Hampstead Village & Heath Walking Tour
Hampstead Underground station, London
Guided by David or Peter G. or Richard III
Walk Times
| Day | Walk Type | Start Time | End Time | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunday | Weekly | 10.30 am | 1 pm | Winter Summer | Reserve Online |
| Wednesday | Weekly | 2 pm | 4 pm | Winter Summer | Reserve Online |
N.B. this walk will not take place on the following dates:
25-12-2024
Led by guides who know this area of London inside out (they’re locals), they don’t come much better than our Hampstead walk. Mr London Walks himself, David (who admittedly is rather biased) names this as his favourite London walking tour (just don’t tell the others!)
IT ALL COMES DOWN TO THE GUIDING
Don’t just take it from us…
What’s to love about Hampstead?
The North London district of Hampstead stands on the Northern Heights looking down on the City of London. The Northern Heights – David’s walk goes there – is the roof of London. It offers spectacular panoramic views across Greater London. As does Parliament Hill. On a clear day you can see all the way to Kent. That’s the big-picture view. Tighten the focus and you’ve got spectacular views of the City of London skyline.
The crown jewel of the Northern Heights is of course Kenwood with its lovely grounds and conservatory and arguably the finest private library in the land and of course its magnificent art gallery. Let alone its splendid cafe. And – embarrassment of riches – it’s free to visit.
But Hampstead’s chief glory is Hampstead Heath. Meadows and fields and ponds and trees – a huge stretch of countryside smack in the middle of a great world city. It’s unique. No other city in the world has anything like it. Those glorious green expanses aren’t just the focal point of Hampstead, they’re the key ingredient. They transform Hampstead from a lovely north London neighbourhood to something extraordinary.
Hampstead is like a country village (hence it being known as Hampstead Village) and yet it’s in the heart of London. Walk down Hampstead High Street and you’ll find the usual suspects, but it’s meandering through the winding walkways that will enable you to discover Hampstead, as you’ll find out on our circular Hampstead walk.
A few facts about London NW3
A mere 15 minutes on the tube from Hampstead tube station and you’re in buzzing Central London.
Hampstead is often referred to as Georgian, but its history goes way further back than that. We’re not talking 17th century either. There’s a recording of 986AD, but there is evidence of Mesolithic hunter-gatherers too.
About our Hampstead Walk
Our London Walks Hampstead Village guides have such a wealth of knowledge about this area (and more). It means that you learn an awful lot in a small space of time. On a self-guided walk, you’d have to get stuck into Hampstead many times over a period of years to discover as much, and it wouldn’t be as much fun.
This arty suburb has attracted creatives for centuries. We’ll point out some houses of the famous (alive and dead) including John Constable, Boy George, H.G Wells, Wilkie Collins, Kenneth Clark, Kingsley Amis, Mr Bean, Ricky Gervais, Gerald DuMaurier and his daughter Daphne DuMaurier, Kenneth Clark, John Le Carre, Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, Judi Dench… the list just goes on and on.
John Keats started to write poetry here in The Vale of Health. John Constable painted skylines and his view of St Paul’s Cathedral from here.
You’ll see Fenton House, the oldest grand house in Hampstead, it’s a National Trust property. Then there’s Admiral’s House, built by a retired Navy Lieutenant (not an admiral at all). John Constable lived nearby and featured it in a painting too. P L Travers gained inspiration here that influenced the Mary Poppins story.
As you’d expect, we’ll walk around parts of the heath – West Heath and the main section with wonderful viewing platforms (like the one at Parliament Hill).
You’ll discover Well Walk (off East Heath Road) and Flask Walk, a lively, buzzing little pedestrian-only shopping lane with everything from antiques to sushi to a great pub (The Flask) and a Turkish barbers.
Our circular walk ends at Church Row.
A few other places to visit in Hampstead:
These places need time to explore properly in their own right. We highly recommend you do so.
Kenwood House – an English Heritage property that hosts incredible events and has a rich history to explore
Burgh House – a historic, Queen Anne listed home that incorporates Hampstead Museum
Highgate Ponds – are you brave enough for a dip on the east heath? It’s an exhilarating experience
The Holly Bush pub – a wonderful, traditional 18th century Georgian inn that has everything you want from a pub experience. Find it off Holly Bush Hill.
Hill Garden and pergola – a beautiful west heath Georgian arbour and terrace.
Practical tips for our Hampstead Walk
The Old Hampstead Village & Heath walk takes place at 10:30 am every Sunday morning, year-round. The Sunday morning walk is guided by David*
The Old Hampstead Village & Heath walk also takes place at 2 pm every Wednesday afternoon (except in January and February). The 2 pm Wednesday afternoon Hampstead walk is guided by Richard III or Peter.
The meeting point is just outside the exit of Hampstead underground station. That’s at the bottom of Heath Street and top of Hampstead High Street.
The walk ends in Church Row, Hampstead’s grandest street, just a stone’s throw from Hampstead Tube station.
Hear from our guides:
Hampstead podcasts
Hampstead: an introduction from David.
Another David podcast about Hampstead.
By Orchard Pond – David’s been out on Hampstead Heath listening to nature
Jan’s podcast on Hampstead Heath and Kenwood.
This is why you go on walking tours (well, it’s one reason, a helluva good reason)
Things to Do in Hampstead, A Local’s Guide
Hampstead videos
LONDON WALKS VIDEOS
David’s video number 1
And here’s our 2nd Hampstead film
LONDON WALKS PRIVATE WALKS
If you can’t make one of the regularly scheduled, just-turn-up, Hampstead Village & Heath it can always be booked as a private tour. If you go private you can have the Hampstead Village & Heath walk – or any other London Walk – on a day and at a time that suits your convenience. We’ll tailor it to your requirements. Ring Fiona or Niamh or Peter or Mary on 020 7624 3978 or email us at [email protected] and we’ll set it up and make it happen for you. A private London Walk – they’re good value for an individual or couple and sensational value for a group – makes an ideal group or educational or birthday party or office (team-building) or club outing.
Michael Gordon –
The walking tour of Hampstead and the Heath with David was the highlight of our weekend in London. Don’t be put off by the gentle American accent, this guy knows what he’s talking about! Hugely engaging and laced with wit and factual detail in just the right proportions, David shared his delight in this place he has called home for decades. Two hours, or more, passes very quickly and agreeably.
The follow on material David sent us looks fascinating.
Of the 30 or so London walks we have done over the years this one is right up there. Top drawer stuff! Not to be missed.
Diane –
We thoroughly enjoyed our Hampstead walk this morning with Richard 111. It was very interesting and informative and brought back many fond memories for my husband who had lived in Hampstead many years ago.
Nancy Silander –
We did the Hampstead Heath walk with David -one of the best city walks (we’ve done dozens in many European and American cities) ever. David had so much information and was so enthusiastic – it made the walk. He made sure the whole group of us (about 15) could understand, and patiently answered questions and had recommendations after. On top of that – this is a bargain – hard to find that in London!
Be sure to explore all the different walks – each has its own charm. You think you know this part of London? After the walk – you do! Highly recommended!
John Baines –
Between the rain of yesterday and the gales to come later that day, we had a wonderful dry walk led by Adam, through the narrow lanes of Hampstead. He knew so much and his spirited delivery had me listening to every word. I learned much about the area, its history, the famous lives, the buildings and so many stories. A wonderful two hours. Thank you so much.
Maritheresa Frain –
Excellent walking tour of Hamstead with Adam. Informative commentary, lively anecdotes and interesting history of this beautiful area in London
Dave Heymans –
We joined Adam for the Hampstead tour . Hes a very informative , funny fella , full of information about the area . The tour was a real highlight for us . Hampstead itself is an amazing place to walk about . Its a real step back in time , a must for anyone who has an iterest in history . A wonderful way to spend a couple of hours .
Anthony Brown –
We went on the Hampstead walk on December 10, 2023, and David was an absolutely fantastic guide! He knows about the area so well and presented a wealth of information in a very interesting and eloquent way. He also provided a lot of additional information after the walk that further enhanced our understanding of the history and key aspects of Hampstead. I am British originally (have lived in Canada for many years) and my wife and I know many parts of London very well. We really like London Walks because they explore pockets of the city that we would normally pass by without realizing how many hidden gems are waiting to be discovered. We highly recommend this walk – and all London Walks – as they are the best way to spend two hours in London! Even the light rain (mizzle, as David called it) did not dampen our spirits!
Elena F. – Milano –
There are places you instantly feel a connection with and Hampstead Heath is exactly that kind of place. It’s London, but it does not feel like London, even though you can enjoy one of the most beautiful views of the city from there. David was a great guide, walking us through some hidden corners where you would hardly end up by chance. He entertained us with stories of windmills, sailors and celebrities, making it clear how fond he was of this charming London area. Highly recommended.
Margaret and family –
This London Walk is good for the soul. Yes, there is a picturesque village but so much more. Gorgeous swath of wilderness. Views of London. Ponds, poetry, viewing platforms and battlegrounds. And dogs. Lots of dogs. Most of all the incomparable knowledge of a London Walks guide to wind you through the paths. David fills this walk with so much warmth and charm. As I said, good for the soul.
Graziella –
David was our guide on the Hampstead Village & Heath Walk and he seems to be very familiar with the area. Additionally he sent lots of written information before the walk as well as after the walk. Thank you very much, David.