Hampstead Heath for Families
A mini-guide to Hampstead Heath for families. From Golders Hill Park to the Kenwood House and Parliament Hill, there’s so much to explore in this very fashionable neighborhood in north London.
Hampstead Heath is one of my favourite neigborhoods in London. Whilst living in West Hampstead, we loved long rambles through Hampstead Heath, enjoying the ancient woodlands and wild meadows. Our walks always finished off with a pub lunch at the Holly Bush, The Wells Tavern, or Old Bull & Bush, followed by a leisurely stroll up Hampstead’s fashionable High Street. I haven’t spent much time in Hampstead since Lady Yeya was born. So on a gorgeous spring morning, we took Lady Yeya and Buddy on a jaunt to explore Hampstead Heath for families.
West Heath, The Hill Garden & Pergola, and Golders Hill Park
Young families should make a beeline to the West Heath where there’s plenty for children to do and explore. Whilst meandering through the West Heath, children can “pretend” to be looking for The Gruffalo and his forest friends. Along the main footpath, the Hill Garden and Pergola is a hidden gem to explore with lovely views to enjoy. It’s a picturesque spot with overgrown vines and flowers. Further afields, Golders Hill Park is a haven for young children. Not only is there a fabulous playground, but also a deer enclosure, a little zoo, a gorgeous walled garden, and a lovely cafe. The zoo may be small with a few birds, donkeys, lemurs, and wallabies, it is perfectly entertaining for young kids, plus it is free to the public similar to the Animal Walk at Horniman Museum.
Kenwood House & Hampstead Heath
On my quest to explore Hampstead Heath for families, we make our way to another gem in the heath. When I visit the heath, I like to explore from north to south. As such Kenwood House is my usual go-to spot to pick up coffee and enjoy the lovely gardens before heading into the vast and wildly beautiful Hampstead Heath.
Managed by the English Heritage, Kenwood House was previously a stately home of the Earls of Mansfield. Throughout the year, Kenwood House hosts numerous events and outdoor concerts over the summer months. Its stately interior with a collection of masterpieces is just as beautiful as its expansive grounds. On a gorgeous sunny day, families were out in full force armed with picnic hampers, basking in the spring sunshine.
Hampstead Heath is massive, spanning over 790 acres. With a little four year old in tow, there is no chance we can cover the entire heath. Instead, we took her on a short walk along the bathing ponds and across Parliament Fields to Hampstead Pond No.1. Then hunger strikes again, and we stopped for a late lunch at the Freemasons Arm. This is a lovely spot with a beer garden literally just off the heath on Devonshire Hill. Here’s another tip if you are at the Freemasons Arm, but your kiddo needs to burn off some energy. There is a small playground at Preacher’s Hill across the street.
Parliament Hill Viewpoint, Playground & Lido
Continuing on our tour of Hampstead Heath for families, we make our way to Parliament Hill, the highest point in London at 98 metres high, to enjoy the beautiful views of Canary Wharf, the City, and the Shard. Then down the hill takes you to a very popular Parliament Hill playground, much to Lady Yeya’s delight. It’s a big playground with plenty of apparatus to keep kiddos busy from swings, slides, balance beams, climbing frames, roundabouts, and monkey bars. In the summer months, there is a paddling pool and toilet facilities.
Nearby is also another enclosed Adventure Playground and Clubhouse, the Peggy Jay Centre, and the open-air Parliament Hill Lido. And if you fancy visiting an urban farm, Kentish Town City Farm is a 15 minute walk away to round out your Hampstead Heath for families tour.
