If you are tired from the bustle of the big city, you need some emotional/physical relax somewhere pretty far with the piece with nature.. Come on in to Wonderland :) The most peaceful park that I've ver been to.. read more

Beautiful and vast park. Truly an oasis from the chaos of London. Apparently there are great places to swim here which I never used. Wonderful hiking trails with amazing vistas of the London skyline in the horizon. Horseback riding goes on here too. read more

OK, why did I wait so long to go here? This is absolutely beautiful and I got totally lost wandering around but I found Parliament Hill and it was absolutely amazingly beautiful. Trees and birds and bunnies and ponds and loads of space to sit around and read or people-watch or just sun yourself. It's easy to forget you're in London! It's really just beautiful, that's the only word I have for it. read more

I absolutely love Hampstead Heath. Hampstead Heath has changed my life because it provides an outlet for my German Shorthaired Pointer to run his little heart out along woodsy trails, to drink stagnant pond water and to chase squirrels. All while I run along woodsy trails, watch my dog love life, and not have to worry about him getting hit by a car or finding discarded food to eat. An unexercised Pointer is an unhappy Pointer and an unhappy Pointer is an unhappy household. Having recently moved to Islington, I was having great difficulty finding a proper sized park not littered with food. After a week of going to various neighborhood parks at various times (trying to find that sweet spot before idiots have laid out bread for the pigeons), I was at my wits end. I turned to my friend Internet and asked him where the best park is in North London for dog walking and he said Hampstead Heath and, once again, Internet was right! The park is massive (slightly bigger than Central Park in NYC) and there is a little bit of everything for everyone. It's easy to get lost, so be sure to bring a GPS enabled device. I've been to Hampstead Heath an hour a day everyday for a week now and I haven't even scraped the surface of this vast place, which is fine. I know where to go to avoid picnic'ers and people in general. Having lived in the Windsor area for two years a few years ago, I can say that Hampstead Heath really does feel like the countryside. I'm always amazed at how much green space there is in London and Hampstead Heath is one of the best green spaces around and it's super easy to get to via the London Overground - an entrance to the park is literally across the road from the Hampstead Heath overground station. Other miscellaneous plusses: -ponds for dogs to drink water -water fountains for both people and dogs (there is a built-in dog bowl which collects the drained water from the water fountain) -free toilets -plenty of bins for dog poo -friendly people because people enjoy being at the Heath and when people enjoy an activity, they are happy! I'd award 10 stars if I could! read more

Agree with Thomas A - thank god for GPS! This is one helluva park - and perhaps the most beautiful parks in London. Lovely for a picnic with the family or friends, particularly by the ponds (if you can find them!). Make sure you get some refreshments from M&S in Hampstead village before you enter the park - you won't want to leave once you're in there! read more

hampstead heath is an amazing place for an afternoon away ...if you the tumult of the metropolis gets to be too much, Was clean and spacious, kids enjoyed themselves. also free and lovely in summer. The village of Hampstead is just a happy place read more

Thank goodness for blackberry GPS. If I ever visit the West side of Hampstead, I get hopelessly lost and end up walking in circles. This park is so big though, that they really do have something for everyone. If you want trees with your nature, go to the West bit and walk around the forest trails and check out the mini zoo. There's also Kenwood House and their gardens on the West side, so try to run through there and check out some of the vines and flowers before making your way to the East side of Hampstead to go to Parliament hill and get an amazing view of the city, one that certainly rivals Primrose hill. There's a lot of grassy rolling hills in the middle so you can stake one out and feel like you're out in the countryside, they don't get too busy either so it's a great place to escape from tourists. The East side of the park is also home to the swimming ponds (one for women only, men only, and one mixed), tennis courts, bocce ball area, and a lot more people watching. You know this is where George Michael got arrested for... yeah, that still goes on in some spots and if you know what kinds of people to keep an eye out for it actually makes for a hilarious drinking game "cottager, drink!" "we already saw that one, drink two!!". If it wasn't so expansive, I'd probably only give it 4 stars but the variety of the heath makes it at least 3 parks in one. read more

Hampstead Heath, i always have fond memories of. For a number of years i have attended the Kenwood Festival and enjoyed the atmosphere, getting sloshed with wine and enjoying good food, ooh yes and the fireworks - great. I also have fond memories of my kids dressed up as superman and entertaining all the other visitors. read more

Hampstead is one of London's larger parks. Perched above the city, the South end has great views once you've climbed a bit. Heading North West you come to an area with a lovely mix of wooded hillsides and open patches. I've seen rabbits openly grazing in daylight up there. Then there's the ponds. A whole selection of them, including some available for open air swimming for those who can deal with unheated water. In the North there's Kenwood House, and its grounds, but that's another review. Hampstead Heath is a lovely place to wander. I believe there's regular orienteering events, though I've never managed to get myself organised to take part. I have however picked a nice lot of blackberries. I've also spotted a pair of bright green parakeets: spreading from their colony in South West London I guess. For running, I didn't even think of measuring a route online. There's no hope! I don't know if a GPS would work. However if you are not bothering with the figures, it's a great place to go. There's steep slopes all over the place, but I find the ever changing scenery draws you on, so it's exhilarating rather than challenging. And it's nice to leave tarmac behind and get your feet on some natural soil. read more

Outstanding place to spend a weekend afternoon going for a stroll. It's not too far away from me and I love going for a wander there. It's big, very well looked after and has a huge amount of variety to it - from feeding the ducks, through visiting Kenwood House, to a bit of open air swimming. Just a great place for a sunny afternoon at the weekend. The surrounding area is great with the lovely Hampstead and Highate just nearby if you tire of the park - though I'm not sure why you would??? read more

I go here quite a lot, usually on Saturdays with a running club because i's the closes thing you can get to that wild, wholesome, tree-dodging, running through the woods feeling without going all the way up to Epping Forest. It's one of those parks that is so pretty that people almost intuitively know that littering it would be a sin; although the lack of coherent signage over such a large surfance area means you're largely reliant on strangers to point you in the directions of some of the key attractions, like the Hampstead ladies pond for instance (my favourite, since it got a new tennis table) or Kenwood house, which is great for a fry-up should you desire one, oh! and then there are the concerts. Proms anyone? The streets are strangely narrow around here so you can only get parking by Kenwood. Don't try it elsewhere; it's double yellow hell around here! read more

I love Hampstead Heath. It is a beautiful place to wander around and get lost in the woods, or have a picnic, or sit in the sun, or view beautiful London from a hill, or or or or! A lovely place to spend the day. read more

I've just moved to London, having lived in Derbyshire and Leicestershire for pretty much the past 15 years. And the thing that really makes the whole thing easier is Hampstead Heath. I'm a (very slow) runner, so head up from West Hampstead or get off the train at Highgate or Kentish Town and run the rest of the way home. I'm just starting to find my way around, but there's many runs worth of exploration to go yet before I know it all. Apart from the planes flying overhead, it's like a little slice of Derbyshire inside the M25. Perfect. read more

Of all the parks and open spaces in London Hampstead Heath seems to be the loudest. Perhaps this is the noise coming from the kids in the Lido, the general air of carefree partying in the background, or perhaps it's the bus stop near where we decided to sit down for a picnic, but tis isn't a polite park for quiet middle class families. Unless they're fun. There's plenty of variety here - from the child filled lido, to shady spots, to a cricket pitch and a bandstand - there is something for everybody - perhaps why it attracts so many different kinds of people. And that could be a problem for those middle class families. I don't find the sight of a half cut stoner dude chasing after a bag off weed that is caught on the wind while yelling an anguished 'NOOOOOOO!' intimating (I find it frickin' hilarious) - they might however. And that's the kind of thing you might find here. It's friendly and accepting of all sorts here - great for most, a bit scary for others. read more

Beautiful, huge park in north London. Large parts of it have been left wild, and even the manicured bits are mostly just cleared of trees with mown grass. You won't find flower beds and statues here: it's a park as it should be, with trees and bees. Like Hyde Park but more natural. There are miles of paths, some paved and some dirt. I used to run in here a lot when I lived nearby. There are several interesting spots inside the Heath, including Kenwood House (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/74437-Kenwood-House-Museum-The-Iveagh-Bequest-English-Heritage-Not-Concerts--London) , the bathing ponds (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/68467-Hampstead-Heath-Bathing-Ponds-London) , and Parliament Hill (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/32546-Parliament-Hill-London) . A great place for a picnic, for kite-flying, for viewing downtown London's skyscape, for running, or just for a walk. And there are great pubs at nearly every edge for when you take your leave: the Spaniard's Inn (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/82370-The-Spaniards-Inn-London) and the Freemason's Arms (http://www.qype.co.uk/place/119134-Freemasons-Arms-London) are nice (and likely to be popular) choices. read more

Hampstead Heath is a great place to go for walks, and in the autumn there is usually a big fun fair there among some great views of London. Although it is one of the nicer parts of London, I wouldn't recommend hanging around there by yourself at night as things aren't really what they used to be. Several celebrities live or have lived in that area and so the prices are kept up. I can recommend some of the little trinket shops leading up to the Royal Free Hospital for those of you who like girly stuff. read more

If you want to have a wonder in a more wild feeling park, Hampstead Heath is perfect. Situated on the handy Northern line, this place is great for walking, running and picnics! There are natural swimming pools for the very brave and plenty of walking/running paths. Walk up to Kenningwood House for a cup of tea and a nice view (location used in Notting Hill film). Best view: Parliament Hill Avoid at night - except if your into dogging read more

Great park, conveniently located near enough to the city to be easy to get to, yet far enough away to be nice and green. Great place to come fly your kite (up on Kite Hill :)), there's a cafe and Lido for the child in you and plenty of amenities doted around close by - perfect for a lazy summer Sunday afternoon. read more

Quite easily my favourite place in London. It never fails to impress and every time you visit, you can get lost down some new track or pathway that you have never seen before. It genuinely is a beautiful place on a grand scale, and you can do everything here (no, not like that!). Soak up the views from Parliament Hill, feed the ducks in one of the many lakes, go swimming (rather you than me!), forage for mushrooms etc. It's easy to see how so many poets and writers over the centuries have found it inspirational. Once you have walked yourself out, take a trip to Hampstead Village, and visit the shops and restaurants, and maybe even take the walk to the Spaniards Inn. Amazing place. read more

Quite simply this is the only place within touching distance of central London that can give you the feeling of being outside the city and in touch with nature. They services are blissfully un-corporate and it really has a by-gone feel to it. I go at least once a week. The heath ectension has a bit too much of a suburban feel to it for my liking though. It's the middle bits where it gets really wild - that are the most attractive to my mind. There's a danger of getting lost though If you want anything good to eat around there head for the Wells Tavern nr Hampstead. read more

During the evening, I went for a walk in this beautiful park. I paid attention to many things. The small ducks were swimming in the clean lake. The benches were taken, many people were sitting with their friends, relatives and lovers. Every person was writing his own exciting life story. I recommend you to go there and enjoy the peaceful environment. read more

Beautiful green fields in London, who knew?? Take an afternoon for a picnic lunch and get some rest and relaxation from the bustle of the city center of London. Also there are different parts of Hempstead Park, so there are many parts to see! You can see the views of London. read more

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Everyone should visit Hampstead Heath. It is one of the most beautiful parks in London and has so much room for exploring. You can choose a variety of paths that take you on different walks. You feel like you are transported far away to the countryside. This is a lovely place to come for a picnic- you can always find an area that is quiet and relaxing. You can also take a nice hike up to Kenwood House which is a beautiful estate to visit. They also have a lovely cafe up there where you can get warm food and an assortment of cakes. There is also an ice cream station up there. Really lovely park and relaxing place to visit. read more

Delightful, it's a great place to be in London on a beautiful spring day. Good for picnics, people watching, an icy dip in the pond, ball games, tree climbing, exploring and enjoying the 10 days of sun in summer read more

a delightful oasis in the city. it's so big that you are almost guaranteed to find a private little spot for yourself. i'd love to grab a group of friends on a sunny day and enjoy a boozy picnic here with good food, and good friends. pity most of my friends live back home in scotland, ha! a darling little french boy, who couldn't communicate at all with us in a shared language gave my boyfriend and i a pretzel out of his bag. he noticed us on a bench and came right on over, one for each of us. melted my heart, and made my day. there's so much to explore here - i've only touched a tiny part of it, but can't wait to fall more and more in love with it! read more

People, I give you The Heath.... While i am curled up on my sofa, yelping, I can still feel the sun on my face from an day out on the Heath. Today was a perfect Heath Day - although I would argue that every day is a perfect Heath Day. My fav spots are (in no particular order): The Ladies Pond: Victorian bathing experience (no men allowed - but there is a mens' pond about 6 min away). The ladies' pond is beautiful and surrounded by big old trees. It's very calm and serene. 2 meadows to lie and sunbath and showers and shared changing room. There are not a lot of places in London where suddenly a flock of dugs land infron tof you while you practise your back strokes - I love it. Then there is Kenwood House - ok, they recently changed their ice cream supplier and there is no mango sorbet ice anymore but it is still a great place to have coffees and lunches. Its self service with lovely outside space (they do a mean sausage and mash here at lunch time). My friend Nina is completely addicted to their nutty florentine kind of bisquits. Personally I love the poppyseed tuna sandwiches (massive) and the yummy lemonades and coffees. If you do not fancy eating there, pack it up and sit on the grass overlooking Kenwood lake and feeling very regal Parliament Hill for great views and kite flying - and for running up the hill in the name of fitness and beauty, feeling very sportive and superior after reaching the top. Pretent to enjoy the views to hide the fact that you struggling for air... Spontaneous picknicks can be easily arranged. Depending on your cash flow (or the choice of your friends) I recommend the Tesco on Swain's Lane or Forks/Corks also on Swain's Lain. Today we spoiled ourselves with a dry, fruity French rose from Corks and a variety of goats cheeses , olives and fresh bread from forks. (If you ask nicely they give you plasic cups and plastic knives). Beware of curious and ever hungry labradors and cocker spaniels when settling down on the Heath - and there is always the challenge of low flying frisbees or ill thrown balls. If you feel a little more continental, think Boules. You can rent the Boules/Pétanque place from the tennis booth people - its a great way to fill an afternoon. I once forced about 30 people to wear striped shirts and barets in exchange of countless bottles of Beaujolais and brie and we bouled the whole afternoon. Tes bien! For nightly delights check out the Heath information as they offer bat walks. I could go on for ages, mud puddles for adventurous dog owners, secret benches behind gloriously booming azaleas for lovers, woodland paths for runners and great pubs like the Holybush in Hamstead or the Bull&Last between Kentish Town and Highgate to finsh a day on the Heath. I count my blessings and my freckles that I live only 10 min away - next time you have you inner city blues, come out to play on the Heath! read more

Can't beat Hampstead Heath. When I recently became temporarily retired, I planned a 'perfect London day' for my first day off. It definitely included an entire afternoon on the top of the hill at Hampstead Heath reading comic books on the elephant blanket. I'm not sure there is anywhere else you can go in London for such a combination of views and scenery. It's awesome to emerge from the trees, walk up the hill, then look out over all of London. I insist that anyone who visits me in London gets out there at least once. read more

On a hot summer day when you feel like you need some fresh air and scenery from the boiling central London, Hampstead Heath is always like a quick holiday trip. Huge green spaces with grass to roll in, lakes for swimming and despite it is a popular location there is always enough quiet spots for everyone. After being there several times I still get frustratingly often lost and there is many areas that I haven't seen, or found. I also love Hampstead, it is like a small town scattered around a hill with great panoramic views over London. The northern location is a bit of an effort but you can easily spend the entire day there and do a refreshing pub tour in the area after the healthy day outside. read more

I was inspired to write a review for HH after seeing Leon's... It is truly one of my favourite spots in the "city". Unfortunately, I don't get up there too often as it is quite a trek (or feels so) from the depths of west/central London but what a welcome respite. The forest feels fantastical (like an ancient wood), and the view from the heath's peak on a quiet day is almost spiritual. It also makes me want a dog - or a kite. Best of all, you can finish your walk with a pint at the Holly Bush. read more

This huge park and Parliament Hill with spectacular views overlooking the city of London. There are green spaces and lots of walking trails. A great green space away from the bustling City. Lots of locals bring their dogs to the park and many run around without leashes. Unfortunately, many of the dog owners do not pick up after their dogs, so watch your step in the grass and on the trails. read more

Hampstead Heath has got to be one of my favourite London parks. At 790 acres it is London's largest ancient parkland, with ponds, woodland, a lido, running tracks and playgrounds among it's many attractions. In the summer the ponds are open for swimming and are split into male, female and mixed sections. The rolling hills make you forget for a while that you're in London, I'm so used to the flatness of city parks, this makes a welcoming change. Most people need an escape from urban life and this is definitely one of the best places to go for that. With a beautiful view across London, this is also a good spot to watch firework displays on bonfire night! read more

A beautiful park with awesome views of London! Being a tourist, I didn't realize there was a huge park with woods, swimming areas, and walking trails. This is definitely a spot I would spend more time at if I lived here, or had a longer visit in the city. read more

Hampstead Heath is a great place for a walk, somewhere to get away from city life for a couple of hours. I am originally from the countryside and walking in the heath you really wouldn't know you were in London, it looks exactly like the woods and parks back home. The only give away is the HUGE number of people that walk there. Although that is not totally unpleasant. I highly recommend it as a day out, especially coupled to a walk through Hamstead and a look at all the beautiful houses! read more

Some of the best views of London. I have only been able to go during the winter months, which seem to be the times I am either living or visiting England. However, the rolling hills, gorgeous crisp air, trees and opportunities for busting out the picnic basket make it a must see regardless of the time of year. I am desperate to take a swim in open air swimming pools as well. read more

Piece of countryside not so far from the city center with unique views from the hills toward the skyscrapers in The City.

Greatest place with a view in London for a romantic summer night or a picknic!

Just so wonderfully perfect. I'm feeling all dreamy just remembering being there. Get lost in the woods, visit an estate, go swimming in the ponds, run through the fields... and perfect for a picnic! read more

I used to live a 10-minute bus ride south in Swiss Cottage, and have been here more times than I can count, in all 4 seasons. Simply one of the most beautiful, if a bit more rugged, city parks in the world. Nothing beats walking through the Heath on a lazy summer afternoon, heading north from the southwest entrance (closest to Haverstock Hill Tube Station) up to the Kenwood House and pop in for tea at the cafe. read more

If you want to get out of the city for a bit and take a short hike this is the place. Quick access via the Northern Line or Coach 46 from King's Cross. Not as expansive as I had hoped, but still very nice. Kenwood Manor is a good example of a stately home and situated in the park. read more

This was one of the best highlights of my London visit. Sometimes the city can just be totally overwhelming and I wish I had known about Hampstead earlier, I would have stayed in that area since it's a lovely morning walk and just 5 miles from central London (an easy bus ride). I can't recommend it enough. I got some great shots too: http://trysomethingfun.blogspot.com/2013/08/countryside-for-londoners-hamstead-heath.html#.UhA7FGTF0oZ read more