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!
Cindy
Hampstead Heath is in zone 2. It's well worth a visit, with good views over London at some points.
You might want to stop for a drink in the Spaniards Inn
http://www.pubs.com/pub_details.cfm?ID=240
or take a swim in one of the pools
http://www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Fitness/Gym/Hampstead_Heath_Swimming_Ponds/c8e9/
but you can also just ramble.
Have a good trip
Alan
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.
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
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
But it doesn't give you the difference between sunset and when the light is actually gone.
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.
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.
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.