If you’re looking for one of the most prestigious areas of London, with canals and villa-style homes alongside the majestic Regents Park, then St John’s Wood is just what you need. 

Hi, I’m Ugo Arinzeh and I’m with Onyx Property Team and Keller Williams.  As a  property agent here in London,  I absolutely love helping people discover their perfect neighbourhood. 

London has a selection of incredible, luxury neighbourhoods, and St John’s Wood falls into this category. While prime central London may be full of people always on the go, St John’s Wood is a small piece of serenity nearby. 

But it doesn’t come cheap as it’s one of the most expensive neighbourhoods to live in London. It is extremely desirable for executives and their families who are looking for large mansion-style homes with close proximity to green space, boutiques and excellent schools. 

Bordered by Maida Vale, Marylebone, Fitzrovia, Camden and Belsize Park, St. John’s Wood is a great area amongst other great areas. 

Schools & Education in the area 

As St John’s Wood is a very family-friendly area, let’s start with the schools and education options. 

For private schooling, you will have plenty of options. These include Arnold House which is an independent preparatory school for boys, with a Junior School (Years 1-4) and Senior School (Years 5-8). 

The comedian Michael McIntyre as well as journalist & author Adam Raphael were past students. 

Abercorn School is a school for boys and girls from 2½ to 18 years of age located in a breathtaking converted former church. Other private schools include St Christina’s, St John’s Wood Pre-Prep and Francis Holland. 

The American School and the French Lycée are also located in the area for families looking for alternative education that caters to their nationality.  

There are also several state schools in the area from Primary to Secondary, and St Johns Wood is near to some prestigious universities. 

This includes the University College London, the University of Westminster, and the University of London, so you really can bring up your little ones all the way through their learning!

Green Spaces

For Green space, St John’s Wood is on the edge of Regent’s park. This massive royal park may be the only one you ever visit thanks to the range of options inside.

Whether you’re strolling through the flowerbeds in the Avenue Gardens, viewing the 12,000 roses in Queen Mary’s Gardens, or hiring a rowing boat with your loved ones on the boating lake, you can discover new things with each visit.  

For even more options, you can also go to the London Zoo, visit the open-air theatre, or head to Primrose Hill for one of the best views of London. 

To find out more about this park, and the other royal parks of London, you can view my previous video.

You can also get some serenity in the local disused graveyard. It is the only Local Nature Reserve in the City of Westminster. 

While it is a disused graveyard, you may be surprised to hear that it has actually won many prizes, and has received the Green Flag Award for excellent green spaces since 2004. It is home to a playground, formal gardens and a wildlife area. 

Dining in St John’s Wood

As St John’s Wood is such a quaint area, the nightlife isn’t much to write home about, however, the food and dining options are suited perfectly for the residents. 

For American food,  Panzer’s Deli provides a huge selection of foods that serve the needs of international residents, stocking foods from all over the world. From kosher options to charcuterie and hampers, Panzer’s is well worth a visit. 

There’s also Kent & Sons of St John’s Wood which is a traditional family-run London butcher founded in 1919, who will even deliver your meat should you be in a rush from work. 

If you want to dine at one of the most popular restaurant brands in London, then you can head to the Ivy St John’s Wood Brasserie for breakfast, lunch or dinner, 7 days a week. 

Creating unforgettable cocktails in an art deco luxurious atmosphere, alongside modern British cuisine,  the St John’s Wood location is a beautiful space to visit. 

For a romantic night together, with the feeling of being transported to a Parisian restaurant, the area’s L’Aventure is a hidden gem. It has a leafy canopy as you enter, and a boutique feel, with a daily changing handwritten menu. 

Drunch Regent’s Park is a restaurant-style eatery and bar in the area. Unlike other restaurants, this space serves brunch every day. There’s also an a la carte dinner menu alongside a fully-licensed cocktail bar and high-calibre shishas. It’s a great spot to visit for a quirky cocktail or get together with friends for a mid-week brunch. 

For even more brunch spots to visit in London, check out my recent video on the best brunch spots around London. 

Things to get up to in St John’s Wood

Finally, let’s look at some of the things you can get up to in the area.  While it’s a quieter spot than central London, you are located near to other buzzing neighbourhoods such as Camden & Soho for nightlife, Fitzrovia for the British Museum, and can easily get across town thanks to its transport options. 

If you want to keep it closer to home, you still have quite a few choices.  

For cricket fans, you have Lord’s Cricket Ground, the home of cricket, and for music fans, you’re right by the iconic Abbey Studios! 

You can enjoy a long stroll or run along Regent’s Canal.  For shopping,  St. Johns Wood high has a special selection of shops including  Zadig & Voltaire, Twentyone, Ba&sh, and even Rigby & Peller which is the underwear supplier to the late Queen Elizabeth.

I hope this area guide has given you a sense of what makes St. John’s Wood so special and an extremely desirable place for families as well as working professionals. It offers a village feel but is so close to central London.  

Please leave me a comment below to share what you enjoyed most.