My husband and I and our college-aged daughter will be in London mid September for 8 days, getting her ready for her London college semester abroad. (really she needs no help, another reason for us to go back to London!) We've not been to Hampstead Heath so one weekday we are planning to see her college and residential dorm, both in north London, then take the Northern line to Hampstead for a walk around the town. Here's where I'm hoping for guidance. I'd love to get to the Spaniard for a pint and maybe lunch plus get to Highgate for a cemetery walk (probably not the timed, guided tour) and roam the Heath. If we get to Hampstead about 11 ish maybe we should stroll there and lunch, hit the Spaniard for a pint and then make our way through Heath to Highgate, then back through the Heath? we are avid walkers but don't want to be walking still into the evening ..maybe other pubs in Heath would supplant the Spaniard plan? Or head straight for the Spaniard and at the end of roaming Highgate and Heath return to Hampstead for a pint before tubing back to South Kens?. And are there well-marked paths through the Heath to help us navigate these places? I've only asked a few questions of this forum in recent years but have soaked it up in preparation for my recent London trips -- I am hooked. I checked through prior Hampstead threads, which were helpful, but thought I'd give this a go. You are all a fantastic resource. thank you in advance
ps the train advice for York was just what we needed to help us decide on tickets. That'll be a great day trip!
R&R
Sebastopol, CA
Posted by
Eugene, OR
53 posts
I’ve wandered Hampstead Heath a few times in my life. Don’t know the Spaniard. If the weather is good the views of London are pretty sweet. Lots of dog walking going on. Lovely and relaxing.
My recommendation you didn’t ask for is visit Kenwood House on the Heath. Amazing art. Friendly docents working the rooms and interesting place. And free but donations encouraged.
Have fun!
Posted by
Land of La
9261 posts
Did this trek about 7 years ago. Took tube to Hampstead, got a coffee at Starbucks and then followed the Flask Walk into the Heath.
Lots of people out with their dogs. Light lunch at the Kenwood House then made our way out of the Heath thru a residential area to Highgate Cemetary.
From there into Highgate and a pint at the Angel Inn.
Walked to the Highgate Tube stop and headed back to our Kentish Town AirBnB.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11798 posts
There is a book called "24 Great Walks in London" that while out-of-print is still available used online. It outlines some good routes and sights in Hampstead. Walks of London also does a tour there I think once a week.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33992 posts
Is that the Frommer 24 Great Walks in London, Laurel? If so I have found several copies on Amazon on both sides of the Atlantic. Blueish cover?
Posted by
OP
Sebastopol, California, United States
104 posts
thanks for the tips, we will definitely see Kenwood house and I'll look for the books. Also seeing about the London walk trip to Hampstead.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11798 posts
That is the book, Nigel. Frommer’s did “24 Walks” books for several cities. Some info dated now as they have not been refreshed, but the routes are still great!