Parliament Hill has been London's kite-flying heartland for over a century. Here is everything you need to make the most of it.
Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath is one of London's best places to fly a kite, an exposed, grassy summit catching the wind, with panoramic views as a backdrop and generations of kite-flyers who have made it a tradition. Whether you are a family with a simple kite or an enthusiast with a stunt kite, this is the complete guide to kite flying on Parliament Hill.
- Parliament Hill's exposed 98-metre summit is one of London's premier kite-flying spots
- The wind is most reliable on the open summit, away from trees
- Free, open year-round, and suitable for all ages and abilities
- The annual kite festival is a highlight of the Heath's calendar
- Combine with the view and a Heath walk
- Spring and autumn offer the most reliable winds
Why Parliament Hill Is Perfect for Kites
Parliament Hill rises to 98 metres, one of the highest points in London, with an open, grassy summit largely free of trees and buildings. This exposure makes it a natural wind-catcher, the summit reliably picks up breezes that are blocked or broken up in the surrounding streets and wooded areas.
The combination of reliable wind, open space, and the spectacular backdrop of London's skyline has made Parliament Hill a kite-flying destination for generations. On a breezy weekend, the summit fills with kites of every kind, from children's shop-bought kites to elaborate stunt and box kites flown by dedicated enthusiasts.
Getting Started
For Families and Beginners
Parliament Hill is ideal for first-time and family kite flying:
- Choose the right kite: A simple diamond or delta kite is easiest for beginners and children.
- Pick the open summit: Fly from the top of the hill, away from trees, for the cleanest wind.
- Launch into the wind: Stand with your back to the wind, let out some line, and let the kite rise. A helper can hold the kite downwind and release it on your signal.
- Manage the line: Let out line gradually as the kite climbs; pull in gently to gain height in lulls.
For Enthusiasts
Experienced flyers bring stunt kites, box kites, and large display kites to Parliament Hill, taking advantage of the consistent wind and the space. The summit on a good wind day is a fine place to put a dual-line stunt kite through its paces, with an appreciative audience and plenty of room.
Marcus Bell has flown kites on Parliament Hill for over thirty years, since his father first brought him as a boy. "I learned to fly here, and now I bring my own kids," he said. "There's something about this hill, the wind, the view of the whole city laid out below, the other flyers. On a good March day you'll see fifty kites up at once. My oldest stunt kite has been flown on this hill more times than I can count. It's not just kite flying; it's a tradition that gets passed down. That's rare in a city."
When to Fly
Wind
Kite flying needs wind, ideally a steady breeze of around 8-25 mph. Too little and the kite won't stay up; too much and it becomes hard to control (and small kites can break). Check the forecast before you go.
Best Seasons
- Spring: Often the best season, reliable, fresh winds and lengthening days. The kite festival typically falls in spring.
- Autumn: Another excellent season for steady winds and crisp, clear days with good visibility.
- Summer: Can be flyable but winds are often lighter; early morning or breezy days are best.
- Winter: Strong winds and cold but dramatic; for the hardy, a clear, breezy winter day offers spectacular flying with the best long-distance views.
Time of Day
Wind is often more consistent in the afternoon. Weekday flying is quieter; weekends bring the crowds and the social atmosphere.
The Kite Festival
The Heath's annual kite festival is a highlight of the local calendar, a day when Parliament Hill fills with spectacular kites, display flyers, and families, celebrating the hill's long association with the sport. If you can time a visit to coincide with it, the festival is a wonderful spectacle and a great introduction to the kite-flying community.
Combining with the Heath
A kite-flying trip pairs perfectly with the wider pleasures of the Heath:
Practical Tips
- Check the wind: 8-25 mph is ideal; avoid very strong winds with small or children's kites
- Bring the right kite: Simple kites for beginners and children; stunt kites for enthusiasts
- Mind others: On busy days, keep clear of other flyers to avoid line tangles
- Watch for trees and people: Launch and fly from the open summit, away from obstacles
- Footwear: The grassy slopes can be slippery, especially when wet
- Getting there: Hampstead Heath or Gospel Oak Overground; then climb to the summit
Flying a kite on Parliament Hill is one of those simple, timeless pleasures that London does exceptionally well, free, open to all, set against one of the city's great views, and steeped in generations of tradition. Whether you bring a child's first kite or a flyer's prized stunt kite, the breezy summit of Parliament Hill, with the whole of London spread out below, is the perfect place to send it soaring.
