Highgate is one of London’s best-kept secrets. It feels like a rural English village. Yet, it sits right on the edge of the bustling city. If you want to escape the tourist crowds, this is the place to be.
Influencer Zanna van Dijk recently shared her perfect Highgate itinerary on TikTok. As a fitness and travel expert, Zanna knows how to find the most scenic spots. Her guide focuses on cozy vibes and hidden gems.
In this blog, we will break down her top recommendations. Here is how to spend a perfect day in Highgate, London.
@zannavandijk How to spend a day in Highgate, London 🇬🇧 Highgate really feels like a little village tucked away in the city and it’s the perfect cosy area to explore during the winter months, far away from the tourist crowds ✨ Here’s how I would spend the perfect day there: 🚇 Get off the tube at Highgate station ☕️ Coffee at Queens Wood Cafe 🍂 Walk through Queens Wood + Highgate Wood 🏙️ Wander through Highgate Village + browse the independent shops 🍽️ Grab lunch at The Red Lion & Sun (SO GOOD!) 🍰 Take a sweet treat to go from Highgate Pantry 🌲 Explore Highgate Cemetery (trust me!!!) 🌅 Enjoy your sweet treat with a view at Parliament Hill Hit save, send this to a friend you wanna explore with & hit follow for more guides like this ♥️ #londonlikealocal #londonguides #londontips ♬ original sound – Zanna van Dijk
This content reflects the personal opinion of an independent creator and is embedded from a public social media platform.
Starting Your Highgate Adventure
To begin your journey, take the Northern Line. Get off the tube at Highgate Station. As soon as you exit, the air feels fresher. The noise of Central London fades away.
Morning Coffee at Queens Wood Cafe
Your first stop should be Queens Wood Cafe. This charming spot is nestled right in the greenery. It is the perfect place to grab a flat white. The cafe has a rustic, organic feel. It sets a relaxing tone for the rest of your day.
Nature Walk: Queens Wood and Highgate Wood
After your coffee, it is time to move. Zanna recommends walking through Queens Wood and Highgate Wood. These are ancient woodlands. Even in the winter months, they look magical. The paths are well-maintained. It is a great way to get some steps in while enjoying the local flora and fauna.
Exploring Highgate Village
Once you finish your walk, head toward the heart of the area. Highgate Village is famous for its historic architecture.
Browse the Independent Shops
Highgate is not full of big chain stores. Instead, you will find independent boutiques. Wander through the streets and browse the unique shops. You can find everything from vintage books to handmade jewelry. It is the ideal place for a “chill day” in London.
Lunch at The Red Lion & Sun
By now, you will be hungry. Zanna van Dijk raves about The Red Lion & Sun. She describes the food here as “SO GOOD!”
This pub is award-winning. It offers a cozy atmosphere with high-quality gastropub food. Whether you want a Sunday roast or a fresh seasonal dish, this spot never misses. It is a favorite for locals and influencers alike.
Afternoon Culture and Sweet Treats
No trip to Highgate is complete without a bit of history. But first, you need dessert.
Stop by Highgate Pantry
Head over to Highgate Pantry. This local bakery is famous for its delicious cakes and pastries. Grab a sweet treat to go. You will want to save this for later.
Explore Highgate Cemetery
Zanna insists that you must visit Highgate Cemetery. It might sound unusual, but it is one of the most beautiful spots in London. The cemetery is full of Victorian monuments and overgrown ivy. It is the final resting place of famous figures like Karl Marx. The “Egyptian Avenue” and “Circle of Lebanon” are breathtaking. It feels like stepping back in time.
Sunset at Parliament Hill
To end your day, take a short walk to Hampstead Heath. Specifically, head to Parliament Hill.
This is where you eat that treat from Highgate Pantry. The hill offers one of the best views of the London skyline. You can see the Shard, the Gherkin, and St. Paul’s Cathedral in the distance. It is a peaceful way to watch the sunset over the city.
Meet the Influencer: Zanna van Dijk
This incredible guide comes from Zanna van Dijk, a prominent UK-based content creator.
Who is Zanna van Dijk?
- The “Tall Bestie”: Zanna is known for her relatable and upbeat personality.
- Expertise: She focuses on fitness, hiking, and travel.
- Lifestyle: She shares her journey of navigating her 30s in London.
- Reach: With over 98K followers and 3.1M likes on TikTok, she is a trusted voice for London recommendations.
Zanna’s content often highlights how to live a balanced, active life in a big city. Her Highgate guide is a perfect example of finding “slow living” in London.
Why Visit Highgate in April 2026?
If you are looking for things to do in London in April 2026, Highgate is a top choice. The spring blossoms will be out in the woods. The weather is perfect for walking without the summer heat.
Whether you are planning a “girly day in London” or looking for things to do with teens, Highgate offers something for everyone. It is free to wander the woods and village, making it a great budget-friendly option too.
Ready to explore? Hit save on Zanna’s guide and head to Highgate this weekend!
