Hampstead Heath Extension

I don't want to be a real pedant, but Hampstead Heath Extension (this entry) is not the same as Hampstead Heath (what most people seem to be reviewing in this section).
Hampstead Heath Extension is flat and mostly laid to lawn for cricket, football or rugby, depending on the season.
It does not have a hill from which you can see the whole of London and you can't walk for hours without seeing a building, as it's surrounded by houses.
That said, it's great for a quick walk and a quiet escape from the everyday hubub of a busy city lifestyle.
But as one user points out - it's only one small and idiosyncratic part of the wider heath.

Hampstead Heath is one of my preferred parks in London. It is big and usually quiet. A nice place where to go to relax or enjoy a nice evening by the ponds. Once in the park, it is easy to feel as if you were in the countryside as nature sorrounds you. There are a few hills and from some parts of the park you can enjoy magnificent views of London. There is also a windy hill which is the highest in the park known as "The Kite Hill" frequented by kite lovers where they gather to fly their kites. For those in search of a bit of history and art, there is a state house near the northern boundary, Kenwood House. The art collection is worth a visit.

A great place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of London city life. Loads of space to walk around in and a hill in which you can see most of the London Landmarks like the London Eye, Canary Wharf and the BT Tower.

Hampstead Heath is a great place to go for walks, and in the autumn there is usually a big fun fair there among some great views of London.

Although it is one of the nicer parts of London, I wouldn’t recommend hanging around there by yourself at night as things aren’t really what they used to be. Several celebrities live or have lived in that area and so the prices are kept up.

I can recommend some of the little trinket shops leading up to the Royal Free Hospital for those of you who like girly stuff.

Great park, conveniently located near enough to the city to be easy to get to, yet far enough away to be nice and green.

Great place to come fly your kite (up on Kite Hill :)), there’s a cafe and Lido for the child in you and plenty of amenities doted around close by - perfect for a lazy summer Sunday afternoon.

The whole of Hampstead heath is great. I don’t know why this review is just marked the Extension. That’s the bit by Golders Green and for my money it’s not as nice as some other parts, eg. by Kenwood. My favourite bit of this part of the heath is the little spring, which comes out of an old fountain standing in the middle of one of the fields. It has the spa water coming out which made Hampstead famous in the 18th century as a spa. Goodness knows what’s in it but it tastes awful so it is probably good for you. It’s sort of red. We always drink some when we pass the fountain, and it’s such a cool thing to find in the middle of the field!

Flowers are nice, flowers do their job.
People are weird, people want control.
Flowers are pretty, flowers run their course
People think too much, people want the world.
Flowers live a life, flowers serve a purpose
People serve themselves, they search for a meaning.
Flowers feed the chain, people are insane.
Flowers dont want peace, they take what the wind blows
People want control, control versus nature.
Nature wants flowers. People want war.
Flowers are forever. People are today.
Flowers are pretty. Oh people.
I say

Hampstead Heath extension is a nice place to think.
sob

I’ve just moved to London, having lived in Derbyshire and Leicestershire for pretty much the past 15 years. And the thing that really makes the whole thing easier is Hampstead Heath.

I’m a (very slow) runner, so head up from West Hampstead or get off the train at Highgate or Kentish Town and run the rest of the way home. I’m just starting to find my way around, but there’s many runs worth of exploration to go yet before I know it all.

Apart from the planes flying overhead, it’s like a little slice of Derbyshire inside the M25. Perfect.

The most perfect place to walk your dog. The woods are a great place to let your dog run and explore, without getting in the way of people or families having picnics or people who are not dog friendly. I’m there with my dogs nearly every day.. rain or shine!

One of the largest parks in London, one of the most beautifulest too with lovely views of london and wildlife, absolutly bursting and a first for me and my family to visit in the any month all year round.

Beautiful, huge park in north London. Large parts of it have been left wild, and even the manicured bits are mostly just cleared of trees with mown grass. You won't find flower beds and statues here: it's a park as it should be, with trees and bees. Like Hyde Park but more natural.

There are miles of paths, some paved and some dirt. I used to run in here a lot when I lived nearby.

There are several interesting spots inside the Heath, including Kenwood House, the bathing ponds, and Parliament Hill.

A great place for a picnic, for kite-flying, for viewing downtown London's skyscape, for running, or just for a walk. And there are great pubs at nearly every edge for when you take your leave: the Spaniard's Inn and the Freemason's Arms are nice (and likely to be popular) choices.

Hampstead Heath is simply a wonderful institution. This huge area of parkland just 4 miles (6km) north of Trafalgar Square is one of London’s nicest areas to go for a walk (or a swim - see later) as it is maintained in a ‘natural’ state. The word ‘heath’ is a bit if a misnomer, as there’s not much heathland in the sense that most people understand it, but lots of lovely woodland, as well as open expanses of grass, and streams, ponds and the odd bog. Various tracts are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).

The Heath actually belongs to the Corporation of London, and was acquired through various Acts of Parliament as a park for Londoners between 1871 and 1906, to prevent it being swallowed up by London’s expanding suburbs. The 791 acres (320 hectares) includes the grounds of Kenwood House, managed by English Heritage.

The Heath is the only surviving part of the once great Middlesex Forest. There are all sorts of oddities scattered around, including a Saxon boundary ditch from 986 AD, and the remains of past minor industrial activity, such as sand digging on (where else?) Sandy Heath. In the 18th and early 19th century, it became a popular site for wealthy Londoners to visit, and Constable painted a number of pictures of the Heath. It was also the site of a number of early reservoirs supplying London’s drinking water: there are 25 ponds remaining, though none is now used for water supply.

The Heath is a haven for wildlife, small mammals and birds especially, as well as flora and fungi. Needless to say, it is very popular with families and children, though given the ponds (deep water) and the huge extent of woodland, they need to be supervised. There are eight fenced children’s play areas within the Heath, which are a good bet for small children, and there is an active programme for school parties. It is also popular with joggers, cyclists (there are designated cycle-routes), dog walkers and nannies - groups of whom can often be seen taking their charges for a walk in push-chairs, during the week.

A full events programme takes place throughout the year and includes jazz concerts, fishing teach-ins, fun fairs and children’s summer entertainments. Regular guided walks and nature-spotting events are also organised. Parliament Hill is famous as a great view-point, as well as being popular for kite flying.

The swimming comes from the famous bathing ponds - one for men, one for women (the ‘Ladies’ Pond), one mixed, and a lido - if you prefer your swimming a bit less ‘natural’. The ponds are fed from natural streams, and give a wonderfully invigorating experience, but the water is cloudy and very, very cold, and you share them wish both fish and ducks! They all have changing facilities (small compulsory charge), with formalised opening times. The web-site has a section on the ponds and it is essential to read this first - for opening times, access arrangements, and safety.

It is easily accessed from Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak stations on the North London Line, or a ten minute walk from Hampstead or Belsize Park Underground stations (Northern Line). A number of bus routes also run through the park.

At week-ends, the Heath (and the surrounding cafes) can be really busy, especially in summer - but on fine winter week-days you can almost have the parkland to yourself.

(NB Especially at night-time, the western part of the Heath - behind the former pub known as “Jack Straw’s Castle” - takes on a rather different character, as a notorious gay cruising ground. Be warned before you set off on an evening jog…).

Outstanding place to spend a weekend afternoon going for a stroll. It's not too far away from me and I love going for a wander there.

It's big, very well looked after and has a huge amount of variety to it - from feeding the ducks, through visiting Kenwood House, to a bit of open air swimming. Just a great place for a sunny afternoon at the weekend.

The surrounding area is great with the lovely Hampstead and Highate just nearby if you tire of the park - though I'm not sure why you would???

One of the largest parks in London and it has one of the most beatiful landscapes on a hilly ground. Great place for a stroll and picnic on the wide horizon. It's also a great place for a little jungle trekking as there's a path for it too.

Except for the ever-present eye in the far distance, you’ll never know you you’re in the city. Hampstead Heath is large enough to get lost in and wild enough for a good ramble. If the weather is good, take a picnic and get some sun and if not, add a few layers and brave the weather. The feel of fresh air in the lungs on a long energetic walk is well worth it! And with loads of space for the kids to play in, its good for the entire family….

This is the perfect place to go on a sunday afternoon with the family, or even just the dog! There is so much space, which is a blessing when you live in london and the city. The Heath covers 791 acres within two London boroughs - Camden, 681 acres (and Barnet, 110 acres. This total includes the 112 acres at Kenwood. It is huge, great for long walks through the woodland. There are hills, benches, lots of trees, and great views. The cafes are a nice place to eat and drink, as there is fresh food, quite pricey though! I went to a wedding here, it was beautiful and so romantic. Sipping champagne on the hills. Great.

Hampstead is one of London’s larger parks. Perched above the city, the South end has great views once you’ve climbed a bit. Heading North West you come to an area with a lovely mix of wooded hillsides and open patches. I’ve seen rabbits openly grazing in daylight up there. Then there’s the ponds. A whole selection of them, including some available for open air swimming for those who can deal with unheated water. In the North there’s Kenwood House, and its grounds, but that’s another review. Hampstead Heath is a lovely place to wander. I believe there’s regular orienteering events, though I’ve never managed to get myself organised to take part. I have however picked a nice lot of blackberries. I’ve also spotted a pair of bright green parakeets: spreading from their colony in South West London I guess.

For running, I didn’t even think of measuring a route online. There’s no hope! I don’t know if a GPS would work. However if you are not bothering with the figures, it’s a great place to go. There’s steep slopes all over the place, but I find the ever changing scenery draws you on, so it’s exhilarating rather than challenging. And it’s nice to leave tarmac behind and get your feet on some natural soil.

Hampstead Heath is great for a long walk, as it is one of the London parks that does not just run out as you are trying to stretch your legs. I really like the more wild and forestry areas of the park because it does not feel like you are in busy London.
The park has a nice mix of sports grounds, large lawns, ponds, paths and wilderness. It is the perfect place for a day out whether it be for picnics, walks or jogging.
Take cake or lunch break at the Cafe at Kenwood House, where you can also have a look at their paintings collection. It is a lovely Georgian mansion and is worth a visit. The are also plant sales next door.
A really nice day out even in the rain.

This is an amazing park, great for relaxing and exercise. Beautifully maintained. Although this park can get quite bogged down in the rain. Also it is not the best place after dark with minimal to no lighting.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hampstead_Heath_Extension