Hampstead Village Walking Tour
Hampstead Underground station, London
Guided by David or Peter G. or Richard III
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
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:
04-11-2026 11-11-2026 18-11-2026 25-11-2026 02-12-2026 09-12-2026 16-12-2026 23-12-2026 30-12-2026 06-01-2027 13-01-2027 20-01-2027 27-01-2027 03-02-2027 10-02-2027 17-02-2027 24-02-2027
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 spaces 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 and unlike other parts of London.
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 alleyways that will enable you to truly 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.
How long does it take to walk around Hampstead Heath? It takes around 2 hours to walk the 6.9 km circular lap of Hampstead Heath. Coincidentally, our Hampstead walk also takes 2 hours.
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 residents (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. You’ll find more famous names in the beautiful churchyard on Church Row too.
John Keats started to write poetry here in The Vale of Heath. 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. Plus a smattering of more hidden gems too.
Our circular walking route 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
Keats House – the Regency Villa that he called home is where Keats Grove meets Downshire Hill, turn left and follow the road to Rosslyn Hill.
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 from November through to the end of February). The 2pm Wednesday afternoon walking tour of Hampstead is guided by Richard III or Peter.
The meeting point is just outside the exit of Hampstead underground station (on the Edgware branch of the Northern line, between Golders Green and Belsize Park stations). That’s at the bottom of Heath Street and top of Hampstead High Street. (NOT HAMPSTEAD HEATH STATION)
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 the London walking tour 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.
Michelle Collins –
David was incredible – this walk was such a joy on a Sunday morning. I’ve lived in Hampstead for 4+ years and learned so much during our two hours. David was informative, friendly, and highly entertaining. He even followed up after the walk with additional information! I was sad when the tour ended and immediately reserved spots for two more upcoming London Walks. I’d highly recommend to any tourist or local resident alike – it was time and money well spent!
Evelyne from France –
Thanks for a delightful autumn walk in Hampstead, which is a part of London I had wanted to visit for a long time. You, David, led the discovery with enthusiasm and knowledge. Thanks for all the attentions pre- and post-visit. I didn’t know you were the founder of the London Walks company. I have often used your guides’ services and your tours have always been very instructive. Long live your company !
Donna –
This Hampstead walk with David was one of the highlights of my nine-day holiday in London. As a solo first-time visitor to London, I had no problem getting to the meeting point via the Underground. This was a beautiful, informative ramble with a small group. It was a nice change from the crowded streets elsewhere in London. I can’t say enough about what an excellent expert guide David is. And he is humble and kind. I really appreciated all of the bonus information and poetry included in David’s pre and post walk emails.
Christian –
A fantastic experience, seeing places you would not so easily find on your own, with information you certainly wouldn’t have. Brilliant!
Louise Sjogren –
Lovely interesting walk around Hampstead village and the heath. Lots of fantastic views and interesting history. Fascinating buildings and insight into where a lot of famous people live. David was a great guide – wonderful way to spend a sunny Sunday and we found somewhere for lovely for lunch afterwards.
Teresa –
We thoroughly enjoyed this walk led by Richard III last week. Out second London Walk with Richard III, both of which have been very informative, whilst mixed with humour.
Nigel Turner –
An outstanding and interesting walk though Hampstead village with the ever knowledgeable David who was interesting throughout. Highly Recommend
Gretchen –
David’s walk and commentary had it all – history, geology, ecology, architecture, poetry, art history, name-dropping, and anecdotes that tickled my fancy. He took us off the crowded high streets into the lanes and byways, onto the east heath and into the larger west heath. (Did I those directions right?) The history of its preservation as public land was fascinating. A brilliant presentation of a very special space by a very special guide .
Jody –
David was an excellent tour guide and Hampstead a beautiful piece of history. David was engaging, informative, and had a passion for the area that was contagious. The read afterwards was also excellent and very well informed! I had never been to London but will certainly be back just to see the stunning architecture and to explore a little more of the urban wilderness that is the heath. I will also absolutely be going on another London Walks tour the next time I’m here!
Jane –
24th August 2025.
The walk was wonderful. David is a 5* tour guide. I have been to Hampstead before but learnt so much on this tour. I loved discovering and hearing all about the history and stories of the area. I saw so many parts of Hampstead I’d have not found on my own. David made the tour so interesting with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the area. And thank him for sending all the extra information after. Would highly recommend this tour.