Corporate Accommodation in Barnes
Businessmen, industrialists and entrepreneurs travel to London all through the year tending to corporate affairs. Due to London’s image as a leading global business hub, there is a constant uptick in the demand for premium corporate accommodation in and around the London area. The savvy businessman often knows that the best way to make the most of a business trip in London is to find a property offering accommodation outside London. Such areas are far less expensive, away from the chaos of the city and have close proximity and easy transit to major business hubs.
Barnes is a great destination for such corporate travellers since it is less than 30 minutes from the business centre of London and has several convenient transit options. It further offers corporate travellers an opportunity to unwind and rejuvenate after a long, tiring meeting or presentation. Finding the balance between work and relaxation, the urban village of Barnes is the perfect place to retreat to.
Holiday Accommodation in Barnes
For longer journeys and weekend holidays, leisure travellers have an opportunity to take in all the sounds and sights that the borough of Richmond upon Thames has to offer. The pivotal location of Barnes offers holiday travellers a rare opportunity to explore both the bustling upbeat and earthy rural side of the entire borough. Holiday accommodation in Barnes offers guests easy access to popular London attractions and sights; while simultaneously offering the option to discover the relatively isolated areas still preserved in the lap of nature. Barnes itself has several such attractions to explore amidst its rich culture, great cuisine and a strong sense of community.
Where to Stay in Barnes
Within its relatively diminutive size there is an opportunity to choose between several areas offering their own brand of accommodation. The Terrace has several upscale Georgian riverside retreats with a laid back atmosphere. Head to Castelnau where double fronted Victorian villas and regency homes offer a dive into the village’s luxurious side. Serviced accommodation in Barnes is available along Aldgate complete with privacy and security.
Pebbled through White Hart Lane in Little Chelsea, are rows of bijou Victorian cottages acting as cosy alternatives to conventional housing. Renting of mansion flats is increasingly gaining traction in the village especially for couples and families. Barnes Pond and Barnes Green are great living areas with regular open-air events, sprawling markets and community gatherings.
Facts About Barnes
Running beside the river Thames, amidst sprawling greens, this relatively small urban village has fascinating historic relevance and is well known for consistently churning out talented artists and professionals. Here are a few facts about the area.
- Barnes first appeared in The Doomsday Book of 1086 and was called “Berne”.
- Popular Hollywood actor Robert Pattinson grew up here in 1986.
- The rows of urban Georgian mansions running along the west bend of Thames are some of the oldest riverside homes in all of London- construction dating back to 1720.
- The renowned novelist and playwright Henry Fielding, best known for his wit and satire stayed in Barnes while writing his novel Amelia in 1751.
- Home to one of the most popular studios in all of London, The Olympic Sound Studios in Barnes has traditionally invited many bands and musicians such as Led Zeppelin, The Arctic Monkeys, Oasis, etc to record music.
- The popular T-Rex singer, Marc Bolan’s rock shrine can be found at the exact area of his car crash on Queen’s Ride.
- Originally constructed by Joseph Locke in 1849, Barnes Railway Bridge is listed as Grade 2.
Cost of Living in Barnes
Any form of accommodation in this affluent riverside neighbourhood is not traditionally cheap but high end. Its picturesque backdrop and close proximity to London make this a sought after destination for business and leisure travellers alike. The average rental value on any week of the year may fluctuate around £770. In comparison, the average property value may be close to £1,400,000, with houses ranging around £650,000 and furnished flats around £1,700,000.
The thriving community relies on local and independent businesses giving it its own authentic charm. A number of boutique restaurants, pubs, bakeries and bars offer services at fluctuating prices whether in Barnes Village, North Barnes or Little Chelsea.
Tips for Visiting Barnes
Though the urban village has minimum lifestyle restrictions and inclusive cultural ideals, it is essential to pay heed to the following tips to make the best of travelling to Barnes.
- Walking is the best way to explore the urban village. Offbeat corners run over by nature are easier to find on foot.
- Sports are an important part of the villages’ cultural fabric; don’t hesitate to partake in boat trips and bicycle tours regularly organised by sports clubs.
- Mostly a family area with a relatively quiet ambience, hipster culture is not the best way to strike a chord with the locals.
- Be ready to zip out the Smartphone camera as local and international personalities from the entertainment and business world could run into you at any corner.
- Check the dates for any festivals in town. There are year round festivals for food, music, theatre and literature - pick your poison beforehand.
Things to Do in Barnes
With a series of independent shops, social pubs, family friendly restaurants aided by an expanse of pristine green and soothing riverside; there is much to do in this modern village for kids, families and couples alike.
Q. What are the most popular things to do in Barnes?
Don’t miss out on the following activities:
- Explore the several open parks, run over by nature, highlighting the rural beauty of Barnes.
- Sports are part of the cultural fabric. Head over to the Barnes Sports club to participate.
- Shopaholics are in for a treat as the streets along the riverside are plagued with boutique stores and independent shops.
- Settle in with the locals as you catch a performance by a musician, comedian or dancer at its many theatrical venues.
- Restaurants and bars often follow a vintage theme, or architectural design transcending the average dining experience.
Q. What are some free things to do in Barnes?
Not everything in Barnes will leave a hole in your pocket.
- Up for an adventure? The various nature trails amidst dense natural beauty are a great way to explore the village and its surrounding area.
- Fishing is a popular pastime along the riverside during peak season.
- Fans of rock and roll can head over to pay respects to the shrine of Marc Bolan who lost his life in a car crash at the exact place the shrine is built.
- During festivals such as Easter, locals organize a low cost Barnes Duck Race, featuring yellow rubber ducks. A minimal entry fee and winner takes all. The ultimate bragging rights.
Q. What are some family friendly things to do in Barnes?
Activities for every member of the family are essential for a well rounded, stress-free time.
- Round the year various markets for food, apparels and accessories are set up offering something for all age groups.
- If travelling with children, head to Wildwood Kitchen which offers a flexible kids menu along with small rides and a toy box, keeping their hands full.
- For a picnic with the family, Barnes Greens is situated amidst colourful daffodils and vibrant snowdrops, while ducks quack away at the nearby pond.
- Couples can catch an art film or a jazz performer at the one of a kind boutique cinema, which is 5 minutes away from the village centre.
Places to Visit in Barnes
Even though London is a short distance from Barnes, there is much to explore in the village and the surrounding Richmond upon Thames borough. Beat the London crowds, and stroll through this artsy, riverside retreat to discover the following unseen landmarks.
- WWT London Wetland Centre - This mosaic of wetland habitat encompasses more than 40 hectare of moist terra firma to explore.
- Barnes Common - A visceral blanket of sprawling grassland with dense woodland areas, it has turned into a local statutory nature reserve.
- Barnes Green - Crack open a drink as you unwind at an open air pub amidst an assortment of riverside wildlife and birds.
- Barnes Farmers Market - More than food, this weekly market is all about local and national sustainable produce.
- Barnes Trail - This 3 mile long winding and twisted trail is a great place to put on some athletic trainers and get wandering.
- Barnes Collectors Market - This weekly market around the serene Barnes Pond offers everything ranging from cutlery to apparel; ceramics to toys.
- Olympic Cinema - Routinely organizing screenings for mainstream and art films, this venue also hosts comedy and musical gigs.
- OSO Arts Centre - Home to the annual Barnes Fringe Comedy Festival, the once post mail sorting centre, is now a functioning theatre for art and dance productions.
- Barnes Fair - This enormous local event in July has more than 300 stalls and several marquee acts put together for the entertainment of the village.
Places to Eat in Barnes
Barnes is well known for its commitment to family friendly dining. Several award-winning pubs and restaurants are scattered through the village. A wide variety of culinary experiences can be enjoyed including dining at a two Michelin star restaurant, eating at local bakeries or combining music with gastronomy at the local jazz club. Whether you are looking for a place to have a Sunday pot-roast, a gastropub dining experience, speedy grab and go, or upscale fine dining, check out the following places for the most authentic culinary experience.
- The Bull’s Head
- The Sun Inn
- Orange Pekoe
- Annie’s
- Sonny’s Kitchen
- Pizza Express
- Wildwood
- The White Hart
- Dolce Crema
- Riva
Street Food in Barnes
The increasingly popular award-winning Barnes Farmers Market specialises in providing a wide range of edible products including fresh fruits and vegetables, a wide variety of meats, bakery goods, fresh fish and a variety of cheese. The market is held every Saturday between 10 in the morning and 2 at noon at the Essex House Surgery Car Park on Station Road. Not only is this a popular destination to restock your monthly rations, it offers a chance to sample the most authentic street food items that the village of Barnes has to offer. A few street eats to try include shiitake mushroom spring rolls, rainbow salads, black pudding, free range sausages along with a variety of breads and cakes.
Popular shops to check out at the Barnes Farmers Market include:
- The Barn Bacon Co
- Boes Kitchen
- &Feast
- Piece of Heaven
- Celtic Bakers
Shopping in Barnes
The South West suburban village has several boutique antique shops to sprawling malls to cater to all needs. Whether in need of beauty products, jewellery, books, a hardware store, or a pet shop, there are several local places to shop at. Here are a few popular shopping destinations in Barnes.
- Luma - This interior and gift shop offers a range of lamps, rugs, ceramics, cushions, etc.
- The Barnes Bookshop - Two stories of numerous books, cards, toys and gifts.
- Nina - This lifestyle boutique facility is a great spot for the most trendy clothes, shoes and accessories.
- Two Peas in a Pod - This market offers the best deals in locally sourced veggies and fruits.
- Fara Kids - This vibrant kids store offers all essential kids utilities and toys.
- Presents - This one stop shop has several unique souvenirs and local trinkets.
- Tobias and the Angel - This high end store sells antique collectables and furniture.
- Marilyn Moore - Run by the designer of the same name, this shop sells casual clothes with designer appeal.
Transportation in Barnes
Convenient and speedy access to Central London and other neighbouring business and tourist areas is available via its extensive railway links. Reaching Waterloo requires a short 20 minute train ride from either Barnes Station or Barnes Bridge Station. Hammersmith can be reached via the public bus in a mere 10 minutes. At Hammersmith there is easy connectivity to Piccadilly tube lines along with Hammersmith & City, Circle, District lines.
Barnes Station has direct links to:
- Richmond
- Putney
- Vauxhall
- Clapham Junction
- London Waterloo
The busses ply through important areas in East Acton and Hammersmith. Look for the Oyster Card to enable seamless access to any route on the tube. The closest airport is the London Heathrow which is less than 14 miles from Barnes. Gatwick is more than 30miles away and can be accessed via both the overground train and bus.
Weather in Barnes
Given its close proximity to the River Thames and the city of London, the year round weather in Barnes closely mimics the patterns of its neighbour. The summertime is usually brief, cloudy and pleasant, in stark contrast to the long, windy and extremely cold winters. This makes the time between late June and early September the ideal time to visit.
Rainy and wet conditions last for well over 8 months of the year from late May to February. Freak rain or random snowfall on any given day through this time makes it important to pack accordingly. The months around October receive the most rainfall with an average of 2.2 inches at its peak. On the other hand, the average total accumulation drops to its lowest at 1.2 inches in the month of March, seeing the least amount of rain.
