One of the best things about living in London. If you visit, take a walk there and then end up in one of the many brilliant pubs nearby - The Holly Bush, Wells, Spainard’s Inn, Magdala, Garden Gate, or sit in Keats’ house’s garden.
> Players of Hampstead begin the game in a filthy council flat wearing only their underwear, but must rise from these humble beginnings to woo “Pippa, a beautiful model” and win a high-paid job in the City with which they can buy cars and a house on Hampstead Heath.
It's a wonderful place. I was recently visiting London (where I grew up), and in not the best mental health, and I pulled over the car by the Heath and went exploring. It did wonders for my soul.
Used to live a 15 minute walk away with my (now) wife and we would spend every Saturday walking through different routes ending up at The Stag (great pub). Such a wonderful place, really felt like the countryside yet in the city… fond memories.
And plenty of other places not listed there, e.g. the old orchard, the hollow tree, 4 of London's 13 protected views[0], 2 old ice houses, the old duelling ground, etc.
It still kinda is, a lot of people that know about the park don't know about the Pergola since it's not in the biggest part that has the popular view of London.
Every Easter my kids school would have "Easter egg" hunt on the Heath. The "eggs" were chocolates hidden in the bushes and children would compete on who found the most.
Parliament Hill has great views of the city - probably the most elevated viewpoint in North London. Went there yesterday - gets super quiet after 10pm unlike Primrose.
Hampstead Heath, one of the premier cruising destinations in London. Where else you you go for a stroll and see a pair of naked buttocks sticking out of a bush?
Also probably of interest to the HN crowd: in years past I set up a philosophy meetup on the heath that is still going strong (thanks Sam!) - https://www.meetup.com/london-philosophy-walks/events/290653...