If you want a break from the city, then Hampstead Heath is a wonderful place to go for a walk. You can visit Kenwood House, take a swim in one of the ‘ponds’ or take in London’s city skyline from the top of the hill.
The Heath
So, it turns out a large area of Hampstead Heath is not very Heath like! It is the most glorious woodland with stunning views of the London skyline, from the north of the Heath. As you wander around, you can see how it was the inspiration for CS Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia, my favourite books from childhood. The crown of Hamstead, Kenwood house, is beautiful and well worth a visit. You can imagine yourself wafting about in a Georgian gown like Julia Roberts in Notting Hill.
Hampstead Tube Station
The west side of the Heath is a very easy 5 minute walk from Hampstead tube station. It is on a very cute high street full of cafes, eateries and interesting boutiques; the perfect place for lunch after your walk.
Turn left out of the tube station and left again down Flask Walk. This is a cobbled pedestrian walk way with more shops and cafes. Then it is a few minutes walk, straight on all the way, continuing onto Well Walk. Carry on until you get to the signposted path circumnavigating the Heath.
I decided to explore going left, following my nose until I reached Kenwood House. I roughly knew which direction I wanted and walked down several paths discovering many idyllic spots for a picnic or Instagram shot.
Read more: Download a map of the Heath to discover your own paths.
Kenwood House.
Once I found Kenwood House, it was a hive of activity as a stage and infrastructure was being set up for a series of concerts for the summer. This did spoil the glorious view from the house, but definitely still worth the visit. The house is free to enter and walk around exploring on your own or there are free guided tours and talks. I joined a talk about the history of the paintings in the house related to the various owners and occupiers of the house. It was absolutely fascinating and I can’t wait to return.
Read more: Book a free ticket to Kenwood House
Hampstead Heath Ladies Bathing Pond
I then set off from the house to explore the east side of the Heath and woodland to see if I could find the swimming ponds. After walking along the wide path on the east side of the woods which do allow cars access to the houses there so be careful, I found the Kenwood Ladies bathing pond. I sneaked a peek as I hadn’t brought my costume but I certainly wished I had. It is a quiet, intimate area with lawns to lay on and a large pond – that word does not do it justice! I will be returning with friends to take a dip when the weather decides to be warm.
Read more: Kenwood Ladies Pond
Had I continued walking south, I would have walked passed the Highgate Men’s Bathing Pond with the Mixed Bathing Pond further on, back towards Hampstead. If you prefer your outdoor swimming to be in a pool rather than a pond, then give Parliament Hill Fields Lido a try. It is at the far south of the Heath but be warned – it isn’t heated!
It was by then nearly lunchtime so I cut directly through the middle of the Heath via sweeping, dramatic paths through the heart of the woodland. Many people were walking their dogs and enjoying the peaceful walkways.
Hampstead High Street
On returning to Hampstead high street, I picked up a very yummy crepe from the La Creperie de Hampstead as you turn left from Flask Walk. This kept me going as I took the 20 minute tube journey back to London Bridge and central London.
Getting There
Hampstead Underground Station on the Northern line is on Hampstead High Street with an easy 5 minute walk to the East of the Heath.
Golders Green Underground Station brings you to the North West of the Heath.
Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak Train station brings you to the South of the Heath.
There are two carparks: Golders Green Park and East Heath.
Read more: The best apps to plan your journey around London
Opening Hours
The Heath has no gates so is open 24 hours a day.
Toilets
There are a few toilets dotted around the outskirts of the Heath with others at Kenwood House and in the middle near the Ice House.
Eating and Drinking
There are plenty of restaurants and cafes on Hampstead High Street.
Read more: List of places to eat and drink near Hampstead
Accessibility
Wide, open paths surround the Heath and criss cross through it. Very easy to navigate with a wheelchair or pushchair.
Top Tips
- Bring a picnic and imagine you are in Narnia!
- Admire the views from Parliament Hill for a fantastic way to see the London skyline from the north of the city.
