Hampstead Underground station, London
Guided by David or Peter G. or Richard III
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 |
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!)
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 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.
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.
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
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.
Lily Williams –
I can’t say enough about this tour. If you enjoy the outdoors and learning a little history as you go, you can’t go wrong with this one. David is remarkably knowledgeable and engaging, and I can think of no better way than this tour to get out into nature and see a part of London most tourists sadly miss. I’m recommending it to everyone I meet who plans to visit London.
Robin –
I fell in love with Hampstead and the heath on this tour. What a charming village brought to life by our passionate, engaging and knowledgeable guide, David. The tour wasn’t just delivered but interactive and informative. I highly recommend this tour.
George Crawford –
What a memorable and spectacular walk! We thought we had seen most of London’s must see sights, but Hampstead quickly has become one of our favorites. David’s skills, wit and enjoyable presentation can only be described as brilliant. If you are even just thinking about doing this walk….do it. You will not be disappointed!
Judith Dutterer –
I had read an about Hampstead Heath for years. So, when we were planning our London trip, I learned about London Walks from a friend. Booking a tour was easy with prompt, efficient responses from Fiona and Mary. We met David at the appointed time and what a delightful tour he took us on. David was well prepared with a great deal of information, interesting pictures and even a walking stick. We thoroughly enjoyed the walk with him through the heart of residential Hampstead and onto the storied and lovely heath. We wholeheartedly recommend London Walks and especially David Tucker. Meeting David and taking his excellent tour was a highlight of our most recent time in London.
Cherry Ledlie –
The Hampstead walk was recommended to me by a friend, who said it was her favourite of all the many walking tours she’s done. When I finish this review I’m off to thank her for the tip! David is a natural – he knows his stuff, and knows how to impart his knowledge in an entertaining and enthusiastic way. I really enjoyed it, and will be back for more tours next time I’m in London.
John Presley –
Thank you David for a great experience. On a scale of 1 to 10, you get 500.
Veronica M. –
I did this tour with David and it was lovely! I used to live in London for years and I decided that I wanted to visit and explore Hampstead, as I had never done so and this was the perfect tour to do so! Not only does it take you around the village and has several good lookout points along the way, but it also takes you to parts of the heath as well. Thus, I almost felt like it was a bonus two in one tour! The tour also lasted 2 1/2 hours, so you didn’t feel rushed. I would have never been able to find the hidden little streets and pathways that this tour takes you on my own. I’m so glad to have taken this tour and highly recommend it! I’ll be looking to do more London walks tours in the future!
Cindy Heslin –
I thoroughly enjoyed the Hampstead Village & Heath walking tour with Peter on 6 Aug. 2023. Peter is a knowledgeable and witty guide who revealed to us the natural beauty, history, quirkiness, and interconnected nature of the past inhabitants, buildings and land of Hampstead. The village of today is a delightful place to explore. During my week in London, I have done four London Walks tours and plan at least 2 more. All have been delightful, fun and educational with great guides. So worth it!
Karyn Walker –
Sunday roaming in Hampstead
Yesterday we spent an utterly delightful Sunday morning roaming through Hampstead guided by Peter, who had been drafted in to cover for David, who was feeling a little poorly. Commiserations to David and many thanks to Peter for a wonderful time. The witty, charming and knowledgable Peter left us feeling as if we knew some of the famous inhabitants, both living and departed, and highlighted Hampstead’s history, charming lanes and homes of note. One of the best walks we have done with London Walks and a great way to spend a Sunday. We followed it up with Sunday lunch in a local pub of course!
Riccardo Cumerlato –
This tour was so much fun. Time flew by. And I live in Hampstead! (well, West Hampstead, the cooler poorer neighbour).
David knows how to tell a story plus the story of Hampstead is very good.
Highly recommended