Feel transported away from the Big Smoke on just a bus or tube ride away to the hilly, green and vast Hampstead Heath. Many a heart has crumbled at the drooling of the dogs here as Man’s best friend in all shapes and sizes is absolutely everywhere.
Yes, Hampstead Heath is an open space, but it is not just for summer. Bring a picnic if you visit in the warmer months, bring your wellies if coming in winter, or bring a kite any season to fly from Parliament Hill if wind is forecast. There are plenty of drinking holes at both the Hampstead and Highgate ends to warm the toes after a bracing walk or for some much-needed and well-deserved liquid refreshment after a summer stroll. Well-deserved it will be as Hampstead Heath and the top of Parliament Hill is 98 metres (322 feet) above sea level.
The views are as equally impressive thanks to the skyline stretching from here to St Paul’s Cathedral being one of the eight protected views of London. City vistas, cute dogs, the most countryside pubs in London and a decent running or walking spot to get those daily steps in: what is not to like about this open space in the city?
Find your way with 222 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Built back in 2010 on the site of a disused railway line, it’s a local secret: a quiet, forest-like space to retreat to when city life becomes overwhelming.
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Inside, the rooms have distinctly different decorative styles. This is to give an idea of how the house would have looked at each stage in its history.
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It was once the site of the Eel Pie Hotel, a 19th-century guesthouse turned jazz venue and now it’s been transformed into a hippie artists’ colony...
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The domed Arab Hall – a glittering chamber inspired by the inside of the Castello della Zisa in Palermo – is what most visitors come for.
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Features of particular interest include the Architectural Library, the Solar Stair, a central spiral staircase with 52 steps for each week of the year...
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Tucked away in Bermondsey, Morocco Bound does it all, it is at once a bookshop, café, co-working space, beer bar and intimate events venue.
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The Phoenix Garden is remarkably inconspicuous: a bombsite turned car park turned community garden hidden behind high hedges and wrought iron railings.
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"London Fields Lido" is for those rare days when it's actually hot and sunny. Beat the crowds, head over to this colourful pool and meet me there!
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"Caravan" London is one of my favourite restaurants for having one of my favourite meals of the day: brunch. It's easy to savour every last bit here and...
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"Chuku's" in North London serves Nigerian tapas that invites you to 'chop, chat and chill!'
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In the heart of Southeast London sits "Eltham Palace and Gardens". Once a medieval estate, in the '30s it was styled with mesmerizing art deco furnishings.
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222 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
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✓ 222 Insider Tips