Hampstead Heath
Hampstead, London NW3

Lying four miles from the centre of London, Hampstead Heath is one of the capital's most popular green space. The rolling, semi-landscaped Heath divides the hilltop villages of Hampstead and Highgate and was formed from the grounds of several, separate, properties. 

Hampstead Heath has a variety of landscapes: heathland, meadows, hills, ponds and lakes.  In the 791 acres you can stroll, take a guided walk, jog, sunbathe, picnic, fish, play football, tennis or bowls and swim in one of the ponds or Parliament Hill Lido. 

Other facilities include a horse-riding circuit, adventure playground, play equipment and activities for under-fives. There are also deer and animal enclosures with a variety of animals and birds, including flamingoes. 

In the summer there are shows for children with clowns, puppets and magicians.  Funfairs are held at the upper and lower ends of the Heath on the Easter, May and August bank holidays.

Parliament Hill, to the south of Hampstead Heath, has magnificent views over central London.  An ancient barrow here is rumoured to be the burial ground of queen Boudicca, leader of the rebel Iceni tribe, who died in battle against the Romans in AD 61. 

One explanation for Parliament Hill's unusual name is that Guy Fawkes's fellow plotters may have gathered here on 5 November 1605 to hopefully watch the Houses of Parliament blow up.  A more probable explanation is the hill being a gun emplacement for the Parliamentarian troops during the Civil War, 40 years later. Today Parliament Hill is a popular spot for flying kites and for sailing model boats.  Band concerts are held here on Sunday afternoons in the summer.

The Hill is a 'secret garden' , once the grounds of a private house. Now part of Hampstead Heath, this garden was created by Lord Leverhulme, the Edwardian soap manufacturer and a patron of the arts.  The garden has a collection of plants and rare trees set in landscaped grounds.  Other features include a pergola walkway and formal pond.  On a clear day there are wonderful views from here.  Access to this area is through North End Way, London NW3, the nearest Underground station is Golders Green.   

Golders Hill Park near West Heath, has a walled garden and pond plus small enclosures for deer, goats and birds.  Children's activities are organised here and in the summer there is live music, including band concerts. Access is through North End Road, London NW11, Underground station: Golders Green. 

On the northern edge of  Hampstead Heath is Kenwood House, a fine neo-classical mansion, now maintained by English Heritage. The house contains the Iveagh Bequest, the finest private collection of paintings ever given to the nation.  In the summer Kenwood House hosts very popular lakeside concerts.  Access best through Hampstead Lane, London NW3, Underground station: Highgate

Admission free

Opening Times