Parliament Hill, Hampstead, London

LOVELY!

I remember when I first visited Hampstead Heath, I searched for this place for hours amongst the vast lands of the Heath. Once I eventually found it, I was amazed. The views are simply stunning (matched only by Greenwich Park and possibly Primrose Hill) and the scope of the City really hits home. You can stand for hours trying to work out exactly what everything is, but the best thing to do is just sit back and (attempt) to take it all in. It’s definitely the pinnacle of a good walk across the Heath.

And the best thing is, I can see my flat in Highbury from it (in Autumn, anyway!)

Not too far away from me and although it’s a long old walk to get to this bench, it’s well worth it for the marvellous views all across London. The odd thing is that there isn’t a queue for it after dragging yourself up to it.

The other interesting thing is that this bench has featured in a few films as well. Judi Dench in Notes on a Scandal, and a whole chapter of the super-low-budget, but rather good Scenes of a Sexual Nature was set on this bench (the whole film being set in Hampstead Heath). The Omen had some filming done here as well - though I’m not sure if the bench was in it -has it been in any other movies? Is it the most famous bench in cinema history? Should it be getting a royalties cheque?

Surely the best park bench in London? if not the country?
Where else can you find a bench that gives you views across the whole entire, marvelous city? A bench that takes you so much physical exertion to actually climb up the hill to get to it that when you do you can’t help but appreciate all it’s glorious restfulness. 5 stars. A must visit!

Whether unacquainted steps are taking you there or it is a planned stopping point on your walk through the vast lands of Hampstead Heath; whether you long for a few moments of graceful solitude, gazing into the landscape or you’re there for a discrete rendezvous; whether you want to have a go on spotting London landmarks or just rest on one of the benches on the top of the hill or lie down in the grass and absorb the familiar sights; whether you’re there kite-flying or just pointing out; Parliament Hill is always more to it.
There are some deliciously inviting blackberry bushes right at the bottom of the hill … when the summer is almost over and autumm is in the air.

Parliment Hill is a Smaller Version of Hyde Park and Hampstead heath even though it is there is still a nice vibrant atmosphere or a quiet one in some places depending on your mood

new years eve is wicked here as the view is mega… ull have blast

I just wanted to add that Parliament Hill is a fantastic place to go on New Year’s Eve. The place is full of excited (and drunk) people, and with decent weather you can see for miles.

Midnight itself is incredible. You can see all the fireworks go off all over London. Those on the London Eye are always pretty good, but the key thing is that you can experience the whole city suddenly erupting in colour and excitement. It makes you feel part of the bigger picture of the celebrations. Plastic cup of champagne anyone?

(P.S. Bring a radio, otherwise you’ll hear other groups celebrate at completely different times)

A couple of years ago, the view from Hampstead Heath’s Parliament Hill was named the best free thing in London by TimeOut. I think I might agree.

It is the highest point in the city. The view doesn’t feel as close as it does from Primrose Hill, but it’s far more expansive. It’s really something to look at the gorgeous roofs of adjacent Highgate, then scan right to see Docklands, the O2, St Paul’s, the Eye, the BT Tower, and all points in between. There are some helpful signs to help you spot landmarks.

There are a lot of benches here for people who want to soak in the view, but many people just sit in the grass.

This is a very popular kite-flying spot. You’ll see everyone from parents helping their kid put their first bit of plastic into the air to Those Who Take It All Very Seriously, and have high-tensile strength lines that control a space-age airfoil somewhere up beyond the range of human vision.

Where the hill rolls away to the back you often get people landboarding. It’s a nice view farther down the hill to the ponds between the Hill and Highgate.

Certainly, Parliament Hill is a top place to people-watch (and dog-watch!). It’s a perfect stopping point on a wander through the Heath.

One of my favourite views in London, the view from Parliament Hill looks right down over the city and there is a handy plaque that points out key landmarks for anyone that's just getting to know the city. There's a bench at the top of the hill (that was featured in a scene in the film Notes on a scandal) and if you wander south down the hill you will get to Hampstead lido (another brilliant London landmark). Best time to go to Parliament Hill, and the lido for that matter, is early in the morning on a clear day - it means a bit of an early start but it's well worth it