Exploring Cricklewood

A tourist's guide to getting the best from Cricklewood

Recently, we have had a large number of readers writing in asking how they can make sure that their visit to Cricklewood is a memorable one. We felt it was time to help them out.

Coming to Cricklewood can, for many people, be a daunting thing. They know it's going to be the highlight of their travelling life and so they feel overwhelmed by a certain sense of responsibility. They have one chance to make their first visit to Cricklewood as special as they can and they want to get it right.

The first thing which must be said to those people is relax! Coming to Cricklewood should be a wonderful thing and planning your trip should be a joy. Let it happen the way it happens and rest assured - you will enjoy Cricklewood, no matter how you approach it!

There are three ways to travel to Cricklewood. You can take the Thameslink to Cricklewood International Rail Station (that's "International" in the same sense as "Birmingham International"); you can take the tube to Willesden Green tube station or you can take a bus from Victoria Station (a small rail interchange in Central London).

Cricklewood International is the fastest way to central Cricklewood. The station is olde worlde with tarmac platforms and no ticket barriers. Emerging from the station, with the fresh memory of the "Cricklewood" platform signs you will find yourself on Cricklewood Lane. Most people find that this is where they have their first "Cricklewood moment" - the time when they finally start to let themselves believe that they are here. Take a moment to savour this and then let the sights and smells of bustling traders and busy people wash over you. Take time to introduce yourselves to the drunks on the grassy hill outside the B&Q - they may offer you a drink! Poke your head into Somerfield and then cross the road to the boxes of televisions where you'll find one of Cricklewood's many "corridor shops". Make your way on down to Snappy Snaps and Phone City and you'll find yourself in the Central Business District... and the Broadway!

Our friends catching the bus will meet you at the Broadway. I recommend getting off at the stop outside the off-licence with the enormous "Carlsberg" awning. From this stop you can take in the majesty of the Broadway and the unique placement of McDonalds, KFC, Burger King and Chicken Stop all within 25 metres of each other. Cross the road to the Crown Moran Hotel. For those with a generous budget, book a room at this magnificent four star hotel and cross over the reception to the traditional hunting bar. Order an Irish beer and relax in one of the enormous leather sofas. For those who need to economise, treat yourself to a lager in the main bar and then make your way down to "the Cricklewood Lodge" for a bed.

For those coming from Willesden Green, you're in for a treat. As you emerge from the tube station, you'll see the Green across the road and Shish next door. Just because these are clean, well maintained and serve good food, DO NOT MAKE THE MISTAKE OF GOING IN! These are Willesden establishments. You are still in enemy territory. Turn left down Walm Lane out of the station, keep your head down and walk briskly. Willesden Green is full of the same old green leafy streets, well maintained terrace housing blah blah blah that make it so boring. Keep walking and remember, Cricklewood is just around the corner! As you approach the church, you will notice that Walm Lane becomes Chichele Road. See if you can feel the difference. You are now in West Cricklewood. Look up at the church. See if you can spot the marks of fire in the clock tower when the current fundamentalists which possess it burned the clock mechanism, believing it to be the devil's work. Walk on to the mosque. You're getting into the heart of Cricklewood. Coming up on your left is the famous north African restaurant. This is where you will have your Cricklewood moment for, on the right is the Barclays Bank, in front of you on your left is Cappucino et Gateaux and sweeping its way between the two is the Broadway! You are here.

After you've taken your time to get acquanted with the Broadway, Cricklewood Lane and the Crown, you'll need to rest. Don't try to do too much on your first day and, as you go to sleep, energised with the knowledge that you're spending your first night in Cricklewood, remember that tomorrow is going to be your first day shopping the superstores!