Why move to Kensal Rise?
Despite its many amenities and fantastic transport links, the area retains an appealing village feel and strong sense of community with the abundant open space of Queen’s Park at its heart.
A good range of independent and high street shops are clustered around the bustling main thoroughfares of Chamberlayne Road and Salusbury Road. Fashion boutiques and antique shops like Supra and Circus sit alongside a WHSmith with a post office and supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Co-op.
Residents can choose from an exceptional range of eateries and bars from stylish artisan cafes Minkie’s Deli and Crazy Baker to modern Italian at Morso and Paradise by way of Kensal Green for outstanding pub food and entertainment. Catch a film at the boutique Lexi Cinema where all profits are donated to charity or take time to relax at Jivita Ayurveda spa and wellness centre.
Transport
The area is situated in Zone 2 around four miles north west of central London and has excellent bus and rail links. Underground stations Queen’s Park and Kensal Green are on the Bakerloo line with frequent services to Euston, while Kensal Rise overground station serves Clapham, Richmond and Stratford. To the north are Willesden and West Hampton, with Notting Hill to the south, Kilburn to the east and Harlesden to the west.
A little bit of history
The area first gained popularity in the late 19th century following the arrival of the railway. The large scale Royal Agricultural Show was held here in 1879 and attended by Queen Victoria herself. Queen’s Park was named for the monarch and now forms a Conservation Area, allowing the preservation of its striking Victorian architecture.
Celebrated football team Queens Park Rangers was formed in Queen’s Park in the late 19th century and the area has counted actor Daniel Craig, novelist Zadie Smith and former Editor-in-Chief of Vogue Alexandra Shulman amongst its residents.
While there has been some regeneration of the area in recent years with the EcoWorld development at King’s Holt Terrace and The Avenue in nearby Brondesbury Park, houses in Kensal Rise and Queen’s Park are still largely Victorian and Edwardian with the most desirable occupying Harvist Road, Milman Road, Kingswood Avenue and Chevening Road that overlook the park. A good stock of large 1920s and 30s properties can also be found on streets such as Aylestone Avenue and Manor House Drive.
Green spaces
There are several charming parks and gardens in the immediate area, chief among them Kensal Green and the glorious 30-acre Queen’s Park with its tennis courts, miniature golf, playground and café.Families can also enjoy walks along the Grand Union Canal and visits to the Green Flag-awarded Roundwood Park in nearby Harlesden.
There are many well-regarded schools locally, including College Green Nursery, ARK Franklin Primary Academy, Princess Frederica CofE, Salusbury Primary, Kenmont Primary, Manor School and Bales College School and Sixth Form. Independent schools in the area include Maple Walk in Harlesden and Bassett House in North Kensington.
