A large expanse of hilly, semi-wild parkland in north London, far less manicured than the Royal Parks in the centre, with woods, meadows and views over the city from Parliament Hill. It's a genuine escape used by locals for walking, running and swimming rather than a tourist attraction built for visitors. Kenwood House, an English Heritage property with free entry, sits at its northern edge.
Hampstead Heath covers 320 hectares of ancient parkland in north London, stretching between Hampstead and Highgate, and retains a wilder, less manicured character than London's formal royal parks. Its centrepiece, Parliament Hill, rises to about 98 metres and offers one of the finest uninterrupted panoramas of the London skyline, from the City to Canary Wharf, making it a favourite spot for kite-flying. Three historic bathing ponds, the Ladies' Pond, Men's Pond and Mixed Pond, allow open-water swimming seasonally, a tradition dating back over a century. At the Heath's northern edge stands Kenwood House, a neoclassical mansion with free-to-enter grounds and an art collection including works by Rembrandt and Vermeer. Visitors typically spend two to four hours exploring the woodland, meadows and ponds, with paths ranging from paved main routes to unmarked heath trails that can be muddy after rain. The Heath is busiest on warm weekends and around Guy Fawkes Night in November, when Parliament Hill draws crowds for fireworks views across the city. Sunday mornings offer a quieter, more local atmosphere for walking or swimming.
| Admission | Free. Lido swimming: adults £5.20 / approx USD 7 (Kenwood Ladies Pond, Mixed Pond, Men's Pond — seasonal). |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open at all times |
| Typical visit | 2–4 hours |
| Best time | Sunday mornings; Parliament Hill summit for the finest panoramic view of London's skyline |
| Getting there | Tube: Hampstead (Northern line, zone 2); 5-minute walk to heath. Or overground to Gospel Oak. |
| Address | Hampstead Heath, London NW3 |
Location
Hampstead Heath, London NW3
51.5622, -0.1564 View on map
Highlights
- Parliament Hill's panoramic London skyline view
- Three historic bathing ponds (Ladies', Men's and Mixed)
- Kenwood House and its grounds with a Rembrandt and Vermeer collection
- Ancient woodland and open meadows
- Kite-flying on Parliament Hill
Tips for visiting
- Swimming ponds charge a small entry fee and operate seasonally; check opening times before visiting
- Parliament Hill gets busy on Guy Fawkes Night (November) and on clear evenings for skyline views
- Wear sturdy shoes as heath trails can be muddy
- Entry to the Heath and Kenwood House grounds is free at all times
- Combine a walk with a stop at Kenwood House's free art collection
When to visit
Sunday mornings offer a quieter walk; Parliament Hill at sunset gives the finest panoramic view of the London skyline.
Accessibility
Main paths across the Heath are largely flat and accessible, though some heath trails are uneven or muddy; the swimming ponds have limited step-free access.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Hampstead Heath take?
Most visitors spend two to four hours exploring the Heath, ponds and Kenwood House.
Is Hampstead Heath worth it for kids?
Yes, playgrounds and open space make it popular with families, though the swimming ponds have age and supervision rules.
Is photography allowed on Hampstead Heath?
Photography is allowed throughout the Heath with no general restrictions.
Tours and tickets
Hampstead Heath
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