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.
Arts & Culture
What's On at Hampstead Theatre: A Visitor's Guide
What's On at Hampstead Theatre, 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
Renting in Hampstead: A Practical Guide for Tenants
What to know about renting a home in Hampstead, typical property types, costs, neighbourhoods within the area, and tips for finding the right place.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Local Life
Is Hampstead Expensive? A Visitor's Cost Guide
Hampstead has a reputation for being pricey, but a visit can cost almost nothing or a small fortune depending on choices. An honest breakdown of what a day here really costs.
James Calloway · 4 min read
Local Life
Kenwood Concerts 2026: Tickets, Tips, and How to Have the Perfect Evening
Kenwood House concerts 2026: dates, tickets, how to book, what to bring, and how to make the most of one of London's finest summer evenings. The complete guide.
Oliver Hartwell · 5 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
Arts & Culture
The Rock Stars and Bands of Hampstead
Hampstead and its edges have housed rock stars and songwriters for decades, from the folk clubs of the 1960s to later residents. A guide to the area's musical history.
James Calloway · 3 min read
Local Life
Beauty Salons and Spas in Hampstead: The NW3 Self-Care Guide
Beauty salons, nail bars, facialists and spa treatments in Hampstead, what's available in NW3, what it costs, and how to choose. A complete self-care guide.
Beatrice Thornton · 2 min read
Local Life
Hampstead vs Primrose Hill: Which North London Village Wins?
Hampstead vs Primrose Hill: Which North London Village Wins?, a locally written, practical guide to what to know, where to go, and how to plan your visit.
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read
Local Life
Halloween on Hampstead Heath: Spooky Walks and Local Events
How to spend Halloween in Hampstead, atmospheric Heath walks, local events, ghost stories, and where to go for a properly spooky autumn evening.
Oliver Hartwell · 3 min read
Arts & Culture
Where to Hear Live Music in and Around Hampstead
Where to Hear Live Music in and Around Hampstead, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your...
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read
Arts & Culture
The Art of Kenwood House: Rembrandt, Vermeer and the Iveagh Bequest
Kenwood House's free art collection: Rembrandt's self-portrait, Vermeer's Guitar Player, Turner, Gainsborough and the Iveagh Bequest, what to see and how to visit.
Beatrice Thornton · 5 min read
Local Life
Valentine's Day in Hampstead: Romantic Things to Do
The most romantic things to do in Hampstead for Valentine's Day, atmospheric walks, cosy restaurants, historic pubs, and quiet corners for two.
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
Food & Drink
The Best Cafés and Coffee in West Hampstead
The Best Cafés and Coffee in West Hampstead, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit...
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read
Arts & Culture
Alexandra Palace Theatre: A Restored Victorian Gem
Alexandra Palace Theatre, a locally written guide with insider tips, the best spots, and what to know before you go. Plan your visit with confidence.
Oliver Hartwell · 2 min read