This neighbourhood dominates the western portion of Northwood, as well as most of Moor Park, stretching from the River Colne to the north, down to Ruislip Woods in the south. The area consists of high-quality semi-detached and detached houses, with increasing quality in the northern parts of the area, particularly around Moor Park. The area is surrounded by golf courses as well as forest reserves and is at the edge of the London built-up area. The Metropolitan tube line runs up the area, with stations at Northwood and Moor Park, connecting the two distinct communities. Overall, the area consists of two high-quality suburban neighbourhoods, with large green lungs nearby, including accessible forests and golf courses (alongside a few farms). Furthermore, the Metropolitan line provides easy access into central London.

The skies of Northwood was the location of Britain’s worst mid-air collision, when on 4 July 1948 an RAF transport hit a commercial flight, which saw 39 people losing their lives: 7 on the RAF craft and 32 on the passenger plane. The RAF plane coming in from Malta was attempting to land at RAF Northolt, as was the SAS plane from Stockholm – but both had been diverted to other airfields owing to low clouds. The wreckage was thrown over the area, and as recently as 2008 blackened tree stumps were found at one of the impact sites.

The Merchant Taylors School has produced several famous alumni, including William Henry Pratt (better known by his stage name Boris Karloff), who was an English actor known for his portrayal of Frankenstein’s monster. Another more recent example is Michael McIntyre, famous for his bombastic observational humour. The British comedian has in recent years rapidly gone from a relatively unknown figure to performing internationally in places such as Hong Kong and New York.

The Merchant Taylors School has its origins back in 1561, when it was founded by the Merchant Taylors’ Company, which to this day constitutes its Governing Body. The existing location was not the original, however – the school moved here from central London in 1933, in close reach of Buckinghamshire and the other western Home Counties.

This neighbourhood is a pristine residential area, with good public transportation connections and green lungs. However, the area lacks amenities beyond that, with commercial enterprises being located relatively far away (if walking). However, apart from that, the trappings of suburban life, such as schools, hospitals and the aforementioned amenities are all easily accessible, making it a pleasant place to live and study in.

Transport for London is planning to use its land assets around Northwood station as one of three test development sites under the TfL Property Partnerships Scheme. The car park around the station will be redeveloped to provide 128 new residential units as well as new commercial space, a step-free railway station and a new piazza. This will allow commuters increased convenience into central London, while ensuring that the area remains lively.

This neighbourhood is largely protected from development as the majority of the western and northern portions are covered by greenbelt restrictions. To the south sits the beloved Ruislip Lido meaning that there is little available land to build new homes. The only significant recent development was completed in late 2022 and is located near Murray Road. The scheme comprises 4 luxury 5-bedroom houses which are accessible through a private drive named Blackbird Lane.