Hampstead Village is located in the North West of London, part of the Borough of Camden and is known for its love of art & music for liberal views and for celebrating literary and intellectual associations. Hampstead boasts some of the highest-value houses in London with the village being home to more millionaires than any other area of the UK.
If you are planning a trip to this lovely area of London here are my top things to do in Hampstead to help inspire you.
Hampstead Heath
This ancient London Park covers 790 acres and is one of the highest points in London. The Heath offers some lovely walks and the chance to take in some local wildlife including grass snakes, kingfishers, bats and deer. The Heath is well known for its collection of ponds so be sure to take a look while you enjoy the woodland. Kite-flying is popular, so be sure to visit when there’s a good breeze!
Keats House
Once home to the well-known romantic poet John Keats who lived here from 1818 – 1820, Keats House is now a Grade I listed building and home to a museum hosting a collection of artefacts from the Heats House Collection as well as a public library. Artefacts on display in the house include the engagement ring Keats offered to Fanny Brawne, whom he fell in love with whilst staying at the house as well as a copy of Keats’s death mask. This is a lovely attraction for anyone wanting to learn more about the life and works of John Keats, find out more here.
Freud Museum
20 Maresfield Gardens was once the home of Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, who lived in Hampstead during the last year of his life having escaped the Nazi annexation of Austria in 1938. The museum opened in 1986 and during a visit you can see Freud’s study, library, hall and the dining room and Anna Freud’s room. The Freud museum hosts temporary exhibitions room which hosts alternate contemporary art and Freud-themed exhibitions.
Camden Arts Centre
The Camden arts centre is a venue for contemporary visual art and education located in a Grade II listed building between Hampstead and Kilburn. The centre hosts a dynamic programme including a mix of artist residencies, off-site projects, exhibitions and artist-led activities. Exhibitions hosted here tend to feature emerging artists and international artists showing for the first time in London as well as inspiring historic figures who and artist-selected group shows. Exhibitions and events are free. Check upcoming exhibits on their website: http://www.camdenartscentre.org/whats-on
Parliament Hill Farmers Market
Opened in 2008 this popular farmers market is well known in its location on the edge of Hampstead Heath and is a great foodie spot for any visitors. You will discover all sorts of products here, from Lincolnshire’s top vegetable growers to fresh Dorset fish, rare breed meat from Old Hall farm biodynamic eggs, artisan breads, game in season and much more. Seeking to increase farm incomes, and provide high quality local /seasonal foods to urban communities Parliament hill farmers market is definitely a stop off for anyone who enjoys good food.
