Hampstead Heath is the wildest and most natural of the London parks. It is 790 acres of woodland, heath, rolling hills, and ponds that have been open to the public as common land for more than 100 years.

The Heath is managed by the City of London Corporation and it adjoins the stately home of Kenwood House. Summer concerts have been held on the grounds of Kenwood House since 1951, and are still quite a popular activity for London park lovers.

There are a wide range of activities available at the Heath. The area is quite popular with walkers and runners, and is considered to be the home of cross-country running in Britain. There is an athletics track and a volleyball court, as well as numerous children's playgrounds.

Kite-flying is best at Parliament Hill, which is also known as Kite Hill for this reason. You can also enjoy a magnificent view of London from this hill.

There are more than 20 ponds located on the Heath, and swimming is a popular activity in the summer months. Some of the ponds are former reservoirs that were used for drinking water in the 17th and 18th centuries. These ponds are used as fishing areas, model boating, and as wildlife refuges.

There are currently two single-sex swimming areas, and one "mixed pond" open to both sexes. In summer, Londoners flock to these ponds to enjoy the refreshing water and the relaxing natural atmosphere of the park.

C.S. Lewis, once a nearby resident, is believed to have based his imaginary world of Narnia on the glorious landscape of the Heath. He is not the only person to have been inspired by the Heath, either.

John Constable was another nearby resident and his paintings of the Heath and its cloudscapes are world famous.

Even Karl Marx was enchanted by the Heath; he and his family frequently enjoyed Sunday picnics on the grounds.

Hampstead Heath is a wonderful piece of rural wilderness close enough for even the staunchest city slicker to enjoy.

Highgate Road, NW3 7JR

Telephone: 020 7482 7073

Photo courtesy: <>

Return from Hampstead Heath to London Parks and Gardens

Return from Hampstead Heath to Best London Attractions