Welcome to Kentish Town

Less than four miles north of central London, Kentish Town sits between Chalk Farm to the west, Holloway to the east, Camden Town to the south and Highgate to the north, with the 800 acres of Hampstead Heath within walking distance.The most widely accepted explanation of the name of Kentish Town is that it derived from 'Ken-ditch' meaning the 'bed of a waterway'. Kentish Town was originally a settlement along the River Fleet that once flowed through the area, and today runs underground.

Kentish Town is first recorded during the reign of King John (1207) as Kentisston. By 1456 Kentish Town was recognised as a thriving hamlet.

The early 19th century brought modernisation, causing much of the area's rural charm - including the River Fleet and the 18th century buildings - to vanish. Pockets still remain, however, and Little Green Street is a fantastic example of period charm.

Kentish Town was a prime site for development as the Kentish Town Road was a major route from London northwards. Probably its most famous resident was Karl Marx, who lived at 46 Grafton Terrace from 1856.

It has a high number of independent retailers. The Green Party carried out a market study of the area which claimed that 53 out of 87 shops were independent.

But it also has a more artistic feel to it and is recognised for its many art galleries, studios and creative spaces.

Kentish Town property stock is mixed and varied and it encompasses large council housing estates as well as some elegant Victorian homes that are popular with young professionals and families.

Schools in the area have performed particularly well and it is a highly sought-after location due to its open, green spaces and eclectic mix of residential housing. Eleanor Palmer in Lupton Street, NW5 being one of the most sought after Primary schools in North London.

Residents in NW5 tend to be young professionals or couples commuting to work in the West End or the City, who favour the area for its quiet streets, great transport connections and its proximity to the vast open spaces of Hampstead Heath.

Over the years, it has become incredibly attractive to the younger generation and professionals due to its thriving nightclub scene and generous mix of pubs, clubs and bars. The area has also been credited for leading the trend for the resurgence of back-to-basics real ale pubs like ‘Tapping the Admiral’ and the ‘Southampton Arms’.

A short walk from Tufnell Park, Highgate, Camden and Dartmouth Park, Kentish Town also benefits from its own Underground station (Northern Line) and National British Rail station. The suburb contains a healthy mix of municipal housing, old-fashioned Victorian homes, council houses and elegant apartments.