London’s longest, most diverse thoroughfare
Perhaps London’s longest street, Edgware Road is a historic route dating all the way back to the Romans. At present, the street forms part of London’s A5 and connects London’s suburbs right to the heart of the city
Where is it?
Bisecting North and West London, Edgware Road stretches 14km from Marble Arch, through North-west London’s suburbs, all the way to Edgware. Because of its length, Edgware Road goes by several names (from South to North): Edgware Road (Paddington side), Maida Vale, Kilburn High Road, Shoot-Up Hill, Cricklewood Broadway; before reverting back to Edgware Road for the rest of its length.
Image by: Aisyah Muhamad Irfan
What’s special about it?
This unusually straight road forms part of the larger and ancient Watling Street route founded by the Romans in 43CE, going from Dover to Anglesey. However, the origins of the Edgware Road go further back, than the Romans, having been an ancient Celtic trackway through the Great Middlesex Forest. Edgware Road is perhaps best known for its moniker of ‘Arab Street’, the nickname associated with the Southern stretch of the road which hosts a plethora of Arab high street shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Hangouts
If you find yourself in the more tourist-friendly southern side of the road, there’s a lot you can do. For one, Hyde Park is only a stone’s throw away. Or, if you want a more authentic multicultural London experience get down to the always lively ‘Arab Street’ for a taste of the Middle East. On the lookout for bargains? Check out Church Street Market which offers a whole range of things to buy from food to clothing. If you’re near Maida Vale, why not visit Little Venice? Walking along the canal side and lounging in the adjacent Rembrandt Gardens is a free alternative to the boat rides on the canal. Further north, there’s much the same to do but with less of the fanfare of Central London.
Transport
Edgware road is an extremely convenient place to start any London jaunt.
Image by: Aisyah Muhamad Irfan
Ten bus routes service a significant portion of the road (6, 16, 23, 32, 36, 98, 189, 316, 332, N16). The road itself is flanked by multiple tube stations: Edgware (Northern Line), Kilburn (Jubilee), Kilburn Park (Bakerloo), Edgware Road Station (Bakerloo, Circle, District, Hammersmith and CIty), Marble Arch (Central Line). The avid street walker will enjoy Edgware Road’s lack of London’s twists and turns.
Testimonials
Nur Asyikin Ismail: I used to live on Edgware Road. Living there was so convenient, transport and shopping-wise.