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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 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 Tower 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 it’s 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 Freemason’s 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.
Did you know?
The opening scene of Wilkie Collins' novel ‘The Woman in White’ takes place on Hampstead Heath. |
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Alternative
Parks and Gardens Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Leisure |
| Waterlow Park |
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Dartmouth Park Hill,
Islington,
London,
N19
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25 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| 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...
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| London Leisure |
| Regent's Park |
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Park Office,
Storeyard ( Inner Circle),
Camden,
London,
NW1
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2.85 miles distance from Hampstead Heath
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| Elegant park designed by John Nash.
Another of London’s spectacular John Nash creations, Regent’s Park is a huge, thriving green expanse in the heart of the ...More...
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Local
Hotels Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Hotels |
| Express By Holiday Inn London Swiss Cottage |
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152-156
Finchley Road
London,
Camden,
London,
NW3
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35 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| Swiss Cottage is an ideal place to stay if you want a peaceful spot that's still close to the centre of town. With attractions like ...More...
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| London Hotels |
| Dawson House Hotel |
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72
Canfield Gardens,
South Hampstead,
NW6
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1.85 miles distance from Hampstead Heath
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| 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...
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Local
Event Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Event |
| Kenwood House Picnic Concerts |
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Kenwood House,
Hampstead Heath,
Camden,
London,
NW37JR
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5 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| Kenwood House is a magnificent stately home on Hampstead Heath, with its own lake and a captivating view of the park and the city beyond. ...More...
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Local
Entertainment Near Hampstead Heath |
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5 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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Local
Sights and Attractions Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Hampstead Heath |
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Camden,
London,
NW3
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0 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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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 ...More...
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| London Sights and Attractions |
| Kenwood House (Iveagh Bequest) |
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Hampstead Lane,
Camden,
London,
NW3
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5 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| Robert Adam's neoclassical villa housing a notable collection of paintings.
A rich collection of famous paintings are housed within the walls of this neo-Classical villa ...More...
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Local
Pubs Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Pubs |
| The Spaniards Inn |
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Spaniards Road,
Barnet,
London,
NW3
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7 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| Ideal for alcoholic refreshment after a weekend tramp on Hampstead Heath, this notorious pub dates back to 1585 and is doused in history. The ...More...
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Local
Business Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Business |
| Kenwood House |
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Hampstead Lane,
Camden,
London,
NW3
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5 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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