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
School Trips to Hampstead Heath: The Complete Teacher's Guide 2026
Hampstead Heath offers exceptional free school trip opportunities, geography, ecology, science, and art fieldwork in one of London's richest natural environments.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Local Life
Parking in Hampstead: Where to Park, Costs & Free Times
Hampstead is hard to drive into, narrow Georgian streets, steep hills and controlled parking everywhere. Here is exactly where to park, what it costs, and when it is free.
James Calloway · 12 min read
Local Life
Hampstead vs Highgate: Which North London Village Wins?
Two hilltop villages on opposite sides of the same Heath, forever compared. We weigh up Hampstead and Highgate on attractions, food, atmosphere, property and transport.
Oliver Hartwell · 11 min read
Local Life
Hampstead in a Day: The Perfect One-Day Itinerary
See the very best of Hampstead in a single, well-planned day, the village, the Heath, Kenwood House and a sunset from Parliament Hill. Here is the hour-by-hour itinerary.
Oliver Hartwell · 11 min read
Food & Drink
Primrose Hill Restaurants, Cafes & Pubs: The Complete Local Guide 2026
Primrose Hill has one of London's most focused and genuinely excellent neighbourhood restaurant scenes, a small area packed with places that locals return to weekly.
Oliver Hartwell · 8 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Autumn Walks on Hampstead Heath: The Complete Seasonal Guide 2026
Autumn transforms Hampstead Heath into one of London's most spectacular seasonal experiences, golden oak and beech woodland, fungi foraging season, and a quieter Heath that belongs to its most devoted visitors.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Cold-Water Swimming in Hampstead's Ponds: The Winter Guide 2026
Hampstead Ponds are open every day of the year, rain or shine, including in the depths of winter when the water drops to 4°C. Here is how to swim safely in the cold.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Local Life
Living in Belsize Park NW3: The Complete 2026 Area Guide
Belsize Park is one of London's most desirable residential neighbourhoods, quieter than Hampstead, more established than Primrose Hill, with excellent schools and exceptional transport.
Oliver Hartwell · 8 min read
Local Life
Best Jewellery Stores in London 2026: The Complete Guide
From the luxury houses of Bond Street and the antique dealers of Hatton Garden to the independent designers of Clerkenwell and the bold statement makers of Seven Dials, London's jewellery scene is one of the most diverse and exciting in the world. This guide covers every significant jeweller, by area and by style.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Food & Drink
The Spaniards Inn Hampstead: Complete Guide 2026
Highwaymen, poets, a mob that nearly burned it down, the Spaniards Inn has seen it all. Here's the full story, and why it's still worth the pilgrimage.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
History & Heritage
Kenwood House Hampstead: The Complete Visitor Guide 2026
Most Londoners drive past the gates without looking twice. Those who stop discover one of the finest art collections in England, and it's completely free.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead Heath Running Routes: The Complete Guide 2026
From Parliament Hill sprints to the full Heath circuit, Hampstead Heath offers some of the finest off-road running in London, once you know which paths to take.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Local Life
Best Cat Cafes in London 2026: The Complete Guide to Feline-Friendly Coffee
London's cat cafe scene has grown from a single Shoreditch pioneer to a city-wide collection of thoughtfully run venues where rescue cats live well and visitors drink coffee in very good company. Here is every cat cafe worth visiting, with everything you need to know before booking.
Beatrice Thornton · 10 min read
Nature & Outdoors
Hampstead Heath Playgrounds: The Complete Family Guide 2026
Hampstead Heath has multiple playgrounds, an adventure playground, and a lido paddling pool, making it one of London's most complete family destinations.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 min read
Food & Drink
Golders Green Food Guide 2026: London's Most Diverse Eating Quarter
Golders Green Road is one of London's most extraordinary eating streets, a kilometre of kosher bakeries, Japanese restaurants, Israeli cafés, and Turkish grills that few Londoners outside NW11 fully appreciate.
Oliver Hartwell · 10 min read