The View
Stand on Parliament Hill on a clear day and you can see almost the entire London skyline spread out before you. From left to right, the panorama takes in Canary Wharf, the Gherkin, the Shard, the London Eye, the BT Tower, and the dome of St Paul's Cathedral. On very clear days, the hills of Surrey and Kent are visible beyond the city.
This is one of six strategically important views in London, protected by planning regulations to ensure that new developments do not obstruct the sightline. The view from Hampstead Heath has been a draw for Londoners since at least the eighteenth century, when the city was a fraction of its current size and the view would have shown church spires rising above a much lower skyline.
The Name
The origin of the name Parliament Hill is debated. One popular theory holds that it was the place where Guy Fawkes's fellow conspirators gathered in 1605 to watch the expected destruction of the Houses of Parliament. When the Gunpowder Plot failed, they supposedly fled from this spot.
However, historians have found references to the name that predate the Gunpowder Plot, suggesting the connection may be coincidental. An alternative theory is that the hill was associated with a Saxon parliament or moot that met here before the Norman Conquest. The true origin remains uncertain, which only adds to the hill's mystique.
Kite Flying
Parliament Hill is one of the best kite-flying spots in London. The exposed hilltop catches winds from every direction, and on breezy days the sky above the hill is filled with kites of every shape and colour. It is a popular activity for families, particularly at weekends, and there is something wonderfully old-fashioned about watching kites soar against the London skyline.
The open grassland on the top of the hill provides plenty of space, and there are rarely any obstructions to worry about. You can buy kites from shops in nearby Hampstead village or bring your own. The combination of wind, space, and views makes this one of those rare spots where a simple pleasure feels genuinely special.
Running and Walking
Parliament Hill is a focal point for runners who train on the Heath. The climb from the running track near the Lido to the summit is a popular hill repeat session, and the grass trails that radiate from the hilltop offer varied terrain for distance running. The annual Parliament Hill cross-country race is one of the most famous in British athletics, with a course that uses the slopes of the hill and the surrounding Heath.
For walkers, the hill provides a natural destination and turning point. Many people enter the Heath from the Gospel Oak or Tufnell Park side, climb to the viewpoint, and then continue north into the wider Heath or east towards the freshwater swimming ponds near Highgate. The walk up from the south is gradual and accessible to most fitness levels.
Dawn and Dusk
The hill is at its most atmospheric at dawn and dusk. Early morning runners and dog walkers often have the summit to themselves, and the view of the sun rising over east London is worth the early start. At dusk, the city lights begin to flicker on across the skyline, creating a second version of the view that is equally beautiful.
Parliament Hill is also a popular spot for watching fireworks on New Year's Eve and Bonfire Night. The elevated position gives you a clear view of displays across London without the crowds and noise of being at ground level. Thousands of people gather on the hill for these occasions, creating an informal but communal atmosphere.
