In this article, I present the Hampstead districtLondon, with its old-world ambience and superb Georgian mansions.
Here you'll find
- A presentation of Hampstead
- What to see and do in the area
- Practical information for visiting
- How to get there
- Things to see and do in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Hampstead, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Hampstead: article summary
Hampstead: the old village turned London boroughÂ
It's a London district that will allow travellers to take a breather during their journey, by taking a a breath of fresh air. Set in the hills above the capital, this former small village offers a magnificent view of the city!
Its old-fashioned atmosphere and charm make it a must-see area - one of the most popular with affluent Londoners - and it's not lacking in appeal, as I explain!
Introducing Hampstead
Visit 18th centuryAt the time, Hampstead was a village known for the benefits of its water, making it a popular spa for neighboring Londoners. Today, all that remains of this past is a fountain, as the last spa closed in 1882.
This doesn't mean that the neighborhood has declined, quite the contrary. It has developed and expanded, taking advantage of railways which linked the area to central London.
That's how Hampstead came to be a residence area and many intellectuals, which explains the presence of superb Victorian and Georgian-style houses. Strolling through its streets, you can a true journey into the pastfar from the modernity of a Piccadily Circus or the very urban style of Camden Town.
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Today, it's still one of the most popular most expensive of the city, and it exudes an atmosphere So British that will delight visitors. During your stay in LondonI urge you to stop by!
Facts and figures about this district
- Agata Christie lived in the Isokon building
- Hampstead tube station, on the Northern Line, is the deepest from London
- The district takes its name from hamstede, which means property in Old English
What can you see and do in Hampstead?
As you stroll through the area, you'll enjoy the neighborhood's famous green spaces as much as its streets and what they have to offer. Here are the must-sees!
Hampstead Heath Park and Parliament Hill
Hampstead Park (Hampstead Heath) covers more than 320 hectares and remains one of the largest London parks. It's full of activities and pleasant picnic spots, and you can enjoy the superb views offered, especially from the Parliament Hillwhich is enthroned 98 meters high.
Magnificent homes
As you stroll through Hampstead's center, you'll see the neighborhood's magnificent homes and period facades that give this authentic atmosphere to the zone.
Don't miss the Fenton Housea 17th-century house museum, the kenwood house a former state house in Hampstead Park (featured in the film Lightning in Notting Hill) with famous works of art by Vermeer and Rembrandt, or the Keats Housea delight for fans of the poet who drew his inspiration within its walls.
Charming shopping streets
As I said earlier, wandering through the streets of Hampstead can be enough to make you happy, especially if you're passing through the town. the Flask Walk. A pedestrian street that breathes the spirit of yesteryear, where you'll come across stores, boutiques restaurantscafés and pubs.
It's considered to be the most Georgian street in the British capital!
Freud's museum
Sigmund Freud lived here during the last 18 months of his lifeafter his family fled Austria and the Nazi regime. In 1986, his home was converted into a house museum. Here you'll discover his study, library, client couch and a host of period accessories.
Nothing has been moved, and you'd almost expect to see the founder of psychoanalysis emerge from one of the rooms.
It can be found at 20 Maresfield Gardens, London, NW3 5SXIt is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm.
Hampstead Cemetery
Hampstead Cemetery is well worth a visit. It was built in 1836 and is still one of the most popular Europe's most beautiful cemeteries. You'll come across some superb tombs, and the graves of such famous figures as Karl Marx and Georges Michael.
Hampstead market
On Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., a local farmers' market selling fruit and vegetables is held at Parliament Hill. If you want to bump into local shoppers, this is the place to be!
Iconic commercials
There are still several traditional pubs in the neighborhood, and the most unusual is undoubtedly the Holy Busha truly local institution since 1928. If you're passing by, don't hesitate to stop in and discover the atmosphere and the good food.
Address: 22 Holly Mount Hampstead, London NW3 6SGopen daily from 12 a.m. to 11 p.m.
How do I get to Hampstead?
Hampstead is located in North London, only a few minutes from the city centre. 15 minutes downtown transportation. To get there, you can choose between :
- Metrovia the Northern line, Hampstead stop
- By train, take the overground and get off at Hampstead Heath.
Hampstead: practical information and visitor tips
Here's some additional information to help you make the most of your visit.
Opening hours
Stores generally open from 10am to 7pm, but cafés and bars are open later.
Please note that it is perfectly possible to pass the whole day here. If you wander around the parks and enjoy the many activities, it will pass quickly!
Visiting tips
Hampstead can be a very good drop-off point to stay and sleep in London, with its proximity to the city center, but its calm and soothing atmosphere. Those who don't like crowds might enjoy the experience.
What to see and do in the area?
After your visit to Hampstead, you can head back down to South London to discover :
- Camden Town and its famous Camden Marketabout 3.5 km away
Continue through Regent's Park, to discover the Sherlock Holmes Museum or the Madame Tussauds
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