Places of Interest
Hampstead High Street
Just outside Hampstead Tube station, Hampstead High Street is at the heart of village life. Full of shops, restaurants, cafés and boutiques, it’s a great place to begin a visit to the neighbourhood. And don’t forget to explore the little side streets, which are full of great delis, galleries, and other treasures.
Hampstead Heath
Totalling 320 hectares this is the largest green space in the inner districts of London.
Perfect for rambling, walking or enjoying a picnic on a sunny day, Hampstead Heath is one of London’s best parks. From the panoramic views of the city centre from Parliament Hill to the idyllic trails through trees and woods, the heath is the perfect antidote to the bustling streets of Central London.
Hampstead Heath, or just the Heath as locals call it, is not a park and has a very different character to the highly manicured Royal Parks in central London. This is a remnant of the great Middlesex Wood, which has somehow survived as commonland as the metropolis grew around it, and in that sense it is very unique. Its proximity to, and ease of access from, densely populated urban areas of London, have ensured that Hampstead Heath has a special place in the hearts of Londoners.
The Heath has much to offer to the visitor, but is generally not that well known as a tourist attraction. If you are visiting the city and simply want some fresh air and calm natural surroundings, then there is no better choice than jumping on the tube and coming for an early morning walk here. Both Hampstead and Belsize Park tube stations are about 10 minutes walk from the heath. The Overground Line station Hampstead Heath is right on the south western tip of the heath.
2 Willow Road
A house designed by Erno Goldfinger in 1939 and regarded as an icon of modernist architecture. The contents are just as impressive as the house and include original works by Henry Moore and Max Ernst. Local lore has it that Hampstead resident of the time Ian Fleming, objected so strongly to Goldfinger’s modernist design, that he named his famous Bond villain after him
Burgh House
In the heart of Hampstead Village, this beautiful grade I listed Georgian building houses the Hampstead Museum which has an interesting collection of exhibits on the history of the local area. There is also pretty cafe. Visitors can learn about the area and its history, then sit at an outdoor table on the leafy terrace. Free.
Highgate Cemetery
Take a guided tour of the overgrown Western Cemetery which gives it a special beauty and charm, or visit the East Cemetery unaccompanied where you will find the grave of Karl Marx. There are known to be at least 850 notable people buried at Highgate. It has been said that Highgate has the finest collection of Victorian funerary architecture in the country.
Kenwood House
A splendid Regency house with enormous gardens and woodlands. At the north end of Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is a former stately home that is now a lovely museum. Visitors can explore the house and its stunning art collection before strolling through the gardens and grounds. House 11:30-16:00 daily, grounds 10:00-17:00 daily. The gardens alone are worth the visit and are a superb example of 18th century landscaping. On show at the house is art by masters such as Rembrandt, Turner, Reynolds and Vermeer, and the gardens have a very notable sculpture by Henry Moore. A regular program of outdoor opera takes place here every summer. Movie buffs will recognise Kenwood from Mansfield Park amongst other famous films. Administered by English Heritage, separately from the rest of Hampstead Heath. Free. A donation of £3 suggested.
The village streets
The best things about Hampstead are the little streets that give the neighbourhood its charm. From skinny pathway Mansfield Place to the colorful doors on Holly Walk, it’s worth getting lost for a while.
Flask Walk
Just around the corner from the Tube station, Flask Walk has a pedestrian-only area with a kaleidoscope of vintage shops, cafés, florists, and pubs.
Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium
Hampstead Antique & Craft Emporium has a warren of little stores full of treasures from times past. It’s a great place to browse vintage items and crafts in a range of styles.
Eating Out
The Stag
Located on Fleet Road, between Belsize Park and Hampstead Heath stations. Home to craft brews, beautiful plates of proper pub grub and one stunner of a beer garden
Tish Bar and Restaurant
Located on Haverstock Hill by Belsize Park station. Serving up some of the most delicious Jewish food in Belsize Park, Tish is easily one of London’s best kosher restaurants. Open from 8am every weekday, and Sundays from 9am.
Mimmo La Bufala
Located on South End Road opposite Hampstead Heath Overground. Neapolitan-style pizzas and many other classic Italian dishes all served with fresh ingredients and many wine options too. The Italian staff at Mimmo La Bufala make you feel as though you could well be in Italy and they are extremely friendly!
Paradise Hampstead Indian
Located on South End Road opposite Hampstead Heath Overground. Delicious mild fresh Indian food popular through the Indian sub-continent.
Silverberry Deli & Kitchen
Hampstead café on Pond Street, close to the Royal Free hospital
La Creperie De Hampstead
Located on the corner of Hampstead High Street and Perrins Lane. Bustling, small window-serve fixture operating from a tiny stall just outside the King William IV pub, where it’s been standing for decades, doling out a variety of sweet and savoury crêpes.
Euphorium Bakery
Six branches across north and central London, including Hampstead Heath and Belsize Park. The pastries are superb here and make for a perfect treat after one of the all-day brunch dishes.
