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Hampstead Heath

Escape the city and discover London’s largest green space, where ancient woodlands, scenic ponds, and panoramic views await.

4.7

Hampstead Heath is London’s largest public open space, a sprawling green haven atop a hill ridge just minutes from the city center. Spanning 320 hectares, it features ancient woodlands, scenic ponds, sports facilities, and panoramic views over the capital. Parliament Hill offers some of the best vistas in London, while Golders Hill Park boasts a zoo and butterfly house. The heath is open year-round and welcomes millions of visitors seeking nature, recreation, and tranquility.

A brief summary to Hampstead Heath

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit Parliament Hill early in the morning for the best views and fewer crowds.
  • Bring a picnic and enjoy the scenic spots around the ponds and woodlands.
  • Check the weather before swimming in the open-air lido or ponds, as conditions can change quickly.
  • Explore the Golders Hill Park Zoo and butterfly house for a family-friendly experience.
  • Join a guided walk to learn more about the heath’s history and wildlife.
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Getting There

  • Tube

    Take the Northern Line to Hampstead or Belsize Park stations, both within a 10–15 minute walk of the heath’s main entrances. The journey from central London takes about 15 minutes.

  • Overground

    Use Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak stations on the London Overground, each about a 5–10 minute walk from different parts of the heath. These stations connect to Stratford, Clapham Junction, and Richmond.

  • Bus

    Several bus routes, including the 268, 168, 210, and C11, serve the area around Hampstead Heath, with stops within a 5–10 minute walk of the park’s entrances.

  • Walking

    From central London, walking to Hampstead Heath takes about 1.5–2 hours, depending on your starting point. The route passes through leafy neighborhoods and offers scenic views of the city.

Hampstead Heath location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Hampstead Heath

London’s Wild Heart

Hampstead Heath is a sprawling, ancient green space that feels worlds away from the bustle of central London. Covering 320 hectares, it is the largest public park in the city, offering a mosaic of habitats: rolling grasslands, dense woodlands, tranquil ponds, and rare heathland. The heath’s elevated position atop a sandy ridge provides some of the highest vantage points in London, with Parliament Hill standing as its most iconic viewpoint. From here, the skyline unfolds in a breathtaking panorama, stretching from St Paul’s Cathedral to the modern towers of Canary Wharf.

History and Heritage

For centuries, Hampstead Heath has been shaped by both nature and human activity. Its origins trace back to Roman times, and it has long served as a place of recreation and respite for Londoners. The heath’s protected views and historic features, such as Kenwood House and the Hill Garden & Pergola, reflect its cultural significance. The area has inspired artists, writers, and thinkers, including John Keats, who lived nearby. The heath’s ponds, originally reservoirs for drinking water, now serve as popular swimming spots and habitats for wildlife.

Nature and Wildlife

The heath is a haven for biodiversity, home to over 700 veteran trees, rare wildflowers, and a rich array of animals. Kingfishers, toads, stag beetles, and grass snakes thrive here, while the ponds support a variety of aquatic life. The heath’s habitats include ancient woodland, acidic grassland, and wetlands, supporting more than 180 bird species and a quarter of Britain’s spider species. The area is designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation, with part of Kenwood House’s estate recognized as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Recreation and Facilities

Hampstead Heath offers a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy tennis, athletics, and swimming in the open-air lido or one of the three historic bathing ponds. Families will find playgrounds, picnic areas, and the Golders Hill Park Zoo. The heath is also a popular spot for walking, cycling, and kite flying, with scenic paths winding through its diverse landscapes. Regular guided walks and events, such as lakeside concerts, add to the heath’s vibrant atmosphere.

Accessibility and Amenities

The heath is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with most areas accessible to all. Facilities include public toilets, cafes, and accessible routes for pushchairs and limited mobility users. The surrounding neighborhoods offer additional amenities, including restaurants and shops. The heath is well-connected by public transport, with several tube and Overground stations nearby, making it easy to reach from anywhere in London.

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