Full of charming streets and literary history, Hampstead is a great place to wander through and soak up lovely little details.
Hampstead is a 20-minute Tube ride from central London on the Northern line, making it easy to reach for a day or just an afternoon. Here are nine reasons to visit Hampstead.
1. Hampstead High Street
Just outside Hampstead Tube station, Hampstead High Street is at the heart of village life. Full of shops, restaurants, cafes and boutiques, it’s a great place to begin a visit to the neighbourhood. Explore the little side streets that are full of great delis, galleries and other treasures.
2. Hampstead Heath
Perfect for rambling, walking and enjoying a picnic on a sunny day, Hampstead Heath is one of London’s best parks. From the panoramic views of the city centre from Parliament Hill to the idyllic trails through trees and woods, the heath is the perfect antidote to the bustling streets of central London.
3. Burgh House
In the heart of Hampstead village, Grade I-listed Burgh House is home to a small museum and pretty cafe. Visitors can learn about the area and its history and then sit at an outdoor table on the leafy terrace for a cup of tea and cake.
4. Holly Bush
One of Hampstead’s most beloved pubs, the Holly Bush is a must-visit on any trip to the area. With a maze of little wood-panelled rooms and cosy fires in the winter, the Holly Bush is a quintessential London establishment. If you’re in the village on a Sunday, don’t miss the Sunday roast.
5. Kenwood House
At the north end of Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is a former stately home that is now a lovely museum. Visitors can explore the house and its stunning art collection before strolling through the gardens and grounds.
6. The Wells
On the way from Hampstead Heath to the high street, The Wells is perfectly situated for a post-ramble pint. The pub’s outdoor tables fill with pitchers of Pimm’s in the summer months, and the interior rooms are perfect for a warming meal in cooler weather.
7. Hampstead cafes
From the classic Coffee Cup cafe to the sweet Ginger & White, Hampstead has no shortage of places for refreshment. Don’t miss the pastries at Gail’s on the high street.
8. Village streets
The best things about Hampstead are the little streets that give the neighbourhood its charm. It's worth getting lost for a while as you check them all out, from the skinny pathway of Mansfield Place to the colourful doors on Holly Walk.
9. Flask Walk
Just around the corner from Hampstead Tube station, Flask Walk has a pedestrian-only area with a kaleidoscope of vintage shops, cafes, florists and pubs.
