The entrance to the gorgeous St. Mary's, which sits atop the hill.

Perched above the Borough of Harrow lies Harrow on the Hill, a historic village dating back to the 1300s. Located only 30 minutes outside of Central London, the delightful country feel will appeal to anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It also boasts views so amazing that King Charles I stopped here on his way to surrender to the Scottish Army to take in a glimpse of London one last time.

With art cafes, historic landmarks, and a prestigious boarding school to it's name, the Hill may be little, but it's a great spot to unwind for the weekend.

What To See + What To Do

A look at the rest of Harrow from the top of the hill.

Many know Harrow as the home of the renowned Harrow School, a prestigious boarding school that counts Winston Churchill, Benedict Cumberbatch, and six other Prime Ministers and three monarchs as notable alums. While the public isn't privy to the secrets behind the school walls, Harrow School does hold three open tours a year, so plan accordingly for your chance to visit the Old Speech Art Room Gallery, Fourth Form Room (a filming location for Harry Potter & The Philosophers Stone!), and the beautiful Vaughn Library.

If the outdoors are more your scene, have no fear. Harrow is home to tons of public footpaths that connect all over the city. Trek along the Capital Ring, wander past Harrow School's fields, or hike up and down the hill on one of the many marked walking routes.

Stunning views of The Hill, featuring St. Mary's Steeple in the distance.

And you can't miss St. Mary's Church, whose steeple is the highest point in Middlesex. If you take the path up to the viewpoint terrace, you’ll be able to spot the buildings of Canary Wharf, Wembley Stadium, and even the BT Tower in the distance. Mystery lovers will enjoy wandering the hilltop cemetery, complete with overgrown gravestones that look like a scene right out of a gothic novel. Be sure to wander over to Byron's Seat at the back of the church, which marks the very spot where Lord Byron would daydream as a young boy at Harrow School. Bring some binoculars because on a clear day, you can see all the way to Windsor.

Grab A Bite...

Grab a hearty Full English at the delightful Sarah's Cafe. [Photo via Instagram]

The Hill may be tiny, but there's definitely no shortage of places to grab a bite. The Connoisseur's take on modern Indian cuisine is a Harrow staple, featuring homemade curry to please meat-eaters and veggies alike. Meanwhile, La Collina delivers authentic Italian pizza and pasta, bistro style. During warmer months, enjoy a bowl of their famed seafood linguine on the back patio, topped off with a glass of house wine.

For some morning grub, pop down to the bottom of the hill to Sarah's Cafe, located on the picturesque golf course. Dig in to one of their delicious all-day breakfast specials, like the American style platter that comes with hash-browns, pancakes, and eggs any way you like them. It's got all the heart and soul of your favourite greasy spoon, but it's much more refined. Or swing by Battels Art Cafe to enjoy a hearty mug of coffee in a local gallery.
The Doll's House is a tea-lovers dream come true. The vintage tearoom, decked out in bright pastels and mismatched china, is home to the best afternoon tea on the hill. Fresh baked scones, mouthwatering cakes, and a steamy cup of your favourite blend make this cozy cafe an absolute must.

...Or Grab A Pint

This historic village is waiting for you! Now get out there and explore!