Introducing Brent Cross Town Insiders. Get to know North London through the eyes of locals we love. From chefs and DJs to fitness and fashion professionals, our insiders share their favourite spots in the capital’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
Insider Guide: Lina Nielsen
Brent Cross Town Insider Lina Nielsen a North London-based track and field athlete and certified yoga instructor. Follow her here.
I’m Lina Nielsen, a professional track and field athlete, and certified yoga instructor. I literally never sit still and having lived in London all my life, I love taking that energy to explore all the quirks the city has to offer.
Lina won the 400m hurdles at the 2021 European Athletics Team Championships and has a twin sister, Laviai Nielsen, who is also an international athlete over 400m. In addition to her athletics career, North London-based Lina is also a yoga teacher, having undertaken her teaching training in Rishikesh in the summer of 2019. She is now one of the yoga coaches on the fitness app Fiit and is an Athlete Ambassador for Right to Play, the world’s leading sport for development charity.
Here are five must-visit North London spots:
1. New River Path
Find out more: shelford.org/walks/newriver.pdf
This is a beautiful tucked away gem in North London that makes you forget you’re in the city! There are beautiful stretches of this canal tucked between residential streets dotted with British wildlife and different types of plants that, for a moment, make you feel as though you’ve stumbled across paradise.
Insider Tip: In the spring, you might spot some crustaceans in parts of the water, especially the more north you go!
2. Daunt Books
Location: 51 South End Road, Hampstead, London NW3 2QB
Follow: @dauntbooks Find out more: dauntbooks.co.uk/shops/hampstead
Walking into this small book shop feels like a main character moment! It feels super traditional, the staff are always friendly and passionate about the books and it’s situated just across the road from Hampstead Heath Station — perfect if you want to grab a book before sitting in the park on a sunny day.
Insider Tip: The tote bag is really popular to wear around London! Make sure you grab one
3. BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
Location: Pramukh Swami Road, Neasden, NW10 8HW
Find out more: londonmandir.baps.org
I couldn’t believe that a gem like this existed in the UK, let alone North London! This is a beautiful Hindu temple and it’s actually built closely in-line with Hindu tradition, designed and constructed entirely according to ancient Vedic architectural texts. The design on the temple itself is intricately beautiful and it makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to Asia.
Insider Tip: Make sure to dress appropriately as this is a place of worship and check out the inspiring arti ceremony at 11:45am!
4. Mission: Breakout
Location: 141-145 Kentish Town Road, London NW1 8PB
Follow: @missionbreakoutlondon Find out more: missionbreakout.london
This is a fun thing to do with a group of friends when you have an hour to spare, immersing yourself in an experience. It begins to feel very real once you’re in the rooms! I visited and have been back for all of the escape rooms they offer because they are so well curated!
Insider Tip: Go with a varied/new group of friends! It’s a great experience for bonding!
5. The Castle Climbing Centre
Location: Green Lanes, London N4 2HA
Follow: @thecastleclimbingcentre Find out more: castle-climbing.co.uk
The first thing I noticed about this place was the community it created. I guarantee you will instantly make a friend here — it’s that kind of place. It’s great for beginners and you can go bouldering (climbing without ropes) straight away, and they offer orientations if it’s your first time. You can also qualify as a rope climber quite quickly too. It’s definitely a different type of activity that I think you should try at least once in your life!
Insider Tip: Go with a friend or a date if you can, you’ll have a right laugh!
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