Tired of city noise? Time to head to Hampstead Heath, an ancient heath spanning over 800 acres. The heath is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, recent and ancient woodlands, a lido, playgrounds, and a training track, and it adjoins the former stately home of Kenwood House and its estate.
This isn’t a proscribed walk per se – it is rather some suggestions…
- Cool your heels in one of the best pubs in London
- Ramble around the Heath at your leisure.
- Visit Kenwood House for a fabulous exhibit
To reach Hampstead Heath, the best options are the London Underground Northern Line to Hampstead. MAP
Located in Hampstead Village, it’s a good starting point for exploring the Heath’s southwest corner, including Burgh House, Vale of Heath, and East Heath.
Hampstead Heath
MAP | NORTH LONDON
Hampstead Heath is a wild park of woodland and meadows sprawling over 800 acres and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the city. This is the park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia, that Constable spent his final years painting, and Londoners of all stripes have been coming here to escape the city for over 200 years.
Today, there are few better ways to spend a Sunday in London than with a lazy ramble on the Heath, followed by a pint, or a roast, at one of our wonderful local pubs. The swimming ponds – particularly the ladies’ and men’s – hold almost mystical status among those brave enough to take a dip. Come to fly your kite on Parliament Hill, bring a picnic, and while away your afternoon.
Open 24/7
Kenwood House
MAP | NORTH LONDON, HAMPSTEAD
Architect: Robert Adam
On the edge of Hampstead Heath and surrounded by tranquil landscaped gardens, Kenwood is one of London’s hidden gems. The breathtaking interiors and stunning world-class art collection, which includes Rembrandt’s ‘Self-Portrait with Two Circles’, are free for everyone to enjoy.
What did Kenwood House have to do with Jane Austen and slavery? If you have nothing better to do, read my thoughts on the matter… LEARN MORE
Open: Grounds: 8am – 8pm, House: 10am – 5pm
Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits | EXHIBITION VIDEO
Heiress: Sargent’s American Portraits reveals the real stories behind the fascinating American women who crossed the Atlantic to marry British aristocrats in an exchange of money for titles. These women include a war-time nurse and the first sitting female MP.
Sargent was one of the most sought-after artists of the Gilded Age and was ‘the artist’ to depict these intriguing women. On the centenary of his death, the exhibition will be a salute to John Singer Sargent (1856-1925), the most admired and sought-after portraitist of the Gilded Age on both sides of the Atlantic. These portraits represent some of his most glamorous and powerful works. In addition to full-length oil paintings, masterful charcoal portraits also feature, depicting their subjects in a candid and perceptive light.
BOOK TICKETS
You don’t need to book your ticket in advance and entry is free, but you will get guaranteed entry by booking online ahead of your visit.
HUNGRY? TIME TO ENJOY ONE OF LONDON’S MOST-BELOVED & HISTORIC PUBS
The Holly Bush Inn
MAP | HAMPSTEAD
The “Holly Bush” name is pretty iconic since it gives a nod to that age-old tradition of hanging a branch or bush above the door of a pub to indicate that a drink could be had there. The Holly Bush is said to occupy the site of the stables of artist George Romney’s house, painter of the scandalous Lady Emma Hamilton.
Famous customers of the Holly Bush pub have included dictionary bore Dr Samuel Johnson and his biographer and fellow drinker James Boswell; actor Jude Law, and musician Liam Gallagher who was thrown out one evening after arguing over whether or not he’d paid for his drinks.
