This is London's version of Central Park only much grander and more natural and rustic feeling. Think wild blackberries along the trail's edge, three ponds, dogs galore, picnics around every corner, tennis courts, fenced in kids areas and more. The 300+ hectares (looks up conversion ) Also features woodlands, meadows, grassy lawns and paved trails. It's a London treasure and certainly worth a stroll and picnic. The surrounding neighborhood is filled with beautiful homes and fun shops. read more

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Given my slight fetish for nature and all things fantasy, Hampstead Heath was my very first experience in a real London park where I realized I felt more at-home here than in any tropical beach. As such, this ginormous park/ part-forest holds a special place in my heart. The best times of the year to roam its rolling landscape- which isn't always the easiest to walk through given its steep hills- is between late Spring and the Fall months, as the leaf-laden trees add a lush and secluded feel to its denser areas; it's kind of like stepping into a fairy tail. If you've never been, make sure you keep track of where you came in, as it can be pretty easy to get lost here the first few times, and all that walking can get pretty exhausting if you're not used to it. I do love me a little adventure, though; and there are uglier places to be lost in. Once it stops raining for a few weeks and the mud becomes hard enough to sit on, this spacious park becomes a hot-spot for picnicking and sunbathing; especially during the weekends. So, bring a blanket, some food, and maybe a dog, and you have yourself the perfect Sunday. A huge plus is the restaurants and pubs near the Parliament Hill Fields entrance to the park, where you can get everything from food and booze, to gelato and coffee (the good stuff); so even if you're too lazy to cook- like me- your wallet's got you covered. Keep in mind, driving and parking in London sucks, and this place is no different. The number 88 bus takes you right to one entrance of the park, and I'm sure there are others on the other side that can get you close enough to walk the rest of the way. It doesn't get much easier. read more

Hampstead Heath - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

Very nice place, fantastic for walkers Enjoy the village life in North(ish) London read more

I love visiting grand old parks or open spaces in different cities, it really gives you a taste of the flavor of each city I find. Of course London has grand old parks like Hyde Park, St. James Park but Hampstead Heath is bigger and wilder and more hillier and has far bigger open spaces. Call me lucky or unlucky but the day I set about exploring the Heath was alternating between drizzling, full-on rain and breaks of sunshine. Also, given it was the middle of the week, hardly anyone was there and there were times while walking along some of the paths, I felt like I was the only person there. What intrigues me about the Heath is that you actually have natural bathing ponds that people can swim in safely. I'd never seen that before in an urban park whether it is Mont-Royal Park in Montreal, Golden Gate Park in San Francisco, Central Park in NYC, Parc Aux Buttes de Chaumont in Paris or Rome's Villa Borghese Park. They may have a swimming pool at best, but not an actual real pond. I can only imagine what a treat it must be coming early in the morning during the hot summer months and catching a swim before going off to work and feeling like you're in the countryside. Get up on Parliament Hill and you will have a panoramic view of London spread out before you. I hardly had enough time to explore all parts of the park but the parts that I did were just lovely. Also, the Heath is in Hampstead which is a VERY posh part of London, millionaires and billionaires live around here and from what I understand, many famous actors live in the vicinity as well people like Benedict Cumberbatch or Emma Thompson. It's easy to see why, the vibe you get is a very genteel one. Hell, if I ever strike it rich, I'd come and live in this area of London as well, in a heartbeat. Come explore the Heath, have a look at Kenwood House and then go off to the Spaniard's Inn for dinner. It's a wonderful way to explore this part of London. read more

Amazing view . Amazing people/dogs and dog owners Nice ideal walk in the park with your dogs or friends etc Lovely files read more

Gorgeous hilly and rugged park, with several "bathing ponds" - one for women, one for men, and one for everybody. Walking through open fields and forests, you could easily spend an afternoon, or even a whole day here. Kenwood House is located at the top of the heath, closest to the northernmost section of the park. Along with Turner's, and a self-portrait of Rembrandt, food is available there. read more

Hampstead Heath - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

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Hampstead Heath is a winner. Whether you're out for a Sunday stroll, yearning for an outdoor swim in the famous ponds, or in the mood for a ride on the visiting fairground, the heath is a great place to visit. read more

One of the best places to be in London on a beautiful spring day. Great for picnics, people watching, an icy dip in the pond, ball games, foraging, tree climbing, exploring (with or without children) and lapping up the sun. Just don't bring your BBQ, or the ice-cream licking constabulary will tell you off. read more

Hampstead Heath - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

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After getting lost in Highgate I stumbled across what looked like a stunning park. My shocking geography skills meant I had no idea that I had come across the north eastern tip of Hampstead Heath. Not only this but I found tennis courts galore, bowls, pétanque pitches and a whole calender of theatre going on every month. The people sunning themselves on this particular day had that easy relaxed vibe of affluent young professionals. There wasn't a crazy in sight. I fell in love with Highgate so wanted to study the heath a little closer, in the hope of finding another gem of a village. I noticed Golders Green. A few people in the know have told me that Golders Green has some great little spots. I will journey through the park to run the course over this little nook of my beloved north. I never knew the heath linked so many of north London's best neighbourhoods. The natural mass of green outdoor righteousness known as Hampstead Heath has got so much cooler. read more

I cannot rave enough about this place. I could spend everyday here, rain or shine. I try to visit weekly, and every time I do I find myself falling in love a little bit more. There is so much to be explored; hundreds of trails and paths to wander. There are plenty of spaces to sprawl out with a blanket and eat lunch, read a book, have a picnic, or just doze off for a bit. It reminds me of something out of a Winnie the Pooh storybook... Like the Hundred Acre Woods. Have yet to run into any heffalumps or woozles though. Being here, I feel more at home... At ease, relaxed and content. It's a wonderfully refreshing and much needed getaway only a couple miles north of the bustling city center. You can breathe, hear nothing but birds, and completely lose track of time just wandering and soaking in the beauty. I recommend a trip to the Heath to visitors and London locals alike! No doubt you will have one of the most enjoyable days spent here. Oh, and make sure to stop by the ice cream truck and get a clotted cream ice cream cone after your lovely hike! Major yum. read more

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Hampstead Heath is another great option for people who are looking to explore London on a budget or just to get away from bustle of the big city. Hampstead Heath is an oasis of nature much like Central Park is to NYC. The Heath is located a few tube stops away from the heart of London (maybe 20 minutes) and is a sprawling area of lush greenery. But I will say that that's most of what you will see here--trees, water, grass. Im sure it would be an awesome spot to nap on the grass or have a picnic, but there certainly isnt as much to see there (or around there) as there is at someplace like Regent's Park or Hyde Park. The one thing these parks can't match though is the view. At its highest point, you can see all of London from Hampstead Heath--it's really a nice scene. My recommendation would be to make Hampstead Heath a part of your travel plans if you have some recreational activity in mind--perhaps some frisbee, tennis, or a picnic. I think it will also appeal to nature lovers, walkers, and those traveling on a budget. read more

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Hampstead Heath is simply a wonderful institution. This huge area of parkland just 4 miles (6km) north of Trafalgar Square is one of London's nicest areas to go for a walk (or a swim - see later) as it is maintained in a 'natural' state. The word 'heath' is a bit if a misnomer, as there's not much heathland in the sense that most people understand it, but lots of lovely woodland, as well as open expanses of grass, and streams, ponds and the odd bog. Various tracts are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). The Heath actually belongs to the Corporation of London, and was acquired through various Acts of Parliament as a park for Londoners between 1871 and 1906, to prevent it being swallowed up by London's expanding suburbs. The 791 acres (320 hectares) includes the grounds of Kenwood House, managed by English Heritage. The Heath is the only surviving part of the once great Middlesex Forest. There are all sorts of oddities scattered around, including a Saxon boundary ditch from 986 AD, and the remains of past minor industrial activity, such as sand digging on (where else?) Sandy Heath. In the 18th and early 19th century, it became a popular site for wealthy Londoners to visit, and Constable painted a number of pictures of the Heath. It was also the site of a number of early reservoirs supplying London's drinking water: there are 25 ponds remaining, though none is now used for water supply. The Heath is a haven for wildlife, small mammals and birds especially, as well as flora and fungi. Needless to say, it is very popular with families and children, though given the ponds (deep water) and the huge extent of woodland, they need to be supervised. There are eight fenced children's play areas within the Heath, which are a good bet for small children, and there is an active programme for school parties. It is also popular with joggers, cyclists (there are designated cycle-routes), dog walkers and nannies - groups of whom can often be seen taking their charges for a walk in push-chairs, during the week. A full events programme takes place throughout the year and includes jazz concerts, fishing teach-ins, fun fairs and children's summer entertainments. Regular guided walks and nature-spotting events are also organised. Parliament Hill is famous as a great view-point, as well as being popular for kite flying. The swimming comes from the famous bathing ponds - one for men, one for women (the 'Ladies' Pond), one mixed, and a lido - if you prefer your swimming a bit less 'natural'. The ponds are fed from natural streams, and give a wonderfully invigorating experience, but the water is cloudy and very, very cold, and you share them wish both fish and ducks! They all have changing facilities (small compulsory charge), with formalised opening times. The web-site has a section on the ponds and it is essential to read this first - for opening times, access arrangements, and safety. It is easily accessed from Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak stations on the North London Line, or a ten minute walk from Hampstead or Belsize Park Underground stations (Northern Line). A number of bus routes also run through the park. At week-ends, the Heath (and the surrounding cafes) can be really busy, especially in summer - but on fine winter week-days you can almost have the parkland to yourself. (NB Especially at night-time, the western part of the Heath - behind the former pub known as Jack Straw's Castle - takes on a rather different character, as a notorious gay cruising ground. Be warned before you set off on an evening jog). read more

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Seven days ago, we spent several hours walking all around Golders Hill Park (see my separate review), the West Heath and Hampstead Heath. It was all lovely, but the absolute highlight was Parliament Hill at Hampstead Heath. The view is really nice from that high vantage point and it's well worth the long walk. Also, the surrounding neighborhood is one of my very favorites in London. read more

We came here because it was mentioned in a book we read, "The curious incident of a dog in the nightime." It rained this morning so it was a bit muddy and its not far from Hampstead heath station. The walk was lovely. Its hilly and a great place to see part of London City with panoramic views. A lotof dog owners bring their babies here to socialize and mingle with other dogs, which I enjoyed sitting on a bench and watching them play. It made me miss my own babies. Its great for a jog, for a bike ride, and just to enjoy the outdoors. Its near winter so it was very windy. Pick a bench and sit, and people and dog watch. :) read more

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London's largest ancient parkland, covering 3.2 km Hampstead Heath has a variety of landscapes: heathland, meadows, hills, ponds and lakes. In the 791 acres you can stroll, take a guided walk, jog, sunbathe, picnic, fish, play football, tennis or bowls and swim in one of the ponds or Parliament Hill Lido. An ancient barrow here is rumoured to be the burial ground of queen Boudicca, leader of the rebel Iceni tribe, who died in battle against the Romans in AD 61. Parliament Hill was a gun emplacement for the Parliamentarian troops during the Civil War, 40 years later. Today Parliament Hill is a popular spot for flying kites and for sailing model boats. Band concerts are held here on Sunday afternoons in the summer There are many reasons to go to Hampstead Heath..it was one of my favourite childhood playgrounds but I am an avid Python fan and this is a location :0) Monty Python and the Holy Grail - a film that made Ben Hur look like an Epic - was a 1975 comedy gem from those Python men who created a new style of satire and humour that takes an enviable place in entertainment history. Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Eric Idle, Terry Gilliam, Terry Jones and Michael Palin created this now legendary production and one of the many filming locations included London's very own Hampstead Heath. It was here that scenes such as Arthur approaching the first castle and Lancelot's running to Swamp Castle were filmed. It is probably advisable to take a visit and re-enact these classic momentsinvite me! read more

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This is my favorite place on the planet. I mean, look at these photos. Can you believe a place this beautiful exists on Earth? I have spent hours and hours walking around the Heath by myself, and I never tire of it. So close to the beating heart of London, but just removed enough that you can escape into the quiet when you need to. Love it, love it, love it. read more

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Hampstead Heath is great for a long walk, as it is one of the London parks that does not just run out as you are trying to stretch your legs. I really like the more wild and forestry areas of the park because it does not feel like you are in busy London. The park has a nice mix of sports grounds, large lawns, ponds, paths and wilderness. It is the perfect place for a day out whether it be for picnics, walks or jogging. Take cake or lunch break at the Cafe at Kenwood House, where you can also have a look at their paintings collection. It is a lovely Georgian mansion and is worth a visit. The are also plant sales next door. A really nice day out even in the rain. read more

Hampstead Heath - View from Hampstead Heath - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

I don't want to be a real pedant, but Hampstead Heath Extension (this entry) is not the same as Hampstead Heath (what most people seem to be reviewing in this section). Hampstead Heath Extension is flat and mostly laid to lawn for cricket, football or rugby, depending on the season. It does not have a hill from which you can see the whole of London and you can't walk for hours without seeing a building, as it's surrounded by houses. That said, it's great for a quick walk and a quiet escape from the everyday hubub of a busy city lifestyle. But as one user points out - it's only one small and idiosyncratic part of the wider heath. read more

Hampstead Heath - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

A great green space in London, near Hampstead Heath Overground station. You'll come here mainly for the great views of London from Parliament Hill, but there is much more to see besides this. For instance, if you come here after night falls you'll be able to watch people fornicating in the bushes near the paths. You can even join in with some of the couples, providing you pay them about £20. read more

This is an amazing park, great for relaxing and exercise. Beautifully maintained. Although this park can get quite bogged down in the rain. Also it is not the best place after dark with minimal to no lighting. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampstead_Heath_Extension read more

Hampstead Heath - On the track - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

Nothing better than a ramble on the heath on a summers day. Ancient woodland with mystical trails leading to beautiful secret glades and breathtaking views. Hampstead Heath I love you buddy xx read more

Breathe in, breathe out. Places like Hampstead Heath make you realize that Walt Whitman was spot on when he said "Either define the moment or the moment will define you." I accept Time absolutely. It alone is without flaw, It alone rounds and completes all, That mystic baffling wonder. Love, that is all the earth to lovers -- love, that mocks time and space, Love, that is day and night -- love, that is sun and moon and stars, Love, that is crimson, sumptuous, sick with perfume, No other words but words of love, no other thought but love. read more

I can't believe it took me 2.5 years of living in London to discover the paradise that is Hampstead Heath, or to take my top off in public (more on that later). I ambled around on a scorching hot day and was impressed by the rolling hills, ponds and loose landscaping which sit in the middle of a venn diagram of countryside-park-stately home gardens - forest. Just lovely. I agree with the Yelper who said that there seemed to be ample space for everyone to find their own quiet spot for a sit or a picnic. The view from Parliament Hill is pretty cool and worth a look. I was totally enchanted by the ladies' swimming pond, which is now one of my favourite places in London. I can't praise it highly enough. An oasis of sisterly tranquillity. The pond is big enough that it didn't feel at all crowded,and being free of teenage boys,girls impressing teenage boys,or shrieking children, it is delightfully peaceful and laid-back. Dragonflies danced overhead, ducks and other birds nested and swam, and the earthy fresh water felt extremely invigorating (it was admittedly freezing). A stunning spot to swim and unwind, and at £2, it makes a mockery of the whole relaxation/spa industry really. I guarantee that a plunge in this pond will be good for what ails you. You can then sunbathe (topless if you want - but plenty weren't too) in one of the two little meadows by the water. I emerged from the pond feeling at-one with nature and (briefly) at peace with all my fellow humans, so it was a perfect ending to lay down with a book with other relaxed boho ladies of all shapes, reading and enjoying the warm sun on our nips. Simple pleasures! Although it won't bring out my inner hippy in the same way, I am looking forward to dragging my partner out with me to have a swim in the mixed pool. read more

Prepare yourself to get lost in the forest ! When you are a Parisian like me and used to have park like Luxembourg where most of the space is in fact gravels and paths, just knowing than in the center of London, ok let say in the North of London you have place sucha as Hampstead Heath, a huge and green park that also contain some forest, is quite remarquable. It's really well situated and you have few tube station around the park where you can start or end your walk so you can easily cross the park without need to come back to the same place. Funny detail to know for the curious the park is under the management of the City of London which run few places outside the City itself. The only negative comment I could make is to warn the laziest one that Hampstead while situated on a hill, most of the time you will be either going up or down but except this it's really an amazing place with just great green surroundings : lake, ducks, meadow, gardens and a great view over London :-) Simply gorgeous ! After a nice walk just finish in one of the nice pub that surround the park for a drink or a good meal, the best way to end your day in the area. read more

Green, green grass like - woah that's grassy and green and all that jazz. I have spent the last 2 weekends on the heath and rightly so with this fabulous weather we're having. If you want a good view of London or if you have the desire to fly a kite, head up to Parliament Hill. If you just want to sit and sun yourself, the entrance near to Gail's and Hampstead underground is good. For walking - everywhere. Bring your dog, they'll love it. Word or warning, don't arrange to meet someone "on hampstead heath" you'll never find each other as phone reception around is a bit dodge and it massive. read more

Walking in Hampstead Heath is like walking in the countryside, it is amazingly beautiful & sometimes hauntingly quiet, the best place to get away from the city, explore & take in the view. :) 12 puppies ran towards me on my first walk there, probably why I consider it the best park in London. read more

Probably the best park in London!! Especially on a sunny day. There's so much to do in at Hampstead Heath. There is ponds that you can swin in, picnic areas and even walks to explore. Wonderfully, you can also see over London (so no reason to pay ridiculous amounts of money to go to the tourist spots). The park is also extremely close to so many transport options! I took my puppy, Roxy, to check out running areas along with new dog friends. Roxy also found a wonderful place to practice her doggy paddling. Not matter if you're new to London, a veteran or a local - Hampstead Heath is the greatest park ever! :-) read more

How have I not reviewed Hampstead Heath by now? Amazing place. A little forest escape in this big ol city. You come out of the overground station and woop there it is. Go get lost...in the nicest use of the phrase. read more

Being on Hampstead Heath is about as far away as you can get from the busy urban sprawl of London, both physically and mentally as it clings onto north London's fast disappearing bohemia. I really don't think I could survive the city without it. I come in all seasons to take advantage of the woodland, meadows and ponds. The space is so much more than a park as it retains an untampered, rustic naturalism about it. If the weather's nice you can take a dip in the ponds (one male only, one female only, and one mixed) and lounge about as if you were in a Monet. There's no chlorine and lane swimming here as you are surrounded by nature and it's just such a lovely experience that you couldn't imagine would exist in London. I've seen some people swimming all year through and it's a tribute to the fact that for many this area has become a ritually holistic haven. Another couple of key spots not to miss are: Parliament hill, offering the most fabulous panoramic view of our great capital that will really take your breath away. It's really quite humbling. People bang on about Primrose Hill for the perfect romantic setting, but this hill is by far my favourite. Kenwood House, which has a range of all-year events happening including classical music concerts on Summer evenings, and I definitely recommend you take a look at the glamorous library designed by Robert Adams inside. Last but not least the playground! There's nothing like a good swing from time-to-time, so if you've forgotten how much fun it is then no one will bat an eyelid if you want a go here. Hampstead is such a gorgeous village that you'd be mad not to stop off in one of the country style pubs, cafes or artisan delis on your way home, because believe me, you will have worked up a deserving appetite after spending the day here. read more

Hampstead Heath is a little slice of Heaven in the heart of London. With trees, grass and lakes which I have found a the ingredients of a park/heath. My friends and I love a Sunday picnic, buying some gourmet ingredients from the surrounding shops and parking our hangover selves down for a spot of cards or magazine reading. Beautiful. read more

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We walked from the top to the bottom of Hampstead Heath and wow, what a place! It is the absolute perfect place to spend a warm summer evening in London. There are lots of ponds to laze around, a separate men and women's bathing pond (is it really necessary to keep genders separate these days?!) and plenty of grass to lie in, throw a ball around or read a book. While we were there a lovely children's festival was in full swing, a live band was going for it in the rotunda and bikes pulling full sound systems were parked up through the park creating a really great atmosphere. I really recommend taking a picnic and taking in this beautiful place, it's really a peaceful green haven in the middle of a big city. read more

Hampstead Heath - Beautiful Hampstead - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

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I love this place even though at the moment there's a lot of building works around the lakes which spoil some of the views. It's a great place to sit in the sun on the weekend and it's much larger than you think. There are 2 sets of ponds, a bathing pond, athletic stadium and one of the best views of London. You can also go to Kenwood House & grounds which are at one end of Hampstead Heath. In the summer you can see joggers running around the Heath to get fit. It is also one of the best free places to see London New Year Fireworks. Well worth a visit. read more

This is THE most GORGEOUS park in the city. So wide, green, open, peaceful. We went to the heath and had a massive picnic that lasted throughout the whole summers day. We parked ourselves under a massive tree to give us a little shade from the warm sun. Our eats were delicious, the weather was perfect, and the surroundings were just simply stunning. We just laid under the tree all day long while listening to the birds (and a few playing children). Whenever I visit the Heath I never find it to be crowded either, which helps keep it so lovely and just a wonderful place to relax. Go to the heath with a picnic, a bottle of white, and a good book. You'll have the perfect day. This park makes me proud to be a resident of Hampstead. Yep, I said it. read more

Ahhhh Hamstead Heath.. how beautiful thou are! A perfect spot.... just by Parliment Hill, views of the whole of London, sun shining, picnic .... I love this place ! read more

A park you can literally get lost in!! Its so hugeee!!!! Really nice during the summer days, chill out, have a picnic or just go for a long walk, stretch those legs of yours! Amazing views of london over the hills! There is something to do for everyone, and oh, you can even go swimming :) read more

On the Heath lets go and play especially on a wintry day when snow just covers trees and ground and children come and ring around up and down the slopes they slide My bro and me in times gone by skipped the light fantastic, at least we try and up the hill, we and our coz sang of the merry wizard of oz and so it was Yeah, Hampstead Heath is a wonderful fairyland filled with trees and plants and flowers where you can wander for hours and find all sorts of magical happenings. The bird life and the insect life carry on their daily routines and you have to walk silently. There are byways you think are unexplored because there the timelessness can be felt. The Heath has been around for what seems ever and there is a wonderful series called Duncton Wood by William Horwood who wrote about the sacred Burrows of Uffington and insiders know that it is based on Hampstead Heath. I grew up in Coventry and we used to go to Devil's Dungeon in the woods of Sherwood that run through middle England from Nottingham all the way down through the mid-lands We used to walk in these woods, pick bluebells and, in the winter, sleigh down the steep sides of the Dungeon and up the other. Make sure you visit the Heath and if you have the ears to hear and the eyes to see, you will know the magic. A read more

I thought Primrose hill was the most beautiful park in London but, after being in Hampstead Heath I will have to review that.... I was there last weekend and the place looked beautiful: it was a cold morning so the lakes were frozen, all the birds standing on it... amazing. I will come back in summer time and then i will have to make a choice: PH or HH? read more

Judging by every other review here, my opinion fits squarely in the mainstream. Wow. Gorgeous! This park is massive, with landscaping that seems more natural than manicured. I really felt like I was in the English countryside, rather than in the middle of one of the biggest cities in the tworld. Spending an afternoon here on a grassy knoll, playing with my baby nephew was astonishingly peaceful and relaxing. Tons of people around, and everybody was friendly and respectful of personal space. A lot of people were out in the open indulging in various personal vices, but from what I gather that's considerably more acceptable in the UK rather than the US. I didn't even scratch the surface of exploring this park, but the next time i'm visiting my family I will certainly make it a point to discover more. read more

My favourite place in London! Great views of the city from Parliament HIll! Enjoy an afternoon in the heath with your partner - and if you have a dog, bring them along! The heath is a wonderful place to clear your mind and enjoy nature. If you choose the right path - you might even end up in a farmer's market! :) Or, better yet, at the Spanaird's Inn! Tip: Stop by Le Pain Quotidien or Hampstead Butcher and get a hamper. If you're going in the winter months, bring your wellies as it can get a bit muddy. read more

If you are tired from the bustle of the big city, you need some emotional/physical relax somewhere pretty far with the piece with nature.. Come on in to Wonderland :) The most peaceful park that I've ver been to.. read more