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Hampstead Heath, London

Has anyone been to Hampstead Heath, just 4 miles north of London? It looks beautiful from the pictures I've seen. I was wondering if a zone 1 and 2 travelcard would get us there or is it in another zone? I would love to hear from travelers who have visited this part of London!

Posted by
4684 posts

Quick comment from a Londoner: Hampstead Heath is lovely and a recommended trip. However after dark parts of it are a well-known meeting spot for men seeking brief encounters with other men (if you know what I mean), so be cautious if such things will disturb you.

Posted by
251 posts

Thanks for the replies and tips! By the way, we will be traveling in October. At what time does the sun set in that month? I've heard it's early

Posted by
10344 posts

At what time does the sun set in that month? I've heard it's early.

Not necessarily, it depends on when in October, Oct is a transition month in terms of amount of daylight, in that part of the world.

You didn't say which part of October:

Oct 1st sun sets at 6:40pm, you have ~11hrs40mins of daylight; actually have somewhat more because it stays light for awhile after sunset.

However, by Oct 31st sun sets 2 hrs earlier at ~4:35pm, so you have about 2 hrs less daylight.

Here's a site you can use to get an idea for specific days in October

http://www.timeanddate.com/

But it doesn't give you the difference between sunset and when the light is actually gone.

Posted by
9222 posts

Each time I am London I end my trip by walking thorough and around the Heath.
Love it. It is in zone 2 but the Hampstead and it's Heath are well worth it. Be sure to look for the bench dedicated in the memory of Jim Henson of Muppet fame.
Great view of London from there. As you wander into the Heath via Flask Walk (virtually across from the Starbucks) be sure to find your way to Ye Olde White Bear tavern. Lovely spot for a pint. Also be certain to visit the Kenwood House on the Heath. Get spot to rest, picnic, or enjoy lunch in their cafe. While you are in the area you should also take the tube and visit the HighGate Cemetery.

Posted by
5850 posts

London Walks (www.walks.com) does an Old Hampstead Village Walk a couple of times during the week. I've taken both the daytime walk and the evening pub walk. It is actually one of my favorite London Walks (and I've done many). It is a beautiful area.

Posted by
780 posts

It is also a celebrity hotspot. Alot of celebs in London live around the Heath. Fun shops and cafes around.

Its where they filmed parts of Monty Python and the Holy Grail (mainly the castle scene in the beginning)....

And yes, naughty men in parks looking for naughtiness, its where George Michael was caught doing "immoral" activities a few times.....

Also check out nearby Belsize Park.