Plan Your Day Trip from London to Hampstead Heath

Plan Your Day Trip from London to Hampstead Heath

Photo credits to author

One of the best and biggest open spaces in London, Hampstead Heath is a wonderful place to visit with many lovely spots for picnics and walks all over the Heath. From Parliament Hill to Kenwood House, there are plenty of places to visit in the Heath and can be enjoyed in any season of the year.

How To Get There

You can take the 241 Bus every day.

Departing from Kings Cross and St Pancras station, Stop T.

Take direction Highgate Village and get off at Merton Lane.

The duration of the journey is about 40 minutes, and is direct.

From Merton Lane, walk 300 metres and you have arrived! Here is what you will see…

Parliament Hill

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Located in the south-east corner of the Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill offers spectacular views of London’s ever changing and iconic skyline. On a clear day you are able to see all the way to St Paul’s, The Shard, The Gherkin and other notable landmarks.

It is a popular spot for both tourists and natives alike, especially in the summer months for picnics where it stays light in the evenings until late. It is a beautiful place to see the sunset over London.

On the eastern slopes of Parliament Hill you will come across a large stone known as the Stone Of Free Speech which is an emblematic rallying point when free speech is challenged.

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Although it is unclear when stone is from, some suggest the stone dates back to the late 17th century and marks a spot where assembly and free speech was permitted. Coming down the Hill, there are many ponds which are popular swimming spots, especially in the summer seasons. A refreshing way to cool off!

Kenwood House

Kenwood House, photo by Frederico Lovat sourced from Flickr

After a short walk from Parliament Hill you will come across Kenwood House, a former stately home located on the northern edge of Hampstead Heath.

The house itself is a magnificent piece of architecture and offers a stunning backdrop with wonderful scenic views of the Heath. Inside there is an impressive world class art collection which includes Rembrandt’s portrait and is free for all to enjoy.

The library is also worth visiting as it is one of the most incredible examples of Neoclassical English architecture, filled with antique books and intricate ceiling paintings.

On the grounds of Kenwood, you will come across a large pond, where at first glance you see what looks like an ordinary footbridge. If you look carefully you will see that this is in fact a fake bridge that is purely ornamental and two dimensional in structure. The bridge has been restored and renovated many times since it was built in the mid eighteenth century.

Opening times: 10h-17h in summer, 10h-16h in winter

Address: Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, Greater London, NW3 7JR

Hill Garden and Pergola

Pergola, image sourced from Secret London

Walking farther west we arrive at the Hill Garden and Pergola, a real hidden gem and a lovely place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of London.

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It can feel like a totally different world from the rest of the city due to its tranquil and hidden nature. With almost no one else around it feels enchanted.

The Pergola’s extravagant terrace with many winding footpaths offers lovely views of the gardens and a great place to explore and wander. It is particularly beautiful in spring time when the trellises are covered in wisteria. It is hard to believe we are only a few miles from central London. Although it is a little awkward to find, it is well worth visiting.

The Pergola, Inverforth Cl, Hampstead, London NW3 7EX

Throughout the year the Pergola opens at 8:30. Closing times can change so check their WEBSITE

Golders Hill Park

Golders Hill ponds, image sourced from Wikimedia Commons

Close by to the Pergola is Golders Hill Park, a lovely park adjoining the western part of Hampstead Heath. The park contains many beautiful plant displays in a beautifully tended flower garden as well as a water garden and a larger pond. There is also a small children’s zoo which includes a variety of different animals including lemurs, monkeys and kookaburras.

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As you can see Hampstead Heath is a wonderful place to spend a day in and I am sure you will enjoy visiting as much as I have. Hampstead Heath open all year round, 24 hours a day, with the exception of the Pergola, Kenwood House and Golders Hill Park.