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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. 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. |
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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,
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 |
| Parliament Hill |
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Highgate Road,
NW5
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35 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| 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...
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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,
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 |
| Burgh House Christmas Fair |
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Burgh House,
New End Square,
NW3
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18 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| The charming Burgh House in Hampstead village - home to the Hampstead Museum - is putting on a Christmas Fair on Sunday 6th December so ...More...
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| London Event |
| GAIL's Xmas Party |
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GAIL's,
64
Hampstead High Street,
NW3
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22 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| Stock up on indulgent Christmas ingredients when you go to GAIL's Xmas Party, the annual food event which returns to Hampstead on Saturday 12th December. ...More...
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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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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 |
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Hampstead Lane,
Hampstead,
NW3
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5 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| 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...
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Local
Pubs Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Pubs |
| The Spaniards Inn |
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Spaniards Road,
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 roguish ...More...
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Local
Business Near Hampstead Heath |
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| London Business |
| Kenwood House |
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Hampstead Lane,
NW3
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5 minutes distance from Hampstead Heath
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| ...More...
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