Wetland Centre Barnes
Ben Rowe

Barnes area guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat and drink in and around Barnes

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When you’re in Barnes it’s hard to believe that it’s just a hop, skip and jump away from the bustle of central London. Its village-y vibe is thanks, in part, to its isolation from the rest of south London by the huge sweep of the Thames.

While there are numerous fantastic independent shops, great pubs, like Ye White Hart, and restaurants, such as the chef’s favourite Riva, all worth visiting, this area is perfect if you love the great outdoors. Not only are there riverside walks to be taken, but there’s greenery aplenty, with Barnes Common and the London Wetland Centrean expansive bird reserve converted from defunct reservoirs that sits to the east of Castelnau, the long spine that leads to Hammersmith Bridge, to explore. Then, at heart of the area, there’s also a large duck pond and adjoining green, which plays host to a popular annual midsummer fair. It’s almost enough to make you ditch the city completely. Almost...

Recommended: London by area

Things to do in Barnes

Chiswick House & Gardens
Things to do

Chiswick House & Gardens

Chiswick House is a neo-Palladial building that's very aesthetically pleasing found close to Barnes. 

Barnes Farmers Market
Restaurants

Barnes Farmers Market

Head to the market on Saturdays between 10am and 2pm and you'll find heaps of delicious treats.

Bishops Park
Attractions

Bishops Park

A Grade II-listed park with an 'urban beach', which first opened in 1903 and was restored in 2012.

Restaurants in Barnes

Rick Stein
Restaurants

Rick Stein

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 3 of 4

Is there a better view of the sunset over the Thames than the one at Rick Stein’s first London venture, in sleepy Barnes? I doubt it. Do ask for a window seat...

Riva
Restaurants

Riva

  • 3 out of 5 stars

It’s just a short hop across the bridge from bustling Hammersmith, but Barnes’ village-like ambience is immediately relaxing. Riva has been serving the...

Depot
Restaurants

Depot

  • 4 out of 5 stars

‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ could be the motto of this riverside restaurant, which continues serenely through its third decade. Originally part of the...

Annie’s
Restaurants

Annie’s

  • price 2 of 4

A popular restaurant in Barnes, well known for its eclectic decor. 

Pubs in Barnes

Ye White Hart
Bars and pubs

Ye White Hart

  • 3 out of 5 stars

Right on the river, this capacious barn of a bar makes the best use of its prime location.

The Red Lion (Barnes)
Bars and pubs

The Red Lion (Barnes)

A big ol' Fuller's pub in southwest London, with an ample beer garden and pub grub.

Sun Inn
Bars and pubs

Sun Inn

  • 3 out of 5 stars

Forgo the riverside views and gaze out on to Barnes Green and its village-like duck pond.    

Brown Dog
Bars and pubs

Brown Dog

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

An independently owned gastro pub tucked away in the back streets of Barnes.

Bars in Barnes

Amuse Bouche
Bars and pubs

Amuse Bouche

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

Dedicated to the democratisation of champagne (although the residents of Parsons Green hardly qualify as the great unwashed), Amuse Bouche has hit on a winning...

The Toy Shop
Bars and pubs

The Toy Shop

A popular Putney cocktail bar with an American-influenced food menu alongside creative concoctions, craft beers and wine.  

Be At One
Bars and pubs

Be At One

A vast cocktail menu ensures that everyone is up and ready to dance when the loud and rather cheesey dance tunes are cranked up at this branch of the popular...

The perfect weekend in Barnes

Visit: Olympic Cinema
Cinemas

Visit: Olympic Cinema

For a posh trip to the pictures, this local cinema also boasts a restaurant, bar and private members' club.

Eat: Orange Pekoe
Restaurants

Eat: Orange Pekoe

  • 4 out of 5 stars

Pop in for a cup of one of over 50 teas on offer, grab some lunch or treat yourself to an afternoon tea. 

Drink: The Brown Dog
Bars and pubs

Drink: The Brown Dog

  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • price 2 of 4

Bright during the day and cosy at night, this friendly boozer will, as the name suggest, let you bring in your dog. 

Hotels near Barnes

Coach & Horses Hotel
Hotels

Coach & Horses Hotel

This seventeenth-century inn has been impressively revamped by Young’s, with beautifully-appointed rooms and a knockout location right by leafy Kew Green and...

Clayton Hotel Chiswick
Hotels

Clayton Hotel Chiswick

This newly refurbished 4-star hotel is on the popular Chiswick High Road, which offers boutique shops, restaurants and vibrant bars. The Clayton Hotel Chiswick...

Adria Hotel
Hotels

Adria Hotel

In lively Hammersmith, just a couple of miles from central London, Adria Hotel offers modern accommodation with free Wi-Fi. Hammersmith and City Tube Station...