Hampstead

Welcome to Hampstead

Hampstead, often referred to as Hampstead Village, is a beautiful and affluent area nestled next to Hampstead Heath in North West London. Known for its charming streets and some of the most expensive property prices in London, this picturesque residential area is a sight to behold with its cobbled, winding streets and quaint buildings.

Hampstead is renowned for its intellectual, artistic, and literary associations, attracting many celebrities and wealthy professionals. Former residents include DH Lawrence, John Keats, and Sigmund Freud. This exclusive location seamlessly combines the culture of city life with a village-like lifestyle, making it perfect for those who wish to live in a quaint area while being within easy reach of central London.

The area is popular among wealthy professionals and entrepreneurs, many of whom have made their fortunes in the City. The exclusivity of Hampstead is evident with properties often passed down through generations. Despite its distinct village feel, Hampstead offers excellent transport links, with a tube to London Euston taking just ten minutes, adding to its appeal as a highly desirable area in North West London.

Find Out More About Living in Hampstead

Shopping, Restaurants, and Eateries in Hampstead

Hampstead High Street, just outside Hampstead Tube station, is the village’s heart. It features an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, cafes, high-end brand stores, and independent boutiques. The cobbled side streets hide treasures like delis, gift shops, jewellers, florists, and galleries.

Flask Walk, around the corner from the Tube station, has a pedestrian-only area with cafes, pubs, florists, and vintage shops. For larger shopping centres, Hampstead residents are within easy reach of Brent Cross Shopping Centre and London’s West End.

There is no shortage of restaurants and eateries in the area, mainly situated on and around Hampstead High Street. La Creperie de Hampstead is a popular window-serve fixture offering sweet and savoury crepes. Other popular options include the Italian L’Antica Pizzeria, the French restaurant Cote, and the family-run, award-winning Italian restaurant and hotel, La Gaffe.

The Wells is perfect for enjoying a drink outside, especially after a ramble in Hampstead Heath. The Holly Bush, dating back to the 18th century, is one of Hampstead’s most beloved pubs with a fireplace and outdoor space. The Old Bull & Bush is another popular spot with a bar, restaurant, and courtyard.

• Brent Cross Shopping Centre
• Cote
• La Gaffe
• The Wells
• The Holly Bush
• Old Bull & Bush

Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath, running from Hampstead to Highgate, is a natural beauty covering 320 hectares of woodland and meadows. This green oasis is perfect for outdoor recreation, including open-air swimming and various sports. The area also hosts open-air concerts and arts festivals. The summit at Parliament Hill offers iconic views of the London skyline.

At the north end of Hampstead Heath, Kenwood House is a former stately home now an English heritage site housing a stunning art collection.

Property in Hampstead

Property in Hampstead varies from exclusive Victorian homes to quaint cottages. Large Victorian red-brick homes, many converted into flats, can be found on roads like East Heath Road. Near the High Street, rows of Regency-style terraces have been converted into stylish apartments.

Hampstead also has large Edwardian mansions and mansion flats commanding exceptional prices. The affluence of the area is most evident along ‘Billionaire’s Row’ in The Bishops Avenue. Smaller streets feature colourful and characterful cottages with lower prices. Heath Street and North End Way are popular streets in Hampstead.

History of Hampstead

Hampstead began as an Anglo Saxon settlement but gained prominence in the 18th century as a ‘London spa’ attracting visitors to bathe in the iron-rich waters of Hampstead Wells. By the 18th century, it became a sought-after location for affluent Londoners and aristocrats. Grand houses like Kenwood House and Burgh House were built, providing insight into the area’s former opulence.

Hampstead’s popularity increased with the opening of its first railway station in 1852. Luxurious housing developments were created to accommodate growing demand. Despite its exclusive status, many parks were opened to the public, offering a retreat from the congested capital. Today, new developments provide even more reasons to live in this affluent London suburb.