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
Where to Go Stargazing on Hampstead Heath
Where to Go Stargazing on Hampstead Heath, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with...
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
The Ancient Trees and Woodland of Hampstead Heath
The Ancient Trees and Woodland of Hampstead Heath, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your...
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
The Christmas Day Swim on Hampstead Heath: A Cold-Water Tradition
The Christmas Day Swim on Hampstead Heath, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with...
James Calloway · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
The Best Time to Visit Hampstead Heath: A Season-by-Season Guide
The Best Time to Visit Hampstead Heath: A Season-by-Season Guide, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to plan your...
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Where to See Spring Blossom in Hampstead and the Heath
From cherry blossom on the village streets to magnolia in the gardens and hawthorn across the Heath, where to find spring blossom in Hampstead and when it peaks.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Dog-Friendly Hampstead: The Best Walks, Pubs, and Cafes for You and Your Dog
Hampstead Heath is one of London's best places to walk a dog — 790 acres of off-lead space.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead at Christmas: The Complete Guide to December in the Village
Christmas in Hampstead — fairy lights on Flask Walk, frost on the Heath, and the Holly Bush fireplace.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Regent's Canal Walk: The Complete London Towpath Guide
Walk the Regent's Canal from Paddington to Limehouse, all sections covered. Little Venice, Camden, King's Cross, Islington, Hackney and the Olympic Park. Maps, stops, cafés.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Nature & Outdoors
A Night Walk on Hampstead Heath
Hampstead Heath after dark is one of the few places in London that gets properly dark and quiet. A guide to walking the Heath at night, what to expect and how to stay safe.
Oliver Hartwell · 4 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Kenwood House Gardens: A Complete Guide to the Grounds
A guide to the gardens and grounds of Kenwood House on Hampstead Heath, the lake, the woodland walks, the kitchen garden, the concerts and the best seasonal visits.
James Calloway · 7 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Waterlow Park Highgate: A Complete Visitor's Guide
Everything you need to know about Waterlow Park in Highgate, the ornamental ponds, Lauderdale House café, the link to Highgate Cemetery, and the best times to visit.
James Calloway · 8 min read
Nature & Outdoors
The Best Sunset Spots on Hampstead Heath
Where to watch the sunset on Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill, Kenwood, the Pergola, Sandy Heath and Kite Hill, with the best timing, viewpoints and photography tips.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Kenwood Ladies' Pond: Opening Times, Booking & Prices 2026
The Kenwood Ladies' Pond on Hampstead Heath, the women-only swimming pond open year-round. Tickets, opening times, what to bring, winter swimming and the etiquette.
Beatrice Thornton · 6 min read
Nature & Outdoors
A Perfect Day on Hampstead Heath: The Complete Guide
How to spend a perfect day on Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill, the ponds, the Pergola, Kenwood House and the best routes, viewpoints and places to eat.
Oliver Hartwell · 8 min read
Nature & Outdoors
The Best Sunday Lunch in Hampstead: Where to Book, When to Arrive, and What to Order
Sunday lunch in Hampstead is serious business. From the Bull and Last to the Holly Bush.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read