Hampstead Heath
Gordon House Road London NW5 1QR
27/7
Train/tube stations: Gospel Oak, Kentish Town, Hampstead Heath, Highgate, Hampstead, Archway, Golders Green
All ages
A large number of paths are surfaced
FREE
Based on 11 reviews
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About Hampstead Heath
If London had a wild, magical back garden, Hampstead Heath would be it. Sprawling across 800 acres, this untamed gem offers the perfect family escape from city life – without even leaving Zone 2. Whether you’re after muddy puddles and mini-adventures or skyline selfies and kite-flying, the Heath is made for kids (and grown-ups) of all ages.
There’s Parliament Hill for jaw-dropping views (and epic sledging in winter), Golders Hill Park with its free mini zoo, and an adventure playground that could tire out a toddler and a teen in one go. Brave the Hampstead Heath Lido on a hot day (or a chilly one if you’re feeling heroic), explore woodland trails and secret paths, or seek out the dreamy, Insta-worthy Hill Garden and Pergola for a proper storybook moment. Add in the elegant Kenwood House – with its art collection, café and open lawns perfect for picnics – and you’ve got a full-on, choose-your-own-adventure kind of day. It’s free, bursting with nature, and one of the few places in London where toddlers, teens and tired parents can all find their happy place.
Top tip from the KidRated team:
Head to Parliament Hill adventure playground and pack snacks, you’ll be staying longer than you think!
All ages! From buggy-pushing parents to teens chasing freedom, there’s something for every stage.
Teens love the freedom Hampstead Heath offers – climbing trees, hurtling down Parliament Hill, showing off at the skate park, or soaking up skyline views for their socials. It’s a big open space where they can roam (and you can relax).
Yes, on shared paths (not grass). Bring bikes or hire e-bikes. It’s ideal for older kids and teens on two wheels.
Parliament Hill adventure playground is the biggie – great for all ages. Golders Hill Park has a lovely, quieter playground next to the mini zoo.
Yes! Confident swimmers aged 8+ can use the men’s, women’s, or mixed pond with an adult. Under 15s must be accompanied. Or head to the nearby Parliament Hill Lido for pool fun.
Loads. Parliament Hill Café and Golders Hill Park Café are firm favourites for snacks, hot chocolates and post-playground cake.
Parliament Hill Fields wins every time – views, loos, space to spread out and a quick run to the playground. Golders Hill is lovely too.
Yes. Parliament Hill becomes London’s top sledging slope after snow. Kenwood and Branch Hill are quieter but still fab.
Definitely. There are step-free paths, accessible loos, and plenty of flat terrain, especially around Parliament Hill and Golders Hill Park.
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Heath—just keep them on leads in busy areas and near the ponds.
You can. The public tennis courts at Parliament Hill are ideal for a knockabout, and the borough-run tennis centre rents out rackets and balls. Booking a court is easy, but bringing your own gear saves time and money.
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I love the bathing ponds!!