Hampstead Heath

From Medieval Common to Protected Heathland

Hampstead Heath has been common land since at least the Domesday survey, when it formed part of the Manor of Hampstead. In the early 19th century, the lord of the manor attempted to develop the land for housing, provoking fierce public opposition. An Act of Parliament in 1871 preserved the core 240 acres as open space, and successive purchases through the late 1800s expanded the protected area to its current 790 acres, including Parliament Hill Fields, Golders Hill Park and the Kenwood estate.

The City of London Corporation took over management in 1989 and maintains the Heath as semi-wild landscape rather than a manicured park. Ancient hedgerows, veteran trees and uncut meadows are deliberately preserved, making the Heath one of the most biodiverse green spaces in London. Over 300 bird species have been recorded here, and the woodland supports bats, foxes, grass snakes and a large population of stag beetles.

Swimming, Running and Kenwood House

The three bathing ponds are among the last open-water swimming sites in the city. The men's pond near Highgate has been in use since the 1890s, the ladies' pond since 1925, and the mixed pond since the 1860s. Water quality is tested daily and lifeguards are on duty during opening hours. The separate Parliament Hill Lido, a 60-metre heated outdoor pool built in 1938, sits at the southern edge and operates year-round.

Kenwood House sits on a rise at the northern boundary, remodelled by Robert Adam in the 1760s for the Earl of Mansfield. Brewing magnate Lord Iveagh purchased the estate in 1925 and bequeathed it to the nation with a collection of paintings including Vermeer's The Guitar Player and Rembrandt's Self-Portrait with Two Circles. Entry is free. Summer concerts on the lakeside lawn behind the house have been a tradition since the 1950s.

Walks, Woodland and the Surrounding Village

A walk from the Parliament Hill entrance to Kenwood and back takes roughly 90 minutes, crossing open heath, dense woodland and the formal gardens of Golders Hill Park. The terrain is hilly and varied, with muddy paths after rain. Good routes include the Viaduct Pond walk through the ancient woodland and the ridge path past the Whitestone Pond, which at 134 metres is the highest natural point in London.

Hampstead village borders the Heath to the west, with independent shops, pubs and restaurants along the High Street and Flask Walk. Highgate village sits to the northeast and offers Highgate Cemetery as a possible extension to the day. The Holly Bush pub on Holly Mount, a gas-lit Georgian coaching inn, is a favourite post-walk stop.