I have lived in Hampstead for 8 years, and I absolutely love it.
I love its classic quintessential ‘Britishness’, its atmosphere that reminds a Jane Austen or Charles Dickens novel. Its streets and colorful doors, its village feel.
Yes: Hampstead was once a village right outside London, then as the city expanded it became part of it, but it managed to keep its lovely personality.
It is an area full of beauty, where many actors, singers, writers and celebrities decided to live. Chris Martin, Helena Bonham Carter, Harry Styles just to name a few. Sure, it is a posh area, but forget the luxury of Belgravia and South Kensington. This is a low key wealth, made of Wellies to walk the dog to the park and mansions hidden deep in the trees. Of antiques shops and crepes shacks.
Come with me and discover Hampstead.
Start from Hampstead High Street.
The high street is packed with shops and cafés. Perfect to stroll around, have a gelato, sit in the sun to sip a coffee or just go shopping (the charity shops here have marvels). From here, you can get to my favourite spot in the whole city of London….
Flask Walk.
You’ll just love it.
It’s a small pedestrial alley full of little independent shop and an antique seller that is absolutely a must. Find the best deals on the weekends!
Colorful doors, anyone?
Just keep on waling on Flask Walk, the street will start descending and you’ll find a little secret spot full of romantic and colorful doors.
La Creperie de Hampstead
Peckish? Have a crepe! La Creperie de Hampstead is a lovely shack that serves delish savoury and sweet crepes.
Hampstead Heath.
One of the best part of Hampstead, and also what the area is famous for: its beautiful park.
Part of it is a classic British park, very well cared for, and the rest is wild. It is indeed a forest within the city. It’s beautiful in any season. Head to Parliament Hill for a great view of London, and at the bottom of the hill for a sports centre and a big playground with paddling pool for kids. During summer you can choose between the ponds, where you can bath and sunbathe, and the Lido.
Kenwood House.
Remember movies like Notting Hill and Pride and Prejudice? This was one of their location. This marvelous villa is located in the north side of the park and it’s lovely for a picnic or a lunch at the café.
Historical treasures.
Fenton House is an amazing historical house with a beautiful garden. They often have seasonal open days with activities in the outdoor area. But in Hampstead you also find the Freud Museum and Keats House.
A café in a phone booth.
This was the phone booth before. Can you believe it is a café now? Go see it with your own eyes, have a coffee and a pastry. It’s on Hampstead High Street.
The Holly Bush.
The most loved pub of the area, and the oldest, is The Holly Bush. Go and have a sunday roast or a pint: you may sit next to Liam Gallagher 🙂 Other nice pubs are: The Wells, The Flask, The Freemasons Arms.
The small alleys.
Explore the area around the Holly Bush until Church Row. Get to New End and Mansfield Place for some hidden gems.
Follow me on Pinterest for more info!
PIN THIS POST!
Comments