The Journal
From the Blog
Dispatches from the village — written by people who walk these streets every day. History, food, culture and the stories behind the places you love.
Local Life
The Hampstead Heath Funfair: A Bank Holiday Tradition
The Hampstead Heath Funfair, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with confidence.
James Calloway · 2 min read
Local Life
Alexandra Palace Ice Rink: Tickets, Sessions, Tips and What to Expect
Everything you need to know about the Alexandra Palace ice rink, tickets, public sessions, lessons, ice hockey, parking and insider tips from North London locals.
Beatrice Thornton · 9 min read
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.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
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.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Local Life
Bonfire Night in North London: Where to See the Fireworks
Where to watch fireworks in North London on Bonfire Night, from the big Alexandra Palace display to free views across the city from Hampstead Heath. A guide with tips.
James Calloway · 4 min read
Local Life
Long Summer Evenings in Hampstead: How Locals Spend Them
Long Summer Evenings in Hampstead: How Locals Spend Them, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to plan your visit.
James Calloway · 2 min read
Local Life
Nurseries and Childcare in Hampstead: What Parents Need to Know
Nurseries and childcare in Hampstead, day nurseries, Montessori, childminders, costs, waiting lists and the funded hours system. A realistic parent's guide to NW3.
Beatrice Thornton · 3 min read
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.
Oliver Hartwell · 6 min read
Local Life
Kids' Activities and Clubs in North London: The After-School Economy
After-school clubs and kids' activities in North London, sport, coding, drama, art, forest school, holiday camps, costs and how the booking culture works.
James Calloway · 2 min read
Local Life
Where to Stay Near Hampstead Heath: Hotels, B&Bs, and Serviced Apartments
Staying near Hampstead Heath means early morning walks before the crowds arrive. Here are the best hotels, B&Bs, and apartments within walking distance of the Heath.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Local Life
Parliament Hill Lido: Everything You Need to Know About Hampstead's Outdoor Pool
Parliament Hill Lido is London's finest outdoor pool, 60 metres, unheated, open year-round. Here's what to expect, how to get in, and the best time to go.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Local Life
Hampstead Heath Swimming: Everything You Need to Know About the Ponds
Complete guide to swimming at Hampstead Heath ponds: opening times, water temperature, entry fees, the difference between the three ponds, and everything first-timers need to know.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Local Life
A Winter Day in Hampstead: Frost, Fires and Cosy Corners
The perfect winter day in Hampstead, a frosty Heath walk, Kenwood's Old Masters, cosy pubs with fires, the cinema and a warming dinner. A cold-weather itinerary.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
Pet-Friendly Hampstead: Vets, Groomers, and Services for Dog Owners
A guide to pet services in Hampstead, vets, groomers, dog walkers, pet shops, and why the Heath makes the area a dream for dog owners.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
Half a Day in Hampstead: The Perfect Short Itinerary
Only have a few hours? The perfect half-day in Hampstead, the village, Parliament Hill's view and Kenwood's free art, in three or four hours. A short, efficient itinerary.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read