Belsize Park to Primrose Hill

This walk connects two of North London's most distinctive neighbourhoods — Belsize Park and Primrose Hill — through the back streets and then across open parkland, finishing on Primrose Hill itself with one of the best views of Central London in existence. The route takes in the arts-and-crafts streets of Belsize Park, the canal towpath alongside Regent's Canal, and the gentle climb to the Primrose Hill summit at 78 metres. Begin at Belsize Park tube station and walk south-east through the wide Edwardian streets of Belsize Park — Buckland Crescent, Belsize Crescent, Eton Avenue — noticing the consistency of the late Victorian and Edwardian terrace architecture, which has been protected from development more successfully here than almost anywhere else in inner London. Pick up the canal towpath at Primrose Hill Road and walk east along Regent's Canal. The canal was built in 1820 and feels resolutely un-London — narrow boats, willows, and a pace of life that bears no relation to the streets above. Exit at the Gloucester Avenue bridge and climb through Primrose Hill park to the summit. The view south from here takes in the Shard, the Gherkin, Telecom Tower and — on very clear days — the hills of Crystal Palace. Return via Fitzroy Road to Belsize Park or continue to Chalk Farm tube for the Northern line.

Highlights

• Edwardian streets of Belsize Park — protected conservation area
• Regent's Canal towpath — narrow boats and willows
• Primrose Hill summit — Central London panorama
• Fitzroy Road — Sylvia Plath and W.B. Yeats blue plaques

Route Map

Route Waypoints

1. 1

   Belsize Park Tube

   Northern line (Edgware branch) — start here

2. 2

   Belsize Crescent

   Edwardian conservation area — wide tree-lined streets, stucco terraces

3. 3

   Eton Avenue

   Late Victorian mansion blocks — notable arts-and-crafts detailing

4. 4

   Regent's Canal Towpath

   Enter at Primrose Hill Road bridge — head east toward Chalk Farm

5. 5

   Fitzroy Road

   W.B. Yeats at No.23, Sylvia Plath at No.3 — both have blue plaques

6. 6

   Primrose Hill Summit

   78m — Central London panorama, bench at the top, free entry

7. 7

   Chalk Farm Tube

   Northern line — frequent service to Camden Town, King's Cross

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