miles northwest of Charing Cross and is centred around the busy Cricklewood Broadway, which forms part of the A5 Edgware Road.

The area stretches towards Willesden Green to the south, Kilburn to the east and Hendon to the north. Cricklewood railway station provides Thameslink services into central London, while a network of bus routes runs along the Broadway.

Named after a local wooded area, Cricklewood began in the late 12th century as a small rural settlement along Watling Street, the historic Roman road that later became the Edgware Road. For centuries, it remained largely agricultural land between more established villages.

Rapid growth arrived in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as railways and tram routes improved access. Housing estates were built to serve London’s expanding population, and the area became industrialised. The area was known for its aircraft factory during the early aviation era, which would then be turned into a film production studio during the pre-Second World War silent movie era.

Cricklewood’s housing stock is pretty varied, with streets off the Broadway featuring rows of late Victorian and Edwardian terraces, many of which have been converted into flats. Larger red brick houses, often with bay windows and modest front gardens, remain common. Interwar development added 1930s semis and mansion blocks, while more recent years have seen new build apartment blocks pop-up.

Cricklewood properties have appeared in our current lot multiple times, and there are plenty of other interesting properties in nearby northwest London areas such as this first floor one-bedroom flat in Mill Hill. There’s also this third floor three-bedroom flat in Hendon, as well as this first floor studio flat in Kilburn.

Cricklewood Broadway is without a doubt the commercial heart of the area, where you’ll find supermarkets, independent grocers, cafes and takeaway restaurants, as well as a mix of long-standing local businesses. Nearby shopping options include the famous Brent Cross Shopping Centre, which provides major retail brands and larger stores.

There are also Smaller parades and side streets housing barbers, convenience stores and professional services that cater to day-to-day needs.

Cricklewood has close proximity to some excellent outdoor areas. Gladstone Park lies just to the southwest and offers open lawns, sports pitches, a cafe and views across the London skyline from its higher points. The park is a popular spot for runners, dog walkers and families. North lies the Brent Reservoir, locally known as the Welsh Harp, providing waterside walking routes and nature reserves. This area supports birdlife and offers a contrast to the surrounding built environment.

For a more intimate outdoor experience, there is the local resident-administered Mapesbury Dell on Hoveden Road, which is open to the public during the day and hosts various events throughout the year such as carol services during Christmas.

Cricklewood and its surrounding districts offer a good range of primary and secondary schools, making it a good spot for families. Primary options include Anson Primary School, St Agnes’ Catholic Primary School, Childs Hill, Claremont Primary School, and the Braintcroft E-ACT Primary Academy. For secondary education, nearby options include Whitefield School, St Mary’s and St John’s CE School, among multiple options.

Further education institutions and colleges can be found across Brent and Barnet, and central London universities are also within easy reach via Thameslink services and the many buses passing through Cricklewood.