Living in Barnes

Your guide to moving to Barnes

Why Barnes is a good place to live

Just 30 minutes from central London, Barnes offers the best of both worlds – the peaceful charm of a rural village within quick reach of city living.

Around every corner, you'll find tranquil green spaces like the WWT London Wetland Centre and Barnes Common, perfect for leisurely strolls or bird watching.

For a small district, Barnes surprises with its unique array of independent shops and boutiques filled with unique finds.

For families, the excellent local schools are a huge draw.

Whether you're tucking into freshly prepared seafood at Rick Stein Barnes or enjoying a pint at The Bull’s Head, living in Barnes offers a slice of country living without having to leave the convenience of the city.

What's Barnes famous for?

Barnes is famous for its picturesque setting flaunting splendid Georgian homes, especially in The Terrace area, and its homes of cultural icons marked with blue plaques.

Then you have a landmark of historical significance like the Church of St Mary.

The iconic Barnes Bridge, a Grade II-listed site, provides idyllic views of the River Thames and a frontline seat to the annual Boat Race between Oxford and Cambridge.

The district's artistic roots run deep too.

The Olympic Studios, which once recorded music for bands like The Rolling Stones and The Beatles, now act as a local cinema, but the legacy of these iconic bands adds an undeniable cool streak to Barnes.

Things to do in Barnes

There are ample things to do in Barnes to immerse yourself in its charm.

Take a relaxing walk along Barnes Bridge, go one step further by following Barnes Trail, or explore the church of St Mary and its historical resonance.

For nature enthusiasts, you can't miss the London Wetland Centre's diverse wildlife.

Support local businesses by shopping at indie stores like Two Peas in a Pod, The Real Cheese Shop, or Tobias and the Angel.

For those fond of fine dining experiences, book a table at Rick Stein Barnes or sip on award-winning tea at Orange Pekoe.

Whether it's music, wildlife, dining or history, Barnes always has something to offer.

We have used a bespoke generative AI model to help us research and create our area guides. All of our content is reviewed, and edited where needed, by our trusted team of Zoopla content editors.