Hampstead is one of London’s prettiest areas, and if you’re planning your trip to the city it cannot be missed. From cosy pubs, literary museums, cute alleys and cobbled streets, and some of the best views you’ll get over the city – our guide to Hampstead will show you all the best places to explore on your visit here! What are you waiting for? Let’s go!
Table of Contents:
- How to Get to Hampstead
- Things to Do in Hampstead
- Exploring the Heath
- Where to Eat & Drink in Hampstead
- Filming Locations
- History of Hampstead
- Blue Plaques
Hampstead’s Location & How to Get There
Hampstead is located in North West London and is well connected to Central London. If you’re looking to visit here are some ways to get here:
Tube
Hampstead tube station is in the heart of the ‘village’ and is a short walk to the cafes and shops, and about a 15 – 20 minute uphill walk to the heath. Other nearby tube stops include Belsize Park and Golders Green.
Train
If you’re looking to get the overground head to Hampstead Heath station – a very short walk to the park and right next to some great shops, cafes and restaurants.
Bus
There are 5 different bus routes that go through Hampstead running from different parts of London. These are: 24, 46, 168, 268, and 210.
9 Things to Do in Hampstead, London
Hampstead is a relatively large area with lots of hidden gems to explore! Here are our top things to do when you visit Hampstead.
Walks
The most obvious thing to do when visiting Hampstead is to walk! With lots of hills, beautiful architecture, and of course the stunning Hampstead Heath! Our top tip for planning a Hampstead walk is to plot everything you want to see on a map and draw the perfect route between them.
Hampstead is one of the areas of London where I feel perfectly comfortable and safe walking around on my own – it’s a perfect spot to take yourself on a solo day date.
Museums
- Keats House – Located at 10 Keats Grove, the museum is located in his former house and explores his life and works. You’ll see manuscripts, letters and belongings of the great romantic poet.
- Freud Museum – Located at 20 Maresfield Gardens in the last house Freud lived in. The house contains his psychoanalytic couch as well as some of his personal possessions.
- Fenton House – Hampstead Grove, this is a 17th century house that belongs to the National Trust. It contains a collection of ancient instruments, Georgian furniture, and has a stunning walled garden.
- Kenwood House – Our favourite of Hampstead’s museums is Kenwood House, located at the top of Hampstead Heath. It’s free to visit and is managed by English Heritage. It’s best known for its impressive art collection that boasts works by Rembrandt, Turner, and Vermeer.
- Burgh House & Hampstead Museum – New End Square. This 18th century house is home to a museum that explores the history of the area and also has a lovely landscaped garden.
Shops
A trip to any area of London would not be complete without a mooch in some of the local shops, here are the areas you can explore the local business (we particularly love the charity shops and the antique shops)!
- Flask Street – A cute pedestrian street very close to Hampstead station that has quaint antique shops just waiting for you to explore.
- Hampstead High Street – The main high street in Hampstead, we love the Oxfam book shop for finding a good bargain!
- Daunt Books – Located next to Hampstead Heath station, Daunt Books has one of its locations here. If you’re looking for a cute independent London bookshop head straight here!
Exploring Hampstead Heath
Whilst you don’t want to be left lonely at the house by the heath like Taylor was, it really is one part of Hampstead you cannot miss on your visit. We’d recommend walking around the Heath and visit these particular spots:
- Hampstead Pergola – The beautiful pergola was built in 1905 when Lord Leverhulme built it to host his Edwardian parties and give his family a place to enjoy the English summer. Today it still stands, with parts of the garden overgrowing it.
- Swimming Ponds – Keen swimmer? Make sure you don’t miss the Hampstead swimming ponds. Choose from either the mixed pond, or visit the separate ladies’ or mens’ ponds.
- Parliament Hill – The high point of the heath is called Parliament Hill and it has a great view over the whole of London. This spot is a Londoner’s favourite for viewing the New Year Fireworks.
The Best Food & Drinks in Hampstead
Looking for where to eat and drink in Hampstead? We’ve got the best cafes and pubs just for you! Before diving into that though we have to give a special mention to Oddono’s gelato, which has one of its locations on Flask Walk (there’s always a queue but it’s worth it). The other mention goes to La Creperie de Hampstead, which we’re still yet to try as the queue has been so long everytime we try to go there to eat!
Cafes
- The Nook – We’ve been on the hunt for the best hot chocolate in London, and The Nook by Hampstead Heath station might just take the biscuit. Choose your chocolate percentage, your milk, and whether you want a marshmallow. It’s a small cafe so you often have to wait outside whilst they prepare your order but it’s well worth the wait!
- Heath Street Bakehouse – For a cafe you can sit in head straight for Heath Street Bakehouse from the underground station. With tasty coffees, lots of tables, and scrumptious pastries you’ll never want to leave this cosy location.
Pubs
Hampstead is known for its pubs so it would be rude not to visit one for a cheeky pint whilst you’re in town!
The Holly Bush is the pub that you’ll see whenever you search Hampstead as it’s down a cute street and looks great in photos whatever the season!
For those who enjoy exploring haunted pubs, head straight for the Spaniards Inn. This pub is on the walk from the village to the Heath so perfect for stopping in after an autumn stomp around the park!
Hampstead Film Locations
As an admittedly stunning area of London, it’s no surprise Hampstead has been the backdrop to some of our favourite films and TV shows over the years. Here’s some spots you should check out:
- Notting Hill (1999) – Hampstead Heath, specifically the area in front of Kenwood House was used as the location for Anna Scott’s film. William Thacker comes onto the set and watches her act. Check out our Notting Hill filming locations guide to find more spots around London!
- Hampstead (2017) – Starring Dianne Keaton is filmed in the area of Hampstead, as its name would suggest.
- Bridget Jones Mad About the Boy (14th Feb 2025) – We know it’s not out yet, but the fourth instalment of Bridget Jones’s Diary has been spotted filming on Flask Walk in Hampstead. Renée Zellwege resumes her role with Leo Woodall taking up the male lead. Our guide to Bridget Jones’s London filming locations is a perfect way to discover the city!
Hampstead’s History
It’s believed that Hampstead has been around since at least the 10th century. The name Hampstead itself is derived from Old English and roughly translates as ‘home place’ – and given how cosy this area feels we think this is just the right name!
In the 17th century a spring was discovered in Hampstead that led to it becoming a fashionable spa town. This new interest in the area grew the population and brought in visitors from all over London. The 18th and 19th centuries is when this area started to become what it is today, with rich Londoners moving out of the central city to Hampstead to enjoy the fresh air whilst remaining in close proximity.
Grand houses were built in the Georgian and Victorian eras as a result of the arrival of trains making it super easy for Londoners to get to and from the area. The area attracted artists and writers, with famous poet John Keats calling Hampstead home.
The Blue Plaques of Hampstead
As an area that did (and still does) attract intellectuals and artists, it’s no surprise there are so many blue plaques to explore. Here are just a few of the highlights that we’d recommend stopping by:
- John Keats – Poet, lived at 10 Keats Grove
- John Constable – Painter, lived at 40 Well Walk
- Daphne du Maurier – Author, born at 50 Well Walk
We hope we’ve inspired your next trip to Hampstead! We can’t wait to hear what you get up to in the area!
Other Area Guides of London
Looking for your next area of London to explore? Take a look at our other neighbourhood guides:
