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.
Nature & Outdoors
Spring in Hampstead: Where to See Blossom and Wildflowers
Spring in Hampstead: Where to See Blossom and Wildflowers, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to plan your visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Stargazing in North London: Where to See the Stars
Light pollution makes London a hard place to see stars, but Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill and the local astronomy society give you a fighting chance. A practical guide.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead in Spring: A Seasonal Itinerary
The best of Hampstead in spring, bluebells on the Heath, blossom in the village, the Pergola's wisteria and Kenwood's gardens waking up. A seasonal itinerary.
Beatrice Thornton · 3 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead Heath Ponds: Water Quality and Temperature Explained
Hampstead Heath Ponds, your local guide to the best spots, insider tips, and everything worth knowing before you go. Read on to plan the perfect visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Highbury Fields, Islington: A Complete Guide
Highbury Fields guide, the outdoor heated pool, tennis courts, parkrun, the fields themselves and what to do near this Islington park. Complete guide to N5.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead Heath at Golden Hour: A Photographer's Guide
Hampstead Heath at Golden Hour, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with confidence.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Cold-Water Swimming for Beginners at the Hampstead Ponds
New to cold-water swimming? A beginner's guide to the Hampstead Heath bathing ponds, how to start safely, what to bring, and how to handle the cold through the year.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Winter on Hampstead Heath: Ice Skating, Frost Walks, and Cold-Weather Fun
Winter on Hampstead Heath: Ice Skating, Frost Walks, and Cold-Weather Fun, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to ...
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
The Wildlife of Hampstead Heath: Stag Beetles, Bats and More
The Wildlife of Hampstead Heath, 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
Nature & Outdoors
From the Heath to the Canal: A North London Walking Route
A walking route from Hampstead Heath down to the Regent's Canal, through Belsize Park and Primrose Hill to Camden Lock. The route, distance, highlights and stops.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
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.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
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.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Alexandra Park and Boating Lake: A Complete Visitor's Guide
Plan your visit to Alexandra Park and the boating lake. Pedalo hire, deer enclosure, pitch-and-putt, woodland walks and the best views in North London, all free to enter.
James Calloway · 9 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Regent's Park: A Complete Visitor's Guide
A complete guide to Regent's Park: Queen Mary's Gardens, the boating lake, London Zoo, the Open Air Theatre, Primrose Hill, opening times and how to visit.
James Calloway · 6 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Primrose Hill Viewpoint: The Best Spots for London's Skyline
Primrose Hill Viewpoint, your local guide to the best spots, insider tips, and everything worth knowing before you go. Read on to plan the perfect visit.
James Calloway · 2 min read