A stroll through the cobbled streets reveals Hampstead’s colourful history. The earliest signs of inhabitants date back to 7,000 BCE (BC) when forest hunters settled there. The village became fashionable when wealthy people fled the Great Plague of London, and the discovery of natural spring water led to Hampstead becoming a Spa Town.
Hampstead, with charming streets, beautiful houses, and colourful gardens, has attracted creative artists such as George Orwell and Daphne du Maurier. Nestled next to Hampstead Heath, more millionaires make Hampstead home than they do any other part of the country. The affluent area has many attractions, nooks and crannies to explore, so here is an overview of things to do in Hampstead.
At a Glance: Hampstead Area Guide
Hampstead can be divided into two areas.
- Hampstead High Street and its quaint sidestreets are great places to discover the historical side of the village. Visiting Burgh House, Freud Museum, and Keats House could easily fill a day. The centre is an excellent place for shopping in boutiques and independent stores. After a few hours of exploring, Hampstead Village has an incredible food scene.
- Hampstead Heath is a great open-air space for walking, picnicking, swimming at the Bathing Ponds and taking in the views of London from Parliament Hill.
- Hampstead is easy to get to, using the Northern Line from the city centre to Hampstead. Or by bus on Route 24 and 46.
- If you only have time to visit one place, Hampstead Heath should be at the top. It is a true escape from the buzz of the big city.
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Things to Do in Hampstead: A Home for the Rich and Famous Past and Present
Hampstead has strongly appealed to influential people in the past and present. The village has placed honorary plaques commemorating inspirational residents and their Hampstead homes.
One of the earliest plaques remembers William Johnson Cory, who was born in 1823 and continued to live and eventually died in 1892 in the same Hampstead house. William was a teacher and poet at the famous Eton College who wrote the words for the Eton Boating Song.
Hampstead has 75-plus plaques, including Robert Louis Stephenson, John Lewis, and John Constable, to name just a few. The plaque scheme started in 1866, and English Heritage is now running.
Ricky Gervais, Harry Styles, Helena Bonham Carter, and Liam Gallagher are present-day celebrities you might encounter wandering around Hampstead.
A Wander Through Hampstead’s High Street
Hopping off the tube at Belize Park Station, you begin your visit at the top of the High Street. A saunter down the road gives a sense of the village’s history.
There are several Grade II Listed Buildings and a plethora of shops and cafes. If it’s excellent shopping you are after, Hampstead is a great choice. The affluent area has plenty of high-end high-street shops, independent stores, and charity shops.
The cobbled alleyways leading off the high street add to the village’s charm.
Flask Walk
One such sidewalk is Flask Walk, on your left as you continue down the high street from the tube station.
You will find the Victorian Grade II Listed pub, The Flask, so-called after-trading flasks of Hampstead mineral water from the site. The alehouse has been serving locals since medieval times. Now it is recognised for its real ales, craft beers, seasonal food, and Sunday roasts.
Continue past the pedestrianised street, where you will discover some of Hampstead’s finest antique shops, including Keith Fawkes, the Rare Book Store. If you love rummaging through boxes to find a rare book, this place is an adventure.
Follow Flask Walk a few minutes further, and a left turn takes you to Burgh House, a Grade I Listed Queen Anne House built in 1704. Once a private home, the building became a community centre for Hampstead Borough Council after it was left empty in 1946. Eventually, the building fell into disrepair. Until residents formed a charity, turning the building into a local community space.
Perrin’s Court and Perrin’s Lane
Back on the High Street, continue to Perrin’s Court, followed by Perrin’s Lane, both on the right. Instagrammable Georgian buildings and flowering hanging baskets line the quaint streets, especially in spring and summer.
These two streets have several eateries, such as , that serve breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Some with alfresco dining areas to watch the world go by.
La Creperie de Hampstead
If you’re feeling peckish, La Creperie de Hampstead is at the start of Perrins Lane. The pancake truck has been trading for over 40 years and is popular, judging by the queues. It doesn’t sell drinks. Opposite is The Original Red Coffee Box, selling good coffee.
The Original Red Coffee Box
By this time, you might need a pick-me-up with a caffeine fix. Still on the high street, opposite Perrins Lane, is The Original Red Coffee Box, based in a traditional red phone booth. The quirky coffee shop sells coffee, hot chocolate, and organic cakes.
Freud Museum London – The Home of Sigmund Freud
Perrins Lane leads to Fitzjohn Avenue. The street parallel is Maresfield Gardens, eventually leading to the Freud Museum, where Sigmund Freud spent his last year. The house is a dedication to the work of the famous Austrian neurologist and founder of psychoanalysis.
Hampstead Heath
Return to the High Street, and continue along the road until you reach Downshire Hill. It leads to Hampstead Heath, an ancient heathland covering 320 hectares that straddles a sandy ridge.
Keats House
Before reaching Hampstead Heath, there is a road on your right, Keats Grove, and Keats House. Look above the front door, and you will see an English Heritage plaque showing that John Keats, a poet, lived in the house. Originally known as Wentworth Place, the museum gives a fascinating insight into the home’s history and the life of John Keats.
Hampstead Heath Ponds
Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds are a treasure to Londoners and visitors craving outdoor swimming. Surrounded by woodland, it’s hard to imagine you are in the UK’s capital city. Pack a swimsuit if you’re a swimmer or long to cool off on a hot summer’s day. I will be packing mine when I head that way.
Parliament Hill
At 98 metres high, Parliament Hill is one of the highest points in London. From the viewpoint are far-reaching views across London’s spectacular skyline. You can see St Paul’s Cathedral, the Palace of Westminster, the Shard, and the Gherkin from here.
It’s incredible at any time of day. The daytime is peaceful, and you can sit there for hours and while away the time, deep in thought. At sunset, it can get busy.
Kenwood House
On the north side of Hampstead Heath is Kenwood House. The former stately home and 112 acres of parkland are free to explore, with no admission cost.
There are several famous artworks, including Rembrandt’s ‘Self-Portrait with Two Circles.’ It is an ideal place for summer walks and picnics.
The Spaniards Inn
A popular resting point on the northern fringe of Hampstead Heath is the Spaniards Inn. Built by two Spanish brothers in 1585, the pub featured in Charles Dickens’s The Pickwick Papers. It was also of great inspiration to John Keats and a frequent stopover for Dick Turpin, who is said to wander the hallways of one of the most haunted pubs in London.
Holly Hill in Hampstead
The Holly Bush Pub
If you visit Hampstead via Hampstead Underground Station, you can stop by The Holly Bush, on Holly Mount, off Holly Hill. It is a charming, historical pub set in the heart of Hampstead. The picture-postcard pub is a local favourite, so booking is a good idea to avoid disappointment.
Fenton House and Garden
Holly Hill leads to Hampstead Grove and the National Trust property, Fenton House and Garden. The property is a 17th-century merchant’s house. The gardens are colourful with a beautiful sunken garden. The house has interesting early keyboard instruments, ceramics, and needlework collections.
Hampstead Scientific Society Observatory
Further up the hill is Hampstead Scientific Society Observatory. It is a fabulous place to observe the sky, day or night. The observatory has limited opening hours and is usually closed during the summer, opening from mid-September to mid-April.
West Heath, The Hill Garden and Pergola
If you continue to West Heath, you can discover the secret gem of the Hill Garden and Pergola. It was a dream of William H Lever, who later became Lord Leverhulme, the founder of Lever Brothers, aka ‘the soap king’ and a politician.
The gardens are beautiful, and the pergola is romantic and pretty. It is surprisingly quiet, a hidden delight and a picturesque location for photographs and picnicking.
Related: 6 Cool Pubs and Bars in West Hampstead – Our View
Things To Do in Hampstead This Weekend
Picnic on Hampstead Heath
A visit to Hampstead Village and Hampstead Heath makes a great day out. There are numerous places to eat in Hampstead. However, there is something special about tucking into a picnic after a walk in the park. Plenty of Hampstead food places agree, including , who arrange Lunch Picnics from £38.00 and Premium Picnics from £52.00 for a minimum of two people.
Other popular picnic suppliers are Melrose and Morgan, the modern-day grocers provide picnics for two, four, and six people. Prices start from £50.00 for the Sandwich Picnic. All you need is your picnic blanket, no need to worry if you’ve forgotten one. The shop supplies them.
Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath is an integral part of Hampstead Village life. The Heath holds regular events for all the family to help encourage awareness and conservation of the heathland. Most weekends, an event occurs, which changes according to the season.
In June, events include nature walks, spider surveys, pond dipping, and insect safaris.
Other events include Bandstand Concerts, Community Fun Days, and Kite Displays.
Parliament Hill Farmer’s Market
The Farmer’s market takes place every Saturday, from 10 am to 2 pm. The entrance is on the heath near the tennis courts.
Stalls include organic fruit and vegetables, bakery stalls, organic meat, local honey, eggs, and hot food stalls.
How Do I Get to Hampstead
Hampstead is easily accessible from the city centre.
By Tube
The leafy suburb is on the Northern Line of the London Underground. So, you can take the tube to Belize Park Station, the nearest one to Hampstead High Street.
By Bus
Several bus services travel between central London to Hampstead. The No. 24 leaves Pimlico and arrives in Hampstead Heath about 47 minutes later. The bus takes the scenic route around Westminster Abbey, Horse Guards Parade, and Trafalgar Square.
Or, route 46 to Hampstead departs from Paddington Station.
Hampstead Trip FAQ
What is the best month to visit Hampstead?
Hampstead is a great year-round destination. Hampstead offers everything whatever the month.
June, July, and August are warm and perfect for experiencing Hampstead Village and the stately homes’ gardens in bloom. Summer is a wonderful time to wander around Hampstead Heath and enjoy a picnic or watch the sunset at Parliament Hill.
September and October look stunning as the trees change to magical autumn hues in the leafy suburb of London. Hampstead Heath and the bathing ponds are quiet and mystical in the early mornings.
November to March bring crisp winter days; with fewer crowds, you often have the park to yourself. Afterwards, warm up with hot chocolate in cosy cafes or lunch in a traditional pub with a roaring log fire. December is a festive time with the Christmas Fayre and the fairytale light trail, Christmas at Kenwood.
March to May, sees nature come alive as wildlife ventures out of hibernation. There is an explosion of colour with the Spring spectacle of flowers, particularly the bright purples of Wisteria on Georgian houses and the Hill Garden and Pergola on the West Heath.
What is the most beautiful street in Hampstead?
Elm Row is a tiny lane in the heart of Hampstead with beautiful houses and character gardens and a gorgeous weeping willow tree.
What is the most expensive street in Hampstead?
Bishops Avenue, frequently called ‘Billionaire’s Row’, is one of the most expensive streets in England and Wales.
