Sign in
  1. Home
  2. Area Guides
  3. Hampstead Heath

Living in Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is one of London’s most treasured green spaces, known for its beauty, nature reserves and amazing views from Parliament Hill. Its timeless charm continues to attract artists, professionals and long-time locals alike.

About Hampstead Heath

As one of London’s largest public open spaces, Hampstead Heath stretches across a scenic hilltop ridge in the city's north. Cherished by Londoners, it offers a diverse landscape of bathing ponds, wildflower meadows, nature reserves, landscaped gardens, woodlands, sports facilities, and the historic Kenwood House, which is managed by English Heritage.

Surrounding the area are well-established residential neighbourhoods like Gospel Oak, Dartmouth Park, Highgate, Hampstead and Golders Green - areas long favoured by artists, writers and actors and still known for their creative, bohemian spirit.

Fact file

  • The panoramic views over London from Parliament Hill, in the south-east corner of Hampstead Heath, are protected by law.
  • Hampstead Heath has over 25 ponds. Most of these are in two distinct chains: Highgate Ponds, which includes the men’s and ladies’ bathing ponds and a model boating pond, and Hampstead Ponds.
  • Known as ‘Billionaires’ Row’, The Bishops Avenue, running from Hampstead Heath to East Finchley and comprising large detached gated properties, is thought to be one of the wealthiest streets in the world.

Architecture and property 

Grand period properties have made Hampstead one of London’s most desirable and affluent areas, with homes overlooking the Heath commanding premium prices. The cobbled Georgian streets of Highgate Village are equally sought after and the area also features notable examples of modernist architecture.

Neighbouring areas around offer a wide variety of housing, from Victorian terraces and mansion blocks to contemporary apartments and social housing. To the north, Hampstead Garden Suburb was developed in the early 20th century as a thoughtfully planned community designed to accommodate all social classes. Its quiet, tree-lined streets are dotted with homes of all sizes, surrounded by public gardens and green spaces.

Going out

On the Hampstead side, the atmospheric cellar restaurant 28 Church Row serves Spanish-inspired sharing plates, while Jin Kichi is widely regarded as one of London’s best Japanese restaurants. 

The area is also known for its welcoming, traditional pubs - many with wooden beams, open fires and extensive gardens. The Spaniards Inn, dating back to 1585, is steeped in history and The Holly Bush is a favourite among authors, artists and locals. The Wells, set in a picturesque Georgian townhouse, offers elevated pub dining in a relaxed setting.

Culture thrives here too. The Hampstead Theatre stages contemporary and classic productions, while fringe venues like Jacksons Lane and Pentameters Theatre offer intimate performances. The Freud Museum gives a fascinating glimpse into the life and work of Sigmund Freud and the Everyman Cinema screens a curated mix of arthouse and mainstream films. In summer, Kenwood House hosts open-air concerts in its beautiful grounds.

Local amenities

Hampstead’s pedestrianised Flask Walk is lined with cafes, antique shops, florists and gift stores, while Hampstead Market brings fresh produce, artisan bakes and street food every Saturday. For everyday essentials, residents have easy access to Tesco, Waitrose and other local supermarkets.

Green spaces

Hampstead Heath is the go-to green space for the surrounding neighbourhoods, offering everything from peaceful walks and outdoor swimming to sports and nature reserves. Just to the east, Highgate’s picturesque Waterlow Park is home to the historic Highgate Cemetery - the final resting place of notable figures including Michael Faraday, Douglas Adams and George Michael. It’s a place where history, nature and community come together in one of London’s most cherished settings.

Education

Locals are spoilt for choice offering a rich variety of educational options. Families can choose from several well-regarded independent and preparatory schools, including Highgate School and Channing School. The state sector also provides strong choices, with popular primary schools such as Fitzjohn’s and St Michael’s. For secondary education, Parliament Hill School for girls and William Ellis School for boys have solid reputations. Sixth-form provision is supported by the collaborative LaSWAP Consortium, offering a broad curriculum across partner schools.

Transport

Gospel Oak and Hampstead Heath stations sit on the London Overground, providing direct links to Stratford, Clapham Junction and Richmond. The Northern line is also easily accessible via nearby stations at Belsize Park, Highgate, Hampstead and Golders Green. From Hampstead, journeys to central London like Leicester Square or Moorgate take around 15 minutes.

Several bus routes serve the area well. The C2 runs through Camden to Oxford Circus, while the 46 loops from Paddington through Hampstead to King’s Cross and Holborn. Additional local routes connect the area to Camden, Swiss Cottage, Finsbury Park and Brent Cross shopping centre.  For drivers, the A1 offers a direct route into central London from the east of the area, with convenient access to the North Circular and the M1 motorway.