Hampstead Heath Google Maps

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Introduction

Hampstead Heath is a large, ancient parkland in North London, covering 790 acres of rolling hills, woodland, lakes, and meadows. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a range of activities and attractions that cater to all interests and budgets. In this travel guide, we will explore the top things to do and see in Hampstead Heath Google Maps, from hidden gems to historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, and outdoor adventures.

Top Attractions

Hampstead Ponds

One of the most popular attractions in Hampstead Heath is the Hampstead Ponds, a series of outdoor swimming ponds located in the heart of the park. The ponds are divided into three sections, with one reserved for men, one for women, and one for mixed bathing. Swimming in the ponds is free, but visitors are advised to check the water quality before diving in.

Kenwood House

Kenwood House is a historic stately home located on the edge of Hampstead Heath. The house dates back to the 17th century and is now open to the public, with a collection of paintings and sculptures from renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Vermeer, and Gainsborough. Admission to the house is free, but donations are welcome.

Parliament Hill

Parliament Hill is a hill located in the southeast corner of Hampstead Heath, offering stunning panoramic views of the London skyline. It is a popular spot for picnics, kite flying, and sunbathing, and is also home to an outdoor gym and a children’s playground.

Hidden Gems

Golders Hill Park

Golders Hill Park is a hidden gem located on the northern side of Hampstead Heath. The park features a variety of attractions, including a small zoo, a butterfly house, a walled garden, and a water garden. Admission to the park is free, making it a great budget-friendly option for families.

Fenton House

Fenton House is a 17th-century merchant’s house located on the edge of Hampstead Heath. The house is now open to the public, with a collection of porcelain, furniture, and artwork from the 18th and 19th centuries. Admission to the house is free, but donations are welcome.

Spaniards Inn

Spaniards Inn is a historic pub located on the edge of Hampstead Heath, dating back to the 16th century. The pub is famous for its literary connections, with Charles Dickens and John Keats both regular visitors. The pub serves a range of traditional pub food and local ales, making it a great spot to relax after a day exploring the park.

Food Scene

Burgh House Café

Burgh House Café is a charming café located in the heart of Hampstead, just a short walk from Hampstead Heath. The café serves a range of homemade cakes, sandwiches, and salads, as well as a selection of hot and cold drinks. It is a great spot for a quick bite to eat before or after exploring the park.

La Creperie de Hampstead

La Creperie de Hampstead is a popular food truck located near Hampstead Tube Station, serving a range of sweet and savory crepes. The crepes are made fresh to order, with a variety of fillings to choose from, including Nutella, strawberries, and whipped cream.

Budget-Friendly Tips

Picnics

One of the best ways to enjoy Hampstead Heath on a budget is to pack a picnic and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the park’s many beautiful green spaces. Visitors can bring their own food and drinks, or purchase supplies from one of the nearby delis or supermarkets.

Free Activities

Many of the activities in Hampstead Heath are free, including walking, hiking, and swimming in the ponds. Visitors can also explore the park’s many hidden gems, such as the butterfly house and the walled garden, without spending a penny.

Outdoor Adventures

Hiking

Hampstead Heath offers a range of hiking trails, with varying degrees of difficulty. The park has several hills, including Parliament Hill and Highgate Hill, which offer stunning views of the London skyline. Visitors can also explore the park’s woodland areas, which are home to a variety of wildlife.

Cycling

Hampstead Heath has several cycling routes, including a 4-mile trail that loops around the park. Visitors can bring their own bikes or rent them from a nearby bike shop.

Family-Friendly Activities

Zoo

The small zoo in Golders Hill Park is a great family-friendly attraction, offering a range of animals, including lemurs, meerkats, and birds of prey. Admission to the zoo is free, but donations are welcome.

Playgrounds

Hampstead Heath has several playgrounds, including one located near Parliament Hill. The playgrounds feature swings, slides, and climbing frames, making them a great spot for kids to burn off some energy after a day exploring the park.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences

Wild Swimming

Wild swimming is a popular activity in Hampstead Heath, with the park’s ponds offering a refreshing dip on a hot summer’s day. Visitors can swim in the ponds for free, but are advised to check the water quality beforehand.

Open-Air Theatre

Hampstead Heath hosts an open-air theatre every summer, showcasing a range of plays and performances. The theatre is located on the edge of the park, and tickets can be purchased in advance.

Natural Wonders

Woodland Areas

Hampstead Heath has several woodland areas, including the Hill Garden and Pergola, which offer stunning views of the park’s flora and fauna. Visitors can explore the woodlands on foot or on bike, and are advised to keep an eye out for the park’s resident deer.

Lakes

Hampstead Heath has several lakes, including the Model Boating Pond and the Mixed Bathing Pond. The lakes are home to a variety of wildlife, including ducks, geese, and swans, and are a great spot for birdwatching and photography.

Vibrant Nightlife

The Flask

The Flask is a historic pub located near Hampstead Tube Station, dating back to the 17th century. The pub serves a range of local ales and traditional pub food, and is a great spot for a night out with friends.

Jazz Café

The Jazz Café is a popular music venue located in Camden, just a short tube ride from Hampstead Heath. The venue hosts a range of live music events, including jazz, blues, and soul, and is a great spot for a night out with a loved one.

Local Markets

Hampstead Market

Hampstead Market is a weekly market located near Hampstead Tube Station, offering a range of local produce, handmade crafts, and vintage clothing. The market is open every Saturday, rain or shine.

Camden Market

Camden Market is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a range of food stalls, vintage clothing, and handmade crafts. The market is open every day, and is just a short tube ride from Hampstead Heath.

Beaches and Mountains

Hampstead Beach

Hampstead Beach is a man-made beach located in the heart of Hampstead Heath, offering a sandy spot for sunbathing and picnics. The beach is open during the summer months, and is a great spot for families and couples alike.

Highgate Hill

Highgate Hill is a hill located on the northern side of Hampstead Heath, offering stunning views of the London skyline. The hill is a popular spot for hiking and picnics, and is a great spot for a romantic sunset picnic.

Cultural Immersion

Freud Museum

The Freud Museum is a historic house located near Hampstead Tube Station, once home to the famous psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud. The museum now houses a collection of Freud’s personal belongings, including his famous couch, and is a great spot for a cultural immersion experience.

Keats House

Keats House is a historic house located near Hampstead Heath, once home to the famous poet John Keats. The house now houses a collection of Keats’s personal belongings, including his manuscripts and letters, and is a great spot for a literary immersion experience.