My helpful Hampstead, London NW3 area guide introduces you to this charming village, rich in history and nature. Activities abound, from strolling through the untamed Hampstead Heath, enjoying the splendour of Golders Hill Park to exploring the many historic estates such as Kenwood House, Keats House and Library, Freud Museum, Fenton House and Garden, and Burgh House. The area offers theatres, a cinema, and a maze of beautiful streets to discover. Shopaholics can visit numerous fashion boutiques and kitchenware stores. Meanwhile, foodies can enjoy everything from traditional British Sunday roasts and exquisite French cuisine to deli-style lunches and afternoon teas. I invite you to experience this delightful London village’s literary, artistic, historical, and romantic ambience.
Best Green Spaces In Hampstead
Embark on an invigorating walk on Hampstead Heath, a sprawling 320-hectare natural oasis with swimming ponds, a running track, and playgrounds. Perhaps the most rewarding activity is the climb to the summit of Parliament Hill, presenting breathtaking views of London.
Golders Hill Park is another scenic haven adjoining Hampstead Heath. It offers many amenities like a café, tennis courts, a bandstand, a croquet lawn, a children’s playground, a walled garden, and even a zoo. The Pergola, a picturesque feature, overlooks the West Heath. Its location is North End Way, London NW3 7HE.
Best Historical Houses In Hampstead
Visit Kenwood House, a magnificent 17th-century neoclassic villa once home to The Earl of Mansfield. Admission is free, and after your tour, you can refresh yourself at The Brew House or The Stewards Room. The address for Kenwood House is Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR.
Keats House is an elegant regency villa where the renowned English romantic poet John Keats met his fiancé, Fanny Brawne. The address for Keats House is 10 Keats Grove, London NW3 2RT.
Fenton House and Garden is a grand 17th-century merchant’s House. You’ll enjoy a walk around the glorious garden with its manicured lawn, topiary hedges and orchard. The address is Hampstead Grove, London NW3 6RT.
Burgh House, a Grade I listed Queen Anne Mansion and the Buttery Café, famous for its cream tea. The address is New End Square, Hampstead, London NW3 1LT.
The Freud Museum is where Freud spent the last year of his life. The address is 20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX.
While walking around, you should also seek out the Admiral’s House, a Grade II-listed house with no naval history. The address is 5 Admiral’s Walk, London NW3 6RS. Jack Straw’s Castle is a Grade II listed building and previously a pub; it’s now an apartment block you can admire from the outside. The address is North End Way, London NW3 7ES.
Ernő Goldfinger’s Modernist home and workplace is at 2 Willow Road. The full address is 2 Willow Road, London NW3 1TH. Isokon Gallery is a small museum at the modernist apartment block at Lawn Road, London NW3 2XD. It is near Belsize Station; I’ve mentioned it because it’s worth the walk if you’re a fan of modernist architecture.
Best Entertainment In Hampstead
Check out the Hampstead Theatre, Pentameters Theatre, Everyman Cinema and Kenwood events listings for the best local entertainment.
Best Streets To Explore In Hampstead
Strolling around on foot is the best way to familiarise yourself with Hampstead. Here are some streets that I highly recommend: The primary shopping streets are Hampstead High Street and Heath Street. Church Row boasts the listed building at 5 Church Row, St John At Hampstead Church, and the 28 Church Row Restaurant. Holly Walk is notable for its graveyard and St Mary’s Church. Holly Place houses the former Watch House Police Station. Holly Mount is where you’ll find the Holly Bush Pub, and Holly Mount Steps host Prospect Cottage and Prospect House.
Perrin’s Court offers cafes with outdoor dining. Flask Walk is home to cafes, rare books, antiques, a florist, and the Grade II Listed Wells and Campden Baths and Wash Houses. Oriel Place houses a deli, theatre, and pub. Back Lane is known for its attractive houses, while Admirals Walk features the Admiral’s House, Grove Lodge, and the John Galsworthy Blue Plaque. New End Square is the location of Burgh House and the Buttery Café. Keats Grove is where you’ll find Keats House and Library. Well Road hosts The Wells Tavern, and Spaniards Road is home to The Spaniards Inn and Toll Gate. The upscale neighbourhood north of Hampstead is Hampstead Garden Suburb.
Best Shops In Hampstead
The primary shopping streets, Hampstead High Street and Heath Street, predominantly feature women’s fashion stores. These include Maje, Reiss, Ba&sh, Brand Melville, Toast, Tara Jarmon, Bimba y Lola, Claudie Pierlot, Jane and Dada, Zadig and Voltaire, Free People, American Vintage and more.
Borough Kitchen Cook Shop sells kitchenware and offers cooking lessons. Their services include personal shopping, premium knife sharpening, and a wedding gift registry. The address is 1B-1C Hampstead High Street, London NW3 1RG. Another kitchenware shop is Lords, located at 22 Heath Street, London NW3 6TE.
Cass Art is an essential shop in the area, which specialises in art supplies at 58-62 Heath Street, London NW3 1EN. The area also boasts several art galleries, including Catto Gallery at 100 Heath Street, Clarendon at 76 Hampstead High Street, Zebra One at 73a Hampstead High Street and Gilden’s Art Gallery at 74 Heath Street.
Best Places To Eat In Hampstead
Redemption Roasters and Hagen are perfect for morning coffee. Ginger and White and Heath Street Bakehouse are my go-to cafes for breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch.
Try the Buttery Café at Burgh House for lunch or afternoon tea; they have outside seating. Melrose and Morgan are ideal for deli-style food. I ate lunch at Oak and Poppy, which was lovely and relaxing.
Those wanting a romantic restaurant should try La Cage Imaginaire on Flask Street or 28 Church Row.
Pub food is an excellent idea in Hampstead, especially if you want Sunday Lunch. The 18th-century Holly Bush is perhaps the most famous. Other ideas are The Spaniards Inn and The Wells Tavern.
Watch My Hampstead London NW3 Video
Helpful Information About Hampstead London NW3
Hampstead is nestled between Highgate, Belsize Park, Finchley, and Golders Green. The primary postcode for Hampstead is NW3. Two stations are available: Hampstead Underground (Northern Line) and Hampstead Heath (Overground).
While you are in the area, you may find these posts helpful:
Things To Do In Hampstead:
Ten Things To Do In Hampstead London NW3
Golders Hill Park Hampstead London NW3
Historic Houses In Hampstead:
Historic Houses Hampstead London NW3
Kenwood House Hampstead London NW3
Burgh House Hampstead London NW3
Lunch At Buttery Café Burgh House Hampstead London NW3
Fenton House and Garden Hampstead London NW3
Keats House Hampstead London NW3
Freud Museum Hampstead London NW3
2 Willow Road Hampstead London NW3
Places To Eat In Hampstead:
Buttery Cafe Burgh House Hampstead London NW3
Oak And Poppy Hampstead London NW3
Ginger And White Hampstead London NW3
Heath Street Bakehouse Hampstead London NW3
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London. 2 Willow Road courtesy of The National Trust. Please check that the places I referenced in this article are still in business before you visit to avoid disappointment.
