Feb 1, 2025

Hampstead Heath London

Countryside walks in zone 2

""Hampstead Heath" in London has impressive vistas, cute dogs, the most countryside pubs around & also a decent running/walking spot. What's not to like?"

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?

017-plant-1
Relaxing

About this spot

Hampstead Heath

£

free

Explore London like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our London guide.

Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in London

Eltham Palace and Gardens

Art Deco haven

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.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Ellie

Swain

Feb 4, 2025

Aux pains de papy

Best croissants in London

They have an array of all the classic pastries you’d expect from a French bakery, from pain au chocolat & croissants to my favourite croissant aux amandes.

024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025

Wellcome Collection

Let's talk about health

Their Reading room is a mix between a gallery and a library with books and lots of places to sit and read or do some work on your laptop.

002-building
Art & culture

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025

The Barbary

North African small plates

The Barbary pays homage to the culinary traditions of the countries from the Atlantic Coast through to the Mediterranean Sea leading to the Middle East.

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Angelina

Ivanova

Feb 2, 2025

The Derby

Oval's one-stop pint shop

The seats are comfortable, the lighting dark & despite its clear disinterest in hyper-trendiness, after dark The Derby manifests a brilliant dive bar vibe.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Harry

Thompson

Feb 1, 2025

The Old Dispensary

Noisy neighbourhood nights

With connections to the local skate scene, it's a place where the mulleted, leather-jacketed alternative students from art unis head for a big night.

028-beach-bar-1
Bars
029-guitar-instrument-1
Music

By

Harry

Thompson

Feb 1, 2025

Olympic Park

Urban playground

"Hackney Wick Canal" in London once a quasi-industrial wasteland, now a prime hipster hangout... I like sitting at the canal side with a beer.

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kamla

Pillay

Feb 1, 2025

Kew Gardens

Botanical garden paradise

"Kew Gardens" is the famous UNESCO world heritage site in Southwest London. It's great to visit for its plants, flowers and Christmas festivities!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Ellie

Swain

Feb 1, 2025

The Thames Clipper

A new perspective

"The Thames Clipper" is an efficient machine, designed for London commuters. It's the perfect way to get on a boat on the Thames on a sunny evening!

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Kamla

Pillay

Feb 1, 2025

Canopy Brewery

Beer under the railway tracks

"Canopy Brewery", just below the railway tracks, is another perfect spot to sample some of London's finest brews, directly from the source!

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025

Tayyabs

Mind-blasting curries

"Tayyabs" in London is a legendary Punjabi run. I'll go weak at the knees at the aroma of their sizzling platters of marinated lamb chops & shami kebabs...

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants

By

Mark

Meyer

Feb 1, 2025

Sambrook's Brewery

Battersea beer station

"Sambrook's Brewery" in London is tucked among housing and insustrial estates; it's off the beaten track but should be on every beer lover's map...

028-beach-bar-1
Bars

By

Andrew

Bright

Feb 1, 2025

Heading to London?

202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

Authentic Stories by Real People

Escape the crowd & travel slow 🐌

... for just €9.99

Heading to London?

202 Insider Tips from our local Spotters

✓ Escape the Crowds

✓ Find Spots nearby

✓ Authentic Stories

... for just €9.99

Our team loves London

Get to know our other Spotters from London