London: Hampstead Heath
Operating Hours:Open 24/7. Kenwood House: Daily 10:00 - 17:00
The Vibe:Ancient woodland and wild swimming ponds above the city.
790 acres of ancient heathland, woodland and ponds rising north of Camden, Hampstead Heath feels more rural common than city park. Its three swimming ponds, Parliament Hill viewpoint and Kenwood House draw Londoners year-round.
Skylarks trill above the meadows; cyclists climb Parliament Hill; swimmers push out across the bathing ponds year-round. Beech woods rustle in autumn; Kenwood's white stucco shimmers at the Heath's north edge.
- • 790 acres of ancient heathland and woodland at London's highest natural elevation
- • Three bathing ponds (Men's, Women's, Mixed) with year-round lifeguard cover
- • Parliament Hill offers one of London's legally protected skyline views
- • Home to Kenwood House with its free Rembrandt and Vermeer collection
Persona Fit
- 👨👩👧 Families: Pond swimming, paddling pool, and kite flying on Parliament Hill
- 💕 Couples: Kenwood House grounds and the classic Parliament Hill sunset
- 👵 Seniors: Parliament Hill Fields has flat accessible paths; main heath more rugged
- 📸 Photographers: Parliament Hill panorama at blue hour is one of London's best
Highlights
- Parliament Hill — 98-metre summit with panoramic London skyline
- Kenwood House — Adam-designed villa with Rembrandt self-portrait, free
- Bathing Ponds — three ponds for year-round wild swimming
- Hampstead Ponds — formal ponds connected by walking paths
- Ancient woodland — Iron Age earthworks and 1,000-year-old oaks
- Hill Garden and Pergola — hidden Edwardian garden west of main Heath — Hidden Gem
Sarah Riches
Our London Local Expert
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