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ABOUT
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The Heath
Hampstead Heath is a wild park of woodland and meadows, tucked inside north London’s Zone Two - less than four miles from the centre, though you’d never know it. It sprawls over 800 acres and boasts some of the most spectacular views in the city. This is the park that inspired C.S. Lewis to write The Chronicles of Narnia, that Constable spent his final years painting, and Londoners of all stripes have been coming here to escape the city for over 200 years.
Today, there are few better ways to spend a Sunday in London than with a lazy ramble on the Heath, followed by a pint, or a roast, at one of our wonderful local pubs. The swimming ponds - particularly the ladies’ and men’s - hold almost mystical status among those brave enough to take a dip. Come to fly your kite on Parliament Hill, bring a picnic, and while away your afternoon.
The site
This is a fan site, if parks can have fan sites. You will find paintings and photographs that span the Heath’s history, read about the books, poems and films inspired by the Heath, and learn about our past. You can also find recommended places to eat and drink, and where the swimming ponds are. Answers to some frequently asked questions, and contact details for the City of London (who manage Hampstead Heath), are here.
Happy Heathing!
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our history
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Hampstead Heath exists today thanks to a long, hard battle that was fought through the 1800s to protect one of the last remaining ‘lungs of London’ for everyone to enjoy. For over 200 years the Heath has been a hugely popular escape from the city, especially for the gigantic fairs that flourished from around 1850, earning it the nickname ‘Appy ‘Ampstead. Read all about it here.
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GIFT SHOP
A gift shop dedicated to all things Hampstead Heath.
Getting here.
Journey times from the centre of London, say Kings Cross station, will be around 30-45 minutes. The main public transport options are the Northern Line, the Overground, or the bus - check the Tube map, or visit Citymapper, to find your quickest route. There’s plenty of places to lock up a bike. Please don’t drive unless you really have to - parking is limited, and our streets are better places without so much traffic.
For more information on how to get to Hampstead Heath visit our Getting Here & Around page.
Your photos
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Photos courtesy of Vanessa Bosval, Tim Nafziger, Albert Bundik, Mischa Haywoode, Dan Evans and Matt Watchlooksee.