Hampstead Heath
When the weather warms up, many Londoners head to The Heath first, and fortunately, there is space for everyone. The vast green space, which offers breathtaking city vistas, rolling meadows, old-growth woodlands, and a verdant landscape, is the pride of North London. Want to get hungry before your picnic with a dip? Make camp close to the public swimming ponds and remember to bring your couch.
The grassy expanse of Hampstead Heath, which is wild and undulating, contrasts beautifully with the capital's manicured lawns and flowerbeds. If the City of London Corporation's "aspiration" to let a flock of organic lawnmowers graze sheep on the heath comes to pass, it will feel even more deliciously rural.
The heath, which covers 791 acres of woodland, play areas, swimming ponds, and tall grass meadows in north London from Hampstead to Highgate, served as the basis for a large number of movies, books, and poems. The Hampstead Ponds are ideal for a cool plunge on hot summer days, and when the wind picks up, kite flyers love to take to the lofty heights of Parliament Hill.
- Best spot: The Heath is huge and has plenty of stellar spots for picnics. But for the best views head to the summit of Parliament Hill, where you can munch sandwiches with a backdrop of the London skyline. The hill can get busy, especially on sunny days, so for a quieter spot, try the surrounding Parliament Hill Fields.
- Need food? Head to one of the Heath’s many cafes: Parliament Hill Cafe, Parliament Hill Lido Cafe, Golders Hill Park Refreshment House, and Kenwood Brew House restaurant.
- Anything else I should know? The park is free and always open. Barbecues and campfires aren’t allowed, so leave your baps and frozen bangers at home.
Google Rating: 4.7/5.0
Address: Highgate RoadLondonNW5 1QR
Phone: +442073323322
Contact: www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampstead
