Hampstead Heath

★ 4.7 (20,311)Free

Hampstead Heath covers nearly 800 acres of largely untamed grassland, woods, and ponds, feeling markedly less manicured than London's Royal Parks. Its historic bathing ponds — separate men's, women's, and mixed ponds — allow open-water swimming year-round, while the climb to Parliament Hill rewards with one of the city's best free skyline views. The Heath draws dog walkers, runners, and wild swimmers in equal measure, and its size means it can absorb crowds without ever feeling overrun.

✨ Reasons to go

1Its historic bathing ponds are segregated into men's, women's, and mixed ponds and permit open-water swimming year-round.
2Parliament Hill offers one of London's best free skyline views without needing to pay for an observation deck.
3At nearly 800 acres, it's large enough to include ancient woodland and unmanicured grassland rather than formal park landscaping.

💡 Good to know

1Free to enter
2head up to Parliament Hill near sunset for the best skyline views
3bring a swimsuit if you plan to try one of the bathing ponds, and check opening times in advance.

⏱️ Typical visit

🕰️ Best time

early morning, afternoon or early evening

🚶 Walking intensity

Active — lots of walking

📍

Address

London, UKGoogle Apple

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Booking

Walk-in

What people say

"Beautiful green space, there is so much to see and do here from lake swimming to the lido. This is a perfect place to bring little ones and allow them to run around. There are various toilets and water fountains located throughout the park which are all functional and hygienic."

— Loretta Jannetta-Porter

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