ABOUT

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The Heath

Hampstead Heath is a wild park of woodland and meadows, tucked inside north London’s Zone Two - less than four miles from the centre, though you’d never know it. It sprawls over 800 acres and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the city. This is the park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia, that Constable spent his final years painting, and Londoners of all stripes have been coming here to escape the city for over 200 years.

Today, there are few better ways to spend a Sunday in London than with a lazy ramble on the Heath, followed by a pint, or a roast, at one of our wonderful local pubs. The swimming ponds - particularly the ladies’ and men’s - hold almost mystical status among those brave enough to take a dip. Come to fly your kite on Parliament Hill, bring a picnic, and while away your afternoon.

The site

This is a fan site, if parks can have fan sites. You will find paintings and photographs that span the Heath’s history, read about the books, poems and films inspired by the Heath, and learn about our past. You can also find recommended places to eat and drink, and where the swimming ponds are. Answers to some frequently asked questions, and contact details for the City of London (who manage Hampstead Heath), are here.

Happy Heathing!

Protecting Hampstead Heath

Kenwood Estate

Fairs on the Heath

During the wars

Ghosts of heath past

A gift shop dedicated to all things Hampstead Heath.

Getting here.

Journey times from the centre of London, say Kings Cross station, will be around 30-45 minutes. The main public transport options are the Northern Line, the Overground, or the bus - check the Tube map, or visit Citymapper, to find your quickest route. There’s plenty of places to lock up a bike. Please don’t drive unless you really have to - parking is limited, and our streets are better places without so much traffic.

For more information on how to get to Hampstead Heath visit our Getting Here & Around page.