Hampstead Underground station, London
Guided by David or Peter G. or Richard III
Adult: £20 · Students & Seniors: £15 · Children: £5
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.
James –
A wonderful ramble around a gorgeous part of London, informatively delivered with style, humour, and passion from a local guide who really knows his stuff. I have visited Hampstead so many times over the years and thought I had a pretty good knowledge, but David just kept the revelations coming and coming. A perfect mix of history, heath and higgledy-piggledy lanes, with interesting characters both past and present whose stories have shaped this unique part of London. Expertly delivered and thoroughly recommended. Thank you David.
Michèle Brack –
We did this walk with David and it was great. So informative and such a beautiful area to discover. I’m so happy we were able to see this area, especially with David who is so well versed in its history as well as its architecture. Although it was 16 degrees celsius and a sunny day to start off with, I’m happy I’d brought my coat and scarf… quite breezy in Hamstead Heath, it’s an undeveloped forested area… yes, right in the middle of London. I highly recommend this walk.
Sandra –
I joined the Hampstead walk on sunny April 9th with Richard the third and I fully agree with all the compliments in the other reviews. Good walking pace and good information delivered in a clear voice with just the right amount of detail.
Celia Berrett –
This afternoon went on a very informative tour of Hampstead and the heath. Discovered some wonderful buildings where famous people had lived in the past. RichardIII had such a great knowledge of the area. It was such a lovely sunny afternoon.
Susan Farnham Warrington –
An excellent , well led walk through Hampstead. Richard was so informative, and led us at a comfortable pace.
Also gave helpful recommendations of restaurants in the city.
Ann Sharifi –
This afternoon I went on the Hampstead walk with Richard (the Third) as our guide. It was a wonderful experience full of interesting facts and anecdotes, delivered with enthusiasm and humour. I have been to Hampstead and the Heath many times, but had never explored the back streets with the beautiful buildings, interesting residents both past and present and the tranquil spaces on the Heath. Thank you so much Richard. A really enjoyable experience that I totally recommend.
Richard S –
A great way to become acquainted with Hampstead. Richard (III)’s delivery was outstanding. Clear, informative and with a nice level of dry wit. The itinerary was well constructed and delivered at a very comfortable pace. I suspect I’ll be seeking out another of his walks in the not too distant future.
Scott Booker –
Highly recommend this walking tour of Hampstead Village and Heath. David is an excellent story teller that really brings the history of this London neighborhood to life. Hampstead is a beautiful oasis in a bustling city. Great tour!
Caroline –
What David doesn’t know about Hampstead isn’t worth knowing. A delightful tour, brought to life by David’s facts and insights. You won’t be disappointed!
Steele Family –
We walked with David on Christmas Eve and it was delightful. Our family group ranged from 18 to 80 years of age and he entertainingly guided us through streets and stories we simply didn’t know existed.
Jens –
Nice tour in a beautifull area.