Kenwood House
Hampstead NW3 7JR
Typically 10am – 5pm daily, check special events
Parking is limited. Train: Hampstead Heath, Gospel Oak Tube: Highgate, Archway, Golders Green
Based on 4 reviews
I worked here many years ago, it truly is one of London's hidden gems, and it's free! I can't wait to bring my kids here, there are endless ways to enjoy it, from staring at the library ceiling to running in the gardens.
Had a wonderful muddy adventure up a Kenwood with the kids. They just loved running around and exploring in all that open space. Top day out finishing with a hot chocolate and a slice of cake at the cafe - perfect!
The art is beautiful and the recent renovations are fantastic. Love going for tea and a walk with the kids too. The grounds are a great place to bring scooters!
Can't argue with free! Summer here we come.
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About Kenwood House
If you’re looking for a family day out that mixes a bit of culture with loads of space to roam, Kenwood House is a total winner. Tucked into the top corner of Hampstead Heath, this grand old mansion is packed with amazing paintings (hello, Rembrandt and Turner) and plenty of room for kids to be kids.
Inside, younger visitors can follow Mac’s Kenwood Trail – a fun, free activity that turns exploring into a game, with paw prints to follow and challenges to solve. Teens might not admit it, but they’ll love the interiors and cool art (plus, it’s not too babyish or school trip-y).
Once you’ve had your fill of fancy paintings and chandeliers, head outside to the 112 acres of gardens and greenery. It’s perfect for picnics, cartwheeling, or just lying on the grass with a snack. There’s also a café for hot chocolate and cake, and a cosy second-hand bookshop if you fancy a quiet browse.
Best bit? It’s all free. Proper culture-meets-fresh-air gold.
Top tip from the KidRated Team:
Pack a picnic and a football – the grounds are vast, free, and perfect for a run-around after a bit of culture indoors. And don’t miss the secret café behind the house – it does amazing cakes and much-needed coffee for grown-ups trying to herd small people through historic paintings.
Loads! Bring a ball or a kite, pack a picnic, go squirrel spotting or just let the kids run wild in the open space. There are woodland paths, hidden statues, and plenty of spots for hide-and-seek.
Teens will love snapping pics in front of the grand white façade of Kenwood House with it’s pure Bridgerton energy. The Orangery windows, mirror-filled rooms, and views over the lake and rolling hills are all big on wow-factor. Golden hour on Hampstead Heath? Yes please.
The view from the back lawn is a standout, especially the wide green slope down to the lake. You’ll spot dogs bounding about, kids rolling down hills, and families picnicking in every direction. It’s classic London with countryside vibes.
Yes, and it’s very family-friendly. Grab sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes, and hot drinks. There’s seating inside and out, and it’s right next to the action, so you can refuel without missing a beat.
You’re spoilt for choice! You’re right on the edge of Hampstead Heath, so you can go for a woodland walk, climb up to Parliament Hill for amazing London views, or head to Hampstead Ponds if you’re up for a dip (teens love it in summer). Hampstead Village is also nearby, with indie cafés, crepes, and the odd celeb-spotting if you’re lucky.
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In December this is the best place to get you in the Christmas mood. We saw Santa too! It's so easy to get here and we love running around the fields. The cafe has yummy cakes and hot chocoloate. And at Halloween they have crafts and pumpkins. YAY. 8 out of 10