Writer
Oliver Hartwell
Hampstead, London
Oliver is a lifelong Hampstead resident and architectural historian who has spent three decades uncovering the stories behind the village's Georgian terraces, hidden lanes, and literary landmarks. His writing blends meticulous research with a warm, accessible style.
Articles by Oliver Hartwell
149 articles
Local Life
Valentine's Day in Hampstead: Romantic Things to Do
The most romantic things to do in Hampstead for Valentine's Day, atmospheric walks, cosy restaurants, historic pubs, and quiet corners for two.
3 min read· 14 July 2026
Nature & Outdoors
Best Swimming Pools in North London: Lidos and Indoor Pools
The best swimming pools in North London, Hampstead Ponds, Parliament Hill Lido, London Fields Lido, Highbury Pool and indoor pools. A complete guide.
3 min read· 14 July 2026
Food & Drink
The Best Cafés and Coffee in West Hampstead
The Best Cafés and Coffee in West Hampstead, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit...
2 min read· 14 July 2026
Arts & Culture
Alexandra Palace Theatre: A Restored Victorian Gem
Alexandra Palace Theatre, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with confidence.
2 min read· 13 July 2026
History & Heritage
2 Willow Road: A Guide to Hampstead's Modernist House Museum
Visiting 2 Willow Road, Ernő Goldfinger's modernist house in Hampstead, what to see, opening times, and why it matters architecturally.
3 min read· 13 July 2026
Local Life
Buying Property in Hampstead: A Practical Guide
Buying Property in Hampstead, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with confidence.
2 min read· 13 July 2026
Local Life
Nature Walks for Kids on Hampstead Heath: A Family Guide
The best nature walks and wildlife spotting routes for children on Hampstead Heath, short, manageable, and genuinely engaging for young explorers.
3 min read· 13 July 2026
Nature & Outdoors
Can You BBQ on Hampstead Heath? Rules and Where to Picnic
Can You BBQ on Hampstead Heath, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with confidence.
3 min read· 12 July 2026
Local Life
Things to Do in Camden (and How to Combine It with Hampstead)
Things to Do in Camden (and How to Combine It with Hampstead), a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go....
2 min read· 12 July 2026
Arts & Culture
Victoria and Albert Museum London: A Complete Visitor's Guide
V&A Museum guide, the highlights, fashion collection, café, admission, opening times and tips for visiting the world's greatest museum of art and design.
3 min read· 12 July 2026
Arts & Culture
A Museum Day in North London: The Best Small Museums in a Day
A museum-hopping day in North London, the Freud Museum, Keats House, Kenwood, Burgh House and the hidden gems. A timed itinerary through the area's best small museums.
3 min read· 12 July 2026
Local Life
Tennis in North London: Courts, Clubs and How to Actually Get a Game
Where to play tennis in North London, park courts on Hampstead Heath and beyond, private clubs, coaching, costs and how booking actually works.
3 min read· 11 July 2026
Local Life
Child-Friendly Restaurants in Hampstead: Where to Eat With Kids in NW3
The best child-friendly restaurants in Hampstead: places that genuinely welcome children with good food for grown-ups too. An honest guide to eating out with kids in NW3.
4 min read· 10 July 2026
Local Life
Things to Do in Golders Green: A Complete Local Guide
The best things to do in Golders Green, restaurants, parks, Golders Hill Park, Temple Fortune, cultural sites and what makes NW11 worth more than a quick visit.
6 min read· 8 July 2026
Food & Drink
The Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Hampstead
The Best Ice Cream and Gelato in Hampstead, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with...
2 min read· 8 July 2026