The wildest of London's parks, Hampstead Heath has fields to run in, long grass to roll in, woods to hide in and, most famously, ponds to swim in. In north London this 791-acre heath and woodland is THE place to get back to nature. Strewn with picnickers, cyclists, families and the rest, the heath is large enough and has enough copses, hills and mounds that a quiet spot is never far away. 'Chronicles of Narnia' author, CS Lewis, lived near Hampstead Heath and local folklore asserts that it was its picturesque rises, ponds and woodland glades which inspired his mystical land. Parliament Hill is a beacon in the midst of this sprawling expanse of natural beauty. Its summit provides a view of the city almost in its entirety. Spot the famous dome of St Paul's juxtaposed by the ultra-modern Canary Wharf towers in the distance. This is the perfect kite-flying spot. Hampstead Heath is renowned as a rich conservation area and parts of it are designated as areas of scientific interest by English Nature. Hoards flock to the refreshing waters of the heath's celebrated ponds in the summer months whilst in the colder months its more rewarding to while away an afternoon feeding the ducks or exploring the lush woodland, bogs, hedgerows and grassland. Along the edges of the heath a number of attractions will attempt to lure you away. There's the lido at the south, Kenwood House at the north, South End Green and Hampstead Village at the west, and Highgate to the east. There are also plenty of pubs dotted around the edge - The Spaniards Inn (Spaniards Road), the Holly Bush (22 Holly Mount) or the Freemasons Arms (32 Downshire Hill) are all worthy of a visit. The heath doesn't look quite as rural as when Constable painted it, but nonetheless, it is as close to rural as you're going to get in a capital city.
Best for: Wild and woody walks, ponds, picnics and panoramic views.
What's on at
Hampstead Heath
Love Parks Week 25th July 2009 - 2nd August 2009 This annual nationwide campaign organised by parks charity GreenSpace helps...
Parliament Hill Lido
Parliament Hill Fields, Gordon House Road, NW5 1LP
Open daily all year
This gorgeous, unheated lido on Hampstead Heath (also called 'Hampstead Heath Lido')... More
Kenwood House Picnic Concerts 2009
Kenwood House, NW3 7JR
27th June - 22nd August 2009
There are few better locations for a summer Saturday night concert to be... More
Easter Trail at Kenwood House
Kenwood House, NW3 7JR
10th - 13th April 2009
The sprawling lawns and dappled woods of Kenwood House's magnificent grounds are... More
Haunted London Pubs
Various Venues
There are numerous drinking dens in the city which lay claim to being haunted. Some of the more convincing ones are backed up... More
One of our favourites, this beautiful park occupies a dramatic sloping site overlooking the city and was given to Londoners by Sir Sidney Waterlow as ... More
Originally a point of defense for troops loyal to parliament during the English Civil War, Parliament Hill (previously known as Traitor's Hill) is now a ... More
Located in one of the most desirable neighbourhoods, Dawson House Hotel certainly lives up to the exclusivity of its local area Hampstead. Located in ...More
This annual nationwide campaign organised by parks charity GreenSpace helps us appreciate the grassy parks and open spaces that bring colour and oxygen to city ...More
A rich collection of famous paintings are housed within the walls of this neo-Classical villa perched by a lake on top of Hampstead Heath. Works ... More
Ideal for alcoholic refreshment after a weekend tramp on Hampstead Heath, this notorious pub dates back to 1585 and is doused in history. The roguish ... More
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This annual nationwide campaign organised by parks charity GreenSpace helps us appreciate the grassy parks and open spaces that bring colour and oxygen to city ...More
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The wildest of London's parks, Hampstead Heath has fields to run in, long grass to roll in, woods to hide in and, most famously, ponds to swim in. In north London this 791-acre heath and woodland is THE place to get back to nature. Strewn with picnickers, cyclists, families and the rest, the heath is large enough and has enough copses, hills and mounds that a quiet spot is never far away. 'Chronicles of Narnia' author, CS Lewis, lived near Hampstead Heath and local folklore asserts that it was its picturesque rises, ponds and woodland glades which inspired his mystical land. 
