Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath is a true favourite of Londoners and a popular greenspace for families, picnickers and sporting enthusiasts.

The 791-acres that makes up Hampstead Heath, made up of ponds, woodland and meadows, welcomes over 10 million visitors a year. The land was originally owned by the Manor of Hampstead while the rest was the part if the estate of Kenwood House and is today managed by the Corporation of London and maintained by English Heritage.

A number of monuments, buildings and archaeological sites exist on the heath and all contribute to its character. These include Kenwood House, a former stately home located on the northern boundary of the Heath, the Edwardian Pergola which has recently been restored to its former glory and the Tumulus which was previously thought to have been the grave of Queen Boudicca but is now believed to the site of a 17th Century windmill.

The natural bathing ponds (that are still used today), lakes and large areas of grassland on the heath attract wildlife including Kingfishers, woodpeckers and bats. Like many of London's greenspaces, the Heath is a popular place for sporting activity and houses and outdoor swimming pool, athletics track, tennis courts, bowling green and petanque pitch. The Heath is also a popular location for outdoor concerts and events.

The Heath is open all day, all year round. Find out more about Hampstead Heath.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are located at Hampstead, Golders Green, Tuffnell Park and Belsize Park.

If travelling by bus the 46, 210, 268 and 603 all serve Hampstead.