Hampstead Heath

The Basics

Hampstead Heath stretches from Hampstead to Highgate in North London, with several walks running throughout the acreage. One of the most popular is the walk between Parliament Fields Hill and Primrose Hill. Along the way, take your time to stroll through the gardens at the 18th-century Kenwood House, and visit Highgate Cemetery, where Karl Marx is buried. There are also public swimming ponds, an outdoor pool (known by Brits as a lido), a zoo, cafés, and children’s facilities.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Heath's several miles of walking and biking trails make it great for exercise, with bonus London views.

• Bring a picnic lunch—there are plenty of spots to relax and enjoy a meal or snack.

• There are three separate swimming ponds in the park: one for men, one for women, and one for both men and women, all open year-round. Children under 8 are not permitted to swim in the ponds.

• Families with younger children can swim in the outdoor, unheated Parliament Hill pool, also located in the park.

How to Get There

Hampstead Heath is located four miles (six kilometers) northwest of Trafalgar Square. Take the Northern tube line to Golders Green, Hampstead, or Kentish Town, or take the Overground to Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak. A limited amount of paid parking is available at Parliament Hill Lido, East Heath, and Jack Straw’s car parks.

When to Get There

The Heath is open year-round, and people often take a brisk swim in the ponds in winter. Summer is a more popular, crowded time to visit. Go on weekdays and visit earlier in the day to avoid crowds. Autumn, with its smaller crowds and good weather, can be an ideal time to visit.

Where the Writers Went

Writers including Alexander Pope, John Keats, and Percy Shelley all visited the Heath as part of the illustrious Kit-Cat Club. The group met to discuss literature and politics at the former Upper Flask tavern near the top of Hampstead Hill.

Ways to explore

Hampstead Heath stretches across a swath of North London, including Hampstead and Highgate, with many walking trails. The park is best experienced on self-guided tours that let you explore the highlights at your own pace. Stroll through the gardens at the Kenwood House, have a pint in the 16th-century Spaniards Inn pub, or detour to Highgate Cemetery, where Karl Marx is buried.

There are also cafés, sports facilities, children’s play areas, public swimming ponds, an outdoor pool (Parliament Hill Lido), and even a small zoo. Some downloadable tours include maps and interactive games.

Accessibility

Hampstead Heath offers well-made paths, adapted bathrooms, wheelchair-friendly parking, and mobility scooters to borrow.

Age limits

Age restrictions vary for swimming ponds and the pool. Children must always be supervised.

What to pack

Bring water and a picnic, plus swimming gear and sunscreen if you’re going into the ponds or pool.

What to wear

Comfortable shoes, layers (British weather is famously changeable.)

Not allowed

Anything goes on Hampstead Heath (particularly after dark) but not singing! A bylaw states that music and singing are only allowed with permission from the council.

Amenities

Restrooms, playgrounds, cafés, lifeguards

Address

Hampstead Heath is located 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of Trafalgar Square. Public transportation and rideshares are generally the easiest ways to get around London, but you can also drive or take a tour.

Driving

If you’re driving in the West End of London, your best route to most parts of the Heath is up Kentish Town Road (the A4200). There’s parking at East Heath, Golders Hill, Jack Straw’s, and Parliament Hill Lido.

Public transportation

Take the London Underground Northern line to Golders Green or Hampstead, or catch the Suffragette overground line to Gospel Oak or the Mildmay overground line to Hampstead Heath.

Best times to visit

Hampstead Heath is open daily year-round. Visit early in the day on busy summer days and later in the day at cooler times of year.

Best days to visit

Hampstead Heath is a popular destination on summer weekends. Plan your trip for midweek (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) if visiting during the summer.

Best months to visit

The summer months (June through August) are the most popular time to visit and the only time when the bathing ponds are open.

Special events

The Heath hosts a number of festivals and special events, including the Affordable Art Fair in May and the HowTheLightGetsIn philosophy and culture festival in September.