There has been a rural way of life driving communities in Barnes for over a thousand years. The distinctive village-like charm and grace are inescapable here and with tree-lined streets and commanding views of the meandering River Thames, it can often feel like the modern world is incredibly far away. A feeling that is all the more impressive when one realises that this incredible place is in fact only six miles from the centre of London.
Such is Barnes' allure that over time, this enclave has drawn many of the great and good figures that have come to define the culture of the country. From the football legend, Ebeneezer Cobb Morley, to the peerless composer Gustav Holst and including some stellar cameos from The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin, Barnes is worthy of its own chapter in the history books of these fair islands.
Despite such proximity and easy access to London however, many of the residents and visitors to Barnes are more than happy to spend their free time within its boundaries. There is something to do for everyone, and those with families in particular can count on the neighbourhood for some great days out.
Our guide for the things to do in Barnes introduces a collection of the very best.
London Wetland Centre
One of the greatest elements of London’s enduring appeal in the 20th century is its ability to reimagine, repurpose and regenerate. The London Wetland Centre was once a collection of Victorian reservoirs that eventually fell into disrepair and was given new life as home to over 100 acres of natural sanctuary in lagoons, reedbeds and walkways. Its residents are now wildfowl, wetland birds such as gadwalls, bitterns and northern shovelers and the occasional amphibian too. And one can take the time to observe and appreciate them all in a variety of ways.
A modern Visitor Centre provides all the key information that will act as the perfect guide through its lecture theatres and exhibition spaces that chart the history and significance of this incredible place. There are multiple walkways, hides and observation locations that deliver stunning panoramic views from elevated perspectives, allowing visitors to watch wildlife interact with the natural world in the most immersive way possible. Although the area of The Wetland Centre is indeed vast, creating these opportunities provides an intimacy and connection to be enjoyed alongside the more obvious benefits of a stirring walk in the open and delightfully fresh air.
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Barnes Common
The idea of common land in London harks back to the Victorian philosophy of providing natural spaces for the working men and women of developing cities. As the metropolis of London expanded with factories and businesses beginning to cover the large majority of the city’s footprint, these places became incredibly important for physical and mental health. Barnes Common is a fine example of how important this wildland still is, as it becomes more and more rare in the capital. It covers over 120 acres of different habitats ranging from acid grassland and woodlands to scrubs, wetland edges and rough meadows, with visitors actively encouraged to discover and explore every available inch underfoot.
The network of paths allows for entrance and exits across open space on Upper Richmond Road in the south and Beverly Brook in the northwest, and there are guided tours available that explain much of its fascinating history along the way. There are more modern references here too, with the shrine to rock legend Marc Bolan, a key pilgrimage site for many of his fans, where trinkets and flowers are left next to a bust of the great man himself.
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Walking the Thames Path
Like so much of London, Barnes has the long and winding presence of Old Father Thames to thank for much of its development and popularity. The beautiful Georgian riverside homes and pubs that populate the spaces between ornate bridges certainly make the most of their relationship with the famous river to provide some of the most enchanting views in all of London. Walking along the Thames Path from Barnes to Richmond is a six-mile journey that charts the history of the entire area, with elements of the natural riverbank and stunning architecture added into the mix too. The entire trek should take a little over three hours at a decent pace but there are, of course, smaller loops that can be taken if time or mobility present a challenge.
Moving from Barnes Station underneath the bridge and past the rowing clubs on the riverside, one can expect to marvel at views of Kew Gardens, Old Deer Park and the Richmond Lock & Footbridge along gentle terrain. If in need of refreshment along the way, then the cafes and pubs that line the waterside are all ready to welcome you for a restorative visit in their suitably elegant manor.
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The OSO Arts Centre
The old sorting office in Barnes stood unused and unloved at the turn of the 21st century until Anne Carroll and Coaks Gordon had the vision to create something truly special with it. 25 years later, THE OSO Arts Centre is a multi-studio arts space that provides an important cultural hub for the community here. The building itself is in a prime position overlooking Barnes Green and knits together neatly with the village centre.
Seating 130 people, the programme of events for The OSO is wonderfully eclectic with music, comedy, cabaret and family shows taking place for afternoon matinees and evenings. It prides itself as a champion of fringe events and new writing, so one may find themselves enjoying anything from Olivier award-winning performances to Comedy Store events as a satellite production from the city centre venue. Exhibitions and workshops through the school holidays are a key attraction here and the café and social spaces are a fantastic drop-in spot for coffees and catch-ups.
The appeal of the Barnes lifestyle stems from its status as a village in the big city. As such, it can offer a lifestyle unlike any other neighbourhood in London, where residents can choose a different pace of activities when the mood suits. The collection of things to do in Barnes that make up our guide highlights a few examples of how simple yet thrilling each one can be.
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