Parliament Hill has been London's kite-flying heartland for over a century. Here is everything you need to make the most of it.
There is something about a kite against a cloudy London sky that feels genuinely timeless — and Parliament Hill, at the southern edge of Hampstead Heath, has been one of the city's great kite-flying venues for well over a century. On weekends and school holidays, the hill is dotted with kites of every description: simple diamond kites from the pound shop, elaborate box kites, delta kites with long rainbow tails, and occasionally the buzzing, lunging forms of stunt kites operated by enthusiasts with an almost athletic commitment to their craft.
If you have never flown a kite in London — or if you have tried in Hyde Park or Regent's Park and found the low-rise wind frustrating — Parliament Hill is the answer. This guide covers why it works, what to bring, and how to make the most of it.
Why Parliament Hill is London's Best Kite Flying Spot
Kite flying requires two things above all else: open space and reliable wind. Parliament Hill provides both in abundance, and in combination they are rare in a dense urban environment.
The hill itself rises about 50 metres above the surrounding area, placing you above the worst of London's low-level turbulence. The south-facing slope catches the prevailing south-westerly winds that sweep across London for most of the year. These winds arrive clean and consistent, without the eddies and gusts created by buildings, trees, and other obstacles that plague flying in flat urban parks.
The open grassland below the summit adds approximately 10 hectares of flat, unobstructed flying space. Unlike the summit itself — which is shared with photographers, picnickers, and panorama-seekers — the broad slope below provides room to run, to let your line out to full length, and to manoeuvre a stunt kite without endangering other people.
Best Conditions for Kite Flying at Parliament Hill
The ideal wind speed for a standard single-line kite is between 10 and 20 km/h (Beaufort scale 3–5 — a gentle to fresh breeze). In these conditions, most kites will fly steadily and predictably. Wind speeds below 10 km/h are too light for anything other than lightweight foil kites. Above 30 km/h (Beaufort 6–7), flying becomes difficult and potentially dangerous for any kite or bystander downwind.
The best months for consistent, flyable wind at Parliament Hill are March, April, September, and October. Summer can be excellent but the wind is more variable and the hill significantly more crowded. January and February bring strong winds but often alongside rain — a good rain-kite combination requires a waterproof kite (most modern designs) and appropriate clothing.
Before heading out, check the wind forecast at ground level on a weather app, then add about 5–10 km/h to account for the extra elevation at Parliament Hill. A forecast of 10 km/h in central London typically means a good 15 km/h breeze on the hill.
What Kite Should You Bring?
For a first visit — particularly with children — a simple delta kite is the most reliable choice. Delta kites are triangular, self-launching (no assembly of spars required beyond basic setup), and stable in a wide range of wind conditions. They are available for under £15 in most outdoor and toy shops. A long plastic tail, while adding drag, also adds stability in gusty conditions and is worth including for beginners.
Stunt kites (two-line or four-line kites designed for aerobatic flying) are significantly more rewarding once you have developed some feel for the wind, but they require practice and ideally a wide clear area. The Parliament Hill slope is large enough for stunt kite flying, but be mindful of other users — a stunt kite under tension will cause a painful and potentially serious injury if it hits someone.
Box kites and novelty kites (shaped like animals, aircraft, etc.) generally require moderate to strong winds but provide spectacular visual results when conditions are right. They are popular with experienced flyers and draw plenty of admiring attention on the hill.
Where to Buy a Kite Near Parliament Hill
If you arrive without a kite, there are several local options. The Kenwood House gift shop at the northern end of the Heath stocks a small selection of kites suitable for beginners. Several shops on Hampstead High Street carry kites seasonally, particularly in spring and early summer. For a wider selection, the Museum of Childhood in Bethnal Green or specialist kite retailers online (Into the Wind, Kite Shop UK) offer expert advice and the full range of designs.
Practical Information for Kite Flying at Parliament Hill
There is no charge, booking, or permit required to fly a kite on Parliament Hill. The City of London Corporation, which manages the Heath, only restricts kite flying in the immediate vicinity of the bathing ponds (where wire lines could endanger swimmers) and in the wooded areas where lines could damage trees. The open grassland areas are freely available.
Line length: Most kite string sold in sets runs to 30–50 metres, which is adequate for Parliament Hill. Serious flyers bring 100m+ on a reel, allowing kites to reach heights where the wind is stronger and steadier.
Safety: Never fly near power lines, roads, or trees. Keep a 50-metre clearance from the bathing ponds. If the wind exceeds Beaufort 6, land your kite — heavy kites at high speed are dangerous if the line breaks. Children should always fly with adult supervision.
Access: Parliament Hill is reached from the Parliament Hill Fields entrance (Gordon House Road, NW5) or from South End Green (Hampstead Heath Overground). Parking on Gordon House Road fills early on sunny weekends; public transport is recommended.
Beyond the Kite: What Else to Do on Parliament Hill
Parliament Hill combines kite flying with some of London's finest free attractions. The Parliament Hill Lido — a heated 60-metre outdoor pool — is one of the best outdoor swimming facilities in the city. The viewpoint at the summit offers a 180-degree panorama of London. The Athletics Track is used by local clubs and open to the public. And the entire Heath — 790 acres of woodland, meadow, and pond — is immediately accessible, making it easy to turn a kite-flying afternoon into a full-day adventure.
Related guides: Parliament Hill views and what to see · The annual Hampstead Heath Kite Festival · Hampstead Heath playgrounds for children
