I am in love with Hampstead Village and Hampstead Heath. Here are the best places to visit in Hampstead, the best restaurants and shops in Hampsteads Village and of course, things to do on Hampstead Heath. This little leafy village in North London has stolen my heart.
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How to get to Hampstead Village?
The most convenient way to get to Hampstead Village is by taking the London Underground Northern Line tube to Hampstead Station. This station is located right in the heart of Hampstead Village. If you take the Overground make sure to get out at Hampstead Heath.
Pubs | Restaurants | Things To Do | Coffee | Boutiques
The Best Pubs in Hampstead Village
The Bull & Last Pub
The recently renovated Bull & Last pub is the perfect spot for a pint or candle-lit dinner. The menu is superb, and the British roast super popular. They have the perfect picnic to carry over to Hampstead Heath for a lazy afternoon. This much loved local inn also has hotel facilities with 7 beautiful rooms.
The Holly Bush Pub
The historic Holly Bush Pub is known for its cozy atmosphere, traditional decor, and a selection of real ales. It has been a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike for many years.
The Flask Pub
The Flask offers a traditional pub setting with a focus on quality food and drinks. It's a popular choice for those seeking a relaxed environment with a bit of history.
The Spaniards Inn Pub
With a history dating back to the 16th century, The Spaniards Inn Pub is famous for its literary connections and picturesque setting on Hampstead Heath. It's a charming spot to enjoy a drink or a meal.
The Wells Tavern Pub
The Well Tavern pub combines a traditional feel with a modern touch. It features a spacious garden area with picnic tables, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors during sunny days. Part of the Well Walk Hampstead London.
Hampstead High Street Shops
Hampstead High Street is just out of the Hampstead Tube Station. There are a lot of nice upmarket shops like Reiss, Zadig & Voltaire, Sweaty Betty and Kiehl’s to name a few. You will also find amazing charity shops in Hampstead like Cancer Research UK, Oxfam and Oxfam books. There is also a Mary’s Living & Giving Shop for Save the Children with a much loved boutique vibe. I love charity shopping.
Charity Shops Hampstead
Hampstead is a wealthy area, and the wealthier the area, the better quality of the clothes donated. I give you the top 5 Charity Shops in Hamstead London
Hampstead Mary’s Living & Giving for Save the Children
Hampstead Heath Boutique by Shelter
Hampstead Cancer Research UK
Oxfam Hampstead
Octavia Foundation Hampstead
The Best Things To Do in Hampstead
Hampstead Heath
I love Hampstead Heath. Hampstead Heath is a large park located in North London, England and is one of London's most popular and iconic open spaces. This parkland offers some of the best panoramic views of London from Parliament Hill. You can see the London skyline, including landmarks like the Shard, the Gherkin, and the London Eye. It's a perfect spot for picnics, leisurely walks, and even outdoor swimming in the summer months at the Parliament Hill Lido. Visit Kenwood House or the Spaniards Inn Pub. There is so much to see and do.
Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds
One of the notable features of Hampstead Heath are the swimming ponds. There are three main ponds; the Men's Pond, the Ladies' Pond, and the Mixed Pond. These ponds have a dedicated following of swimmers. Its a cult thing.
Hampstead Pergola and Hill Gardens
This hidden gem offers a tranquil escape from the city. The Hampstead Pergola & Hill Gardens is adorned with climbing plants and offers panoramic views of the gardens and Hampstead Heath. A bit of a walk from Hampstead Tube Station but highly recommended.
Everyman Cinema Hampstead
Catch a film in this stylish and intimate cinema. It's a great place to enjoy the latest releases in a cozy setting. There are several Everyman cinema’s in London.
Kenwood House
Situated on the northern edge of Hampstead Heath, this elegant English Heritage property has a remarkable art collection, including works from famous Dutch artists Vermeer and Rembrandt. Kenwood House itself is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Do you remember it from the Notting Hill movie?
John Keats House
This is the house where the famous poet John Keats lived from 1818 to 1820. You can explore the beautifully restored Regency-era house, visit the gardens, and learn about Keats' life and work.
Freud Museum
Located in the former home of Sigmund Freud, the Freud museum houses a collection of his personal belongings and a library of psychoanalytic literature. It's a fascinating insight into the life and work of the pioneering psychoanalyst.
Fenton House and Garden
This National Trust property is a beautifully preserved 17th-century merchant's house with a charming walled garden. It offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the upper classes in the past.
Burgh House
A historic Queen Anne-style residence dating back to 1704. The Burgh House museum showcases exhibitions related to local history, arts, and crafts, and offering a charming tea room for visitors to enjoy.
Willow Road
Willow Road is a modernist house designed by renowned architect Ernö Goldfinger and completed in 1939. Managed by the National Trust, it houses an impressive collection of 20th-century art and design, providing a glimpse into mid-20th century modernist living.
The Best Restaurants of Hampstead
Restaurant 28 Church Row - Spanish and Italian cuisine restaurant in Hampstead. Small plates designed for sharing with an eclectic wine list.
La Cage Imaginaire Restaurant - One of Hampstead's best French restaurants. Elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant tucked away on a cobbled street with a cosy, quaint French atmosphere.
L’Antica Pizzeria - An Italian restaurant in Hampstead praised for its traditional wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas. Located near Hampstead Heath.
Restaurant Jin Kichi – This family-run Japanese restaurant in Hampstead is specializing in authentic Japanese cuisine with sushi, yakitori’s and robata grill dishes. With a minimalist layout it is highly recommended.
The Best Cafes and Coffee Shops in Hampstead
The Buttery Cafe - A café located in Burgh House Hampstead Museum offers a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Its known for its selection of light meals, pastries, sandwiches, and the traditional afternoon tea.
La Crêperie du Hampstead - Enjoy a taste of Parisian street food at this world-famous crêperie, a takeaway stall that has become a landmark in North London.
Euphorium Bakery - A bakery and cafe in Hampstead that offers a variety of freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes. They also serve breakfast and lunch items.
Hagen Espresso Bar Hampstead - Premium Danish speciality coffee and cinnamon buns in London. Hygge vibes at its best.
Gail's Hampstead - A popular artisan bakery known for its freshly baked bread, pastries, and cakes. Located in the heart of Hampstead Village, it offers a wide selection of high-quality baked goods in a charming and inviting setting.
Ginger & White Hampstead- A Britisch cafe is known for its specialty coffee, artisanal pastries, dippy eggs, cake anre more. It has a cozy atmosphere and is a popular spot in Hampstead for locals and visitors alike.
Kape Barako (The Red Phone Box) – Start your day and get a coffee at the Red Phone Box on Hampstead High Street. This tiny independent coffee shop It’s open from 8:00am-2:30 pm every day except Sundays. It’s a pretty unique thing to do in Hampstead. Location is 25 Hampstead High Street.
Louis Patisserie - Quaint, wood-panelled Hungarian bakery & cafe with banquette seating offering a wide range of coffee, pastries, cakes, and baked goods. It's a great place for a leisurely breakfast or a sweet treat.
Mani's Hampstead - Relaxed cafe with pavement tables, serving omelettes, sandwiches, salads and coffees. A family run restaurant providing authentic, home made and fresh Mediterranean food.
Melrose and Morgan Hampstead - A gourmet food shop with an attached cafe, Melrose and Morgan in Hampstead offer a range of high-quality products and dishes. Their cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and afternoon tea. Also with an outlet in Primrose Hill.
Ronis Bagel Bakery and Cafe - First opened in West Hampstead and now has spots in Hampstead, Belsize Park, Highgate, and Muswell Hill. Real Bagel connoisseurs, with a delicious bakery & deli which specializes in authentic Bagels and Jewish Baked goods with an artisan style.
Reading books about Hampstead
Pondlife: A Swimmer’s Journal by Al Álvarez - In Hampstead Heath there are three ponds that are used extensively by wildlife and also by swimmers. They are open all year round and regardless of weather, Alverez has swum in them almost daily.
The Heath: My Year on Hampstead Heath by Hunter Davies - An engaging portrait of Hampstead Heath – a place rich not just in natural wonders but in history and monuments, emotions and memories, people and places.
‘’NW" by Zadie Smith - This novel is set in Northwest London, including areas like Hampstead, and offers a vivid portrayal of urban life in the city.
Movies about Hampstead Heath
Hampstead - An American widow finds unexpected love with a man living wild on Hampstead Heath when they take on the developers who want to destroy his home.
FAQs About Hampstead
Is Hampstead Heath worth visiting?
Yes! Hampstead Heath is a huge green space with plenty of walks, ponds and viewpoints! Hampstead Heath makes you feel a million miles away from the city of London but from Parliament Hill you can see an amazing view of the city!
Is Hampstead posh?
Yes, Hampstead is one of the most affluent areas in London with many celebrities, millionaires and billionaires living here. This is why it’s a good area of London to visit.
What is Hampstead famous for? Hampstead is famous for the many writers and artists that lived there in the past. These days it is famous for its history and the many celebrities that live in the area. It’s also famous for Hampstead Heath, one of the biggest parks in London.
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