If you are close to Hampstead Heath and the weather is reasonable, you should definitely venture to the Parliament Hill. It offers great views of London. You can ponder the the Gherkin hidden between other City's structures, spot sparky Shard or try to find some other buildings described on the metal plate panorama located there (note: this panorama was created in 1994 - just guess how accurate it is now ;) ). Hampstead Heath itself can be rather swampy playground, especially after overnight rain. So be prepared to get the clothing right before heading there. Of course as any London park it is a great destination for a morning jog, so runners, climb the Parliament Hill as your morning routine! read more

See all

lovely!

It's a big hill in a park area facing London downtown giving you a nicish skyline view. My problem is there are very tall and wide bushy trees blocking the viewpoint. I get the importance of trees and all that flower stuff. But this is supposed to be a viewpoint and there is a limited space between groups of trees where a crowd is peaking through to see the Gherkin and the Shard buildings. Let the trees branch out somewhere else. read more

Parliament Hill - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

A couple of years ago, the view from Hampstead Heath's Parliament Hill was named the best free thing in London by TimeOut. I think I might agree. It is the highest point in the city. The view doesn't feel as close as it does from Primrose Hill, but it's far more expansive. It's really something to look at the gorgeous roofs of adjacent Highgate, then scan right to see Docklands, the O2, St Paul's, the Eye, the BT Tower, and all points in between. There are some helpful signs to help you spot landmarks. There are a lot of benches here for people who want to soak in the view, but many people just sit in the grass. This is a very popular kite-flying spot. You'll see everyone from parents helping their kid put their first bit of plastic into the air to Those Who Take It All Very Seriously, and have high-tensile strength lines that control a space-age airfoil somewhere up beyond the range of human vision. Where the hill rolls away to the back you often get people landboarding. It's a nice view farther down the hill to the ponds between the Hill and Highgate. Certainly, Parliament Hill is a top place to people-watch (and dog-watch!). It's a perfect stopping point on a wander through the Heath. read more

See all

If I was an animal, it would be a cat. Actually, I'm most like a chicken - I cluck a lot. But if I could choose it would be a cat. Or maybe a squirrel... Okay I'm totally going off topic here but on Parliament Hill, I am a dog. I will get down on the grass and roll around like a puppy. It's awesome. Had a shit day at work? Come here and get some green stains on your clothes. Part of the joy is that it is a hill, so you can roll the whole way down. You feel a bit sick by the time you get to the bottom but it's fab. Try it - you're life will be all the better for it! If you are sat here thinking this is a little strange, well... Let loose a little. You never know, you could actually have some fun. read more

I used to come here as a kid with my parents and fly my kite. I don't remember it much and I come here very rarely unless I make the effort but when I do it's mainly in the summer sun to see the great view over the city or an event like summer solstice. The moon is good spot from here and friends gathered to see the eclipse of strawberry moon most recently getting their good cameras out so it was a privilege to witness natural wonders from a good viewpoint other than my back garden. read more

Parliament Hill - Someone I know took this last night for the strawberry moon... More orange than anything It seems! #YelpLondonRainbow #orange - Parks Near Me - London, XGL

If you have a kite, this is the ultimate hill for top wind speeds!! Parliament hill is one of my fav stops in the summer because it really showcases the range of what Hampstead has to offer. Amazing view, and a good workout on the walk up, once you're at the top you'll want to soak it in. Perfect spot for those panorama-photographers. Getting here can be a little pain unless you're on bus or overground, if you're wandering from the semi-nearby tube stops, I hope you have google maps on your phone as it can be a little maze on some residential roads. read more

Situated in the wondrous Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill is an elevated, patchy expanse of well-worn grass, with a couple of benches. The view of London has the wow-factor, for sure, and as a kite flying spot it is legendary. But I preferred Primrose Hill, sorry. Admittedly PH was a lot busier, which could be annoying, but I like the hill and the view more, and my line of sight wasn't as obstructed by trees. read more

Parliament Hill!! Where the hell! have you been? Ive been to Hampstead Heath numerous time's and I have not seen you!! I was blown away at Parliament Hill, the view of London was breathtaking! I saw Canary Wharf, St Paul's, O2 etc. On the other side you get a lovely view of Parliament hill mansion's and houses almost like their built on hills with a lovely old church at the background. Wow!! Their are a few benches around. I can imagine having a lovely picnic in spring/summer at P.Hill! Also great for some solitude depending on what time you go. The fact that P.Hill is surrounded by Hampstead Heath's beauty its great to go see for Londoners and tourist alike. read more

Not too far away from me and although it's a long old walk to get to this bench, it's well worth it for the marvellous views all across London. The odd thing is that there isn't a queue for it after dragging yourself up to it. The other interesting thing is that this bench has featured in a few films as well. Judi Dench in Notes on a Scandal, and a whole chapter of the super-low-budget, but rather good Scenes of a Sexual Nature was set on this bench (the whole film being set in Hampstead Heath). The Omen had some filming done here as well - though I'm not sure if the bench was in it -has it been in any other movies? Is it the most famous bench in cinema history? Should it be getting a royalties cheque? read more

A must see! It is worth the effort to climb up and hike through Hampstead Heath to get to Parliament Hill. It may be windy but you'd get to have London skyline at your feet. The view is priceless. The entire area is so beautiful as well (urban wilderness), and it is easily reachable by London Overground and the Underground (Northern Line). read more

I love wandering around the Heath anyway, but Parliament Hill is by far my favourite spot in the park. On New Years (and, I'd imagine, any other night when fireworks are the norm) you can see a sort of 360 view of all the fireworks around London. On a sunny day, I love taking up a bottle of wine, some snacks, and a good book and enjoying the view. It's a bit of a hill to get up there, but the view is worth it, I promise. read more

Whether unacquainted steps are taking you there or it is a planned stopping point on your walk through the vast lands of Hampstead Heath; whether you long for a few moments of graceful solitude, gazing into the landscape or you're there for a discrete rendezvous; whether you want to have a go on spotting London landmarks or just rest on one of the benches on the top of the hill or lie down in the grass and absorb the familiar sights; whether you're there kite-flying or just pointing out; Parliament Hill is always more to it. There are some deliciously inviting blackberry bushes right at the bottom of the hill when the summer is almost over and autumm is in the air. read more

I just wanted to add that Parliament Hill is a fantastic place to go on New Year's Eve. The place is full of excited (and drunk) people, and with decent weather you can see for miles. Midnight itself is incredible. You can see all the fireworks go off all over London. Those on the London Eye are always pretty good, but the key thing is that you can experience the whole city suddenly erupting in colour and excitement. It makes you feel part of the bigger picture of the celebrations. Plastic cup of champagne anyone? (P.S. Bring a radio, otherwise you'll hear other groups celebrate at completely different times) read more

Surely the best park bench in London? if not the country? Where else can you find a bench that gives you views across the whole entire, marvelous city? A bench that takes you so much physical exertion to actually climb up the hill to get to it that when you do you can't help but appreciate all it's glorious restfulness. 5 stars. A must visit! read more

Obviously the view is amazing, and I'd really recommend it for both locals and tourists. I took a friend who was visiting from Sweden, and she really enjoyed being able to see central London in this way, and for me it was great too because it reminded me of how impressive London really is. I hope to come back on a sunnier, warmer day and spend a bit longer there, was the weather was the only off putting thing. The location is really easy to find coming from Gospel Oak. I expected the walk up the hill to be a bit more strenuous, but it was quite pleasant. The moment of turning around and seeing everything for the first time was really wonderful. I can't imagine anyone going to Parliament Hill and not being impressed. Plus it doesn't cost a thing! read more

I remember when I first visited Hampstead Heath, I searched for this place for hours amongst the vast lands of the Heath. Once I eventually found it, I was amazed. The views are simply stunning (matched only by Greenwich Park and possibly Primrose Hill) and the scope of the City really hits home. You can stand for hours trying to work out exactly what everything is, but the best thing to do is just sit back and (attempt) to take it all in. It's definitely the pinnacle of a good walk across the Heath. And the best thing is, I can see my flat in Highbury from it (in Autumn, anyway!) read more

"But it's a hill?" I hear you say! no,no,no A sunny day on Parliament Hill is like a day out to the beach, but in London, with all the positives and none of the lobsterised bingo wings you get at your run-of-the-mill seaside. No, with "El Hill" you get a great view of London, Sort of North-West to South-East looking, only spoilt by the odd tower block. People are generally nice, and the rest of the Heath gives it this kind of convenient wilderness where one can collect their thoughts, but hopefully not get too distracted. There is the tube, rail, and buses... but what kind of adventure would you have if I told you the specifics. I have spent countless summer days with my friends and family on the hill, I prefer here than Primrose Hill.... seriously, It's gotten a little too touristy and the view isn't the same. People are over pretentious and just there to be seen, which makes for good viewing sometimes. But the hill doesn't judge, It's a bit like being on the Tube but more spaced out and less halitosis to dodge, People try and give you the respect of privacy whilst still walk through your picnic with a smelly dog. And you can do outdoor swimming if you miss the beach that much! There is a Lido by its south eastern entrance and there are natural(ist) ponds. I used to take friends the long way round and they'd complain about it (as its on a big hill) just to see their face when they saw the view and I'd be happy for a little while, I don't know what it is, but the view has the same effect on me as the constant clashing of waves, and you get less sand in your shoes and unmentionables (phew). read more

Great views of London and on a nice day. There is a lot of park and greenery around, therefore, I highly recommend taking the time to walk around. read more

One of my favourite views in London, the view from Parliament Hill looks right down over the city and there is a handy plaque that points out key landmarks for anyone that's just getting to know the city. There's a bench at the top of the hill (that was featured in a scene in the film Notes on a scandal) and if you wander south down the hill you will get to Hampstead lido (another brilliant London landmark). Best time to go to Parliament Hill, and the lido for that matter, is early in the morning on a clear day - it means a bit of an early start but it's well worth it read more

Parliment Hill is a Smaller Version of Hyde Park and Hampstead heath even though it is there is still a nice vibrant atmosphere or a quiet one in some places depending on your mood read more

I was blown away at Parliament Hill, the view of London was breathtaking ! Totally recommend it to everyone. There are a few benches around. I can imagine having a lovely picnic at Parliament Hill. Also great for some solitude depending on what time you go. read more

This is a nice park to go to if you want a good view of London, but it tends to be crowded especially in summer.

new years eve is wicked here as the view is mega ull have blast