Hampstead Heath

Park in rated 10 / 10 from 1 review
Hampstead Heath image
Address
Hampstead, NW3 2TY
Category
Parks
Nearest Station
Hampstead Heath
0.24 miles

Hampstead Heath is a 791 acre park, just four miles from the centre of London. The Heath is made up of the grounds of several houses that formerly occupied the area.

Parliament Hill offers fantastic views of London and the surrounding countryside. Parliament Hill takes its name from one of two origins; Some believe that Guy Fawkes and his fellow conspirators stood upon the hill looking towards parliament waiting for it to explode. A more likely explanation is that Parliament Hill was a point of defence during the English Civil War for troops loyal to parliament. Open-air concerts are held on Parliament Hill during summer months. It is also believed that Boudiccia was buried nearby.

Golders Hill Park is home to an animal sanctuary where visitors can get close to deer and native birds. There are children’s events and live concerts held here during summer.

To the North of Hampstead Heath is Kenwood House, a neo-classical mansion built in the early seventeenth century. The house is now owned by English Heritage and houses one of the most valuable and rare collections of paintings owned by the nation.

Hampstead Heath boasts bathing ponds, a model boating lake, and adventure playground and is home to a flock of Flamingos. The Heath is extremely popular with Londoners; its magnificent views draw cyclists, sunbathers and bowlers. Hampstead Heath is a hive of activity during the summer due to live music events and entertainers catering for every conceivable taste.

Hampstead Heath Picture Gallery

Hampstead Heath Picture

Best For

The best places in London to make a wedding proposal picture

The best places in London to make a wedding proposal

We offer some location suggestions

A wedding proposal is first and foremost about the words exchanged; those four words loaded with what could be a lifetime of happiness with another human being. However, they are also often about the view – as this list will have informed you. So why not let us throw anther one out there for you. How’s about Parliament Hill? Some say the climb to the top of Hampstead Heath and the view out across the plains can only truly be capped off with a proposal of marriage.

The best walks around London picture

The best walks around London

Strap on your boots and take a stroll around London.

Hampstead Heath to The Bull and Last: It’s a classic but Hampstead Heath is the kind of place that shows you something new with every visit. It’s a struggle to the top but once your over and down the other side there’s a home made scotch egg waiting at the Bull and Last. Take sledges when the snow comes, too.

London's top attractions and activities for Animal Lovers picture

London's top attractions and activities for Animal Lovers

There's plenty on offer in our guide

Hampstead Heath is London’s favourite alfresco spot, whether it’s for swimming, picnicking, cruising or spotting bats, deer, and heaven forbid, grass snakes (they’re completely harmless however). Within the heath is the Golders Hill Park Zoo, which is free to enter and has a collection of both familiar and exotic animals, including eagle owls, ring-tailed lemurs and coatis.

Things to Try

Swim in the ponds at Hampstead picture

Swim in the ponds at Hampstead

Because swimming indoors is for wimps.
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Walk through Hampstead's beautiful pergola picture

Walk through Hampstead's beautiful pergola

One of London's lesser-known gems
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User Reviews

briankalendar

Nov 13, 2011

Wonderful huge varied green areasplace often overlooked as not obvious from the road. Many go to Kenwood House and Gardens but do not explore the Hills, Kite flying views, Woods, swimming and fishing Lakes around. Let alone the Heath Extenson and Golders Hill Park. Or The Vale of Health.
See Golders Hill Cafe, Kalander cafe,Lauderdale House cafe and Parliament Hill Cafe and Pollys in South Hampstead.