Find the Best Things to Do in Hampstead
By Emma Wallis
About Hampstead
Hampstead is one of London's most beautiful and affluent boroughs. It's literary roots are well established, and in its sister borough, Highgate, the German philosopher, the communist Karl Marx is buried. Hampstead is home to one of London's most beautiful parks, and some of the capital's most expensive real estate.
See & Do
Hampstead Heath is one of the most beautiful parks in London. It is a huge expanse of heath land, and one of the green lungs of the capital. It has three outdoor swimming ponds open all year around. Kenwood House, and cafe is in the middle of it, which houses a great museum, is used in films, and hosts brilliant outdoor concerts in summer. Great for running, walking, or picnicking, and spotting celebrities.
Eat
Ginger and White is artisan British food at its best. For a low key brunch, an afternoon coffee and cake, or full on lunch or dinner, this place has it all. There are loads of great places to eat in Hampstead of course, and as with everywhere else in London, something for everyone, but if you want modern British, this place is perfect, and in keeping with the laid back yet elegant vibe of the neighbourhood.
Party
The Flask is a Young's pub in Hampstead, which takes a pride in its cask ales. Back in the eighteenth century, a pub on this site sold fresh water to the rest of London, collected from local springs. Today, the beer might not have as many medicinal qualities as that water was reputed to have, but a night spent here will warm the cockles of your heart nonetheless.
Stay
In the quiet of Hampstead Village, the Langorf hotel and apartments provide elegant Edwardian surroundings for guests. All rooms come en suite, and for those wishing to stay longer, you can book in to one of the hotel's apartments. The hotel provides a meeting room for those on business, and a bar to relax in at the end of the day. Fast links in to town, and the quiet of Hampstead village are the perfect combination.
Shop
You thought London was a mega city? You thought wrong. It's really a collection of lots of different villages, and you can't get much more villagey than Hampstead. It's a brilliant place to shop, with small quiet independent stores, and the most exclusive high street brands too. Friendly service, and some great coffee shops and restaurants to take breaks, in between flexing your credit cards mean that shopping here is a brilliant experience.