A local’s guide to the perfect Hampstead day trip
- 19 hours ago
- 7 min read
It’s no secret that Hampstead is one of my favourite pockets of London, since it's equal parts bougie and wholesome, with just the right amount of chaos (usually in the form of off-lead dogs charging across the Heath). Funny thing is, I never really liked London when I first moved here. It felt too busy, too grey, too everything. That all changed when I ended up in Belsize Park. Suddenly, I found myself falling for its leafy streets, local cafés, and how easily you could spend an entire day wandering between Hampstead, Belsize and Primrose Hill. So in this blog, I’m sharing exactly how I’d spend a slow, feel-good day in these three north London gems. Think scenic walks, coffee pit stops, cute boutiques, and a generous helping of people-watching.
1) Getting to Hampstead
First things first, don’t get tripped up by the whole Hampstead vs. West Hampstead situation. They might sound similar, but they’re worlds apart. Hampstead is where you’ll find the village charm, cobbled lanes and all the dreamy spots you’re probably here for. West Hampstead, on the other hand, is more residential with a few decent cafés, but not quite the same fairytale energy.
To get to the good stuff, the easiest option is the Northern Line to Hampstead station. Fair warning, if you choose to take the stairs out of the station, it is intense (it’s one of the deepest stations in London). If you're coming from the Belsize Park side, you can also hop off there and walk up through some lovely leafy streets. And if you're heading straight to the heath, the Overground to Hampstead Heath station drops you off right next to the park itself, making it perfect for skipping straight to that countryside-in-the-city feeling.
2) Kickstart your day with delicious breakfast spots
If you’re starting your day in Hampstead, you're in luck, as this little pocket of London knows how to do a good brunch. First stop? Ginger & White. Tucked down a quiet lane just off the High Street, this cosy café serves up buttery banana bread, silky flat whites, and proper breakfast staples in a no-fuss, all-flavour kind of way. Another personal favourite is Oak & Poppy, a beautifully designed all-day dining spot with a brunch menu that leans fresh, Californian-style. Think avo toast done right, pancakes that don’t feel like a sugar coma, and plenty of outdoor seating if the sun decides to show up. And of course, no Hampstead brunch list would be complete without a nod to Ottolenghi. Go for a pastry and one of their vibrant, seasonal salads if you're in more of a grab-and-go mood, or settle in with a coffee and take in the people-watching.
If you're still wandering around come lunchtime or fancy heading back after the Heath, Hampstead High Street has some gems worth sticking around for. L’antica Pizzeria serves up some of the best Neapolitan-style pizzas outside of Italy (no exaggeration). For sushi lovers, Jin Kichi is a low-key, wood-panelled spot that's beloved by locals and always hits the spot with its yakitori and sashimi. And if you’re after a moodier, date-night kind of vibe, 28 Church Row does a banging modern European menu inside a candlelit former chapel, giving old-school romance in the best way.
Don’t forget to swing by La Crêperie de Hampstead as this iconic street-side crêpe stand has been serving up delicious. crêpes and cheesy galettes to patient queues for decades, and it’s a rite of passage for any Hampstead visit. Top Tip: Don't get this mixed up with the other crêperie stall located next to this one! The original is a little white cart.
3) Wander through Hampstead's hidden gems
Hampstead isn’t just pretty, it’s packed with charm, character, and some of London’s most iconic green corners. First up, the main event: Hampstead Heath. This sprawling, untamed parkland is one of my favourite places in all of London. Whether you're hiking up Parliament Hill for panoramic views of the city skyline, taking a (brave) dip in the Hampstead Ponds, or just wandering aimlessly through ancient woodlands, there’s something beautifully escapist about it. It doesn’t feel like London, and maybe that’s why I love it.
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, make sure to book a table at the Spaniards Inn. This pub is the stuff of legends - literally. Dating back to 1585, it’s been name-dropped by the likes of Dickens and Keats, and even rumoured to have inspired parts of Dracula. It’s cosy, slightly creaky in the best way, and does a very solid Sunday roast if that’s your thing.
Left: Houses of Hampstead Heath. Right: Kenwood House estate (source: secretldn)
Other must-visits while you're in the area? The Kenwood House estate, tucked into the northern corner of the Heath, is a dreamy neoclassical mansion with world-class art and proper Bridgerton energy. And if you're into quaint corners and cobbled lanes, stroll through Perrin’s Court and Flask Walk which are both postcard-perfect and filled with quirky shops and little surprises.
4) Stroll to Belsize: Juice Stops, Local Gems & Laid-Back Lunches
After a morning soaking up the magic of Hampstead, wander down into Belsize Park — Hampstead’s slightly quieter, cooler cousin. It’s less touristy, more residential, and has that low-key charm that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into a very lovely secret. The streets here are lined with beautiful period homes, hidden mews, and the kind of leafy calm that makes you briefly consider giving up your current life to become someone who walks their dog here daily.
Belsize Park has also long been a magnet for the quietly famous such as Gwyneth Paltrow, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tim Burton that have all called the area home, just to name a few. And once you're here, you kind of get it.
If you're in need of a little pick-me-up, swing by Didi’s Juice Bar - a tiny, always-buzzing spot doing brilliant smoothies and cold-pressed juices. Still hungry? Head to Cinder, an effortlessly stylish spot serving up open-fire cooking and flavour-packed small plates that are made for sharing. Or if you're after something a bit more classic, The Washington is a proper local pub with plenty of space, solid food, and a relaxed, neighbourhood vibe that feels perfectly Belsize. If you do find yourself in the area during the evening, I'd highly recommend Teta's, a Lebanese restaurant offering flavourful dishes.
5) End the day with dinner and a sunset at Primrose Hill
As your day draws to a close, head over to the charming Primrose Hill for your perfect sunset view. This spot, just a short stroll from Belsize Park, offers one of the best panoramas of the London skyline. The hill itself is always buzzing with people, dogs, and an infectious sense of peace — the perfect place to take it all in as the sun dips below the horizon, casting a golden glow over the city. It's hard not to feel completely content in that moment.
Before you make your way to the hill, take some time to wander through the iconic Primrose Hill streets, where you'll come across the famous pastel-coloured houses that line the neighbourhood. These stunning, photogenic homes on streets like Chalcot Crescent and Chalcot Square have long been a symbol of the area’s charm. The lively yet laid-back vibe makes it feel like you're stepping into a picturesque village in the middle of the city.
Afterwards, reward yourself with a delicious dinner at one of the many fantastic nearby restaurants. Lemonia, an iconic spot in the area, serves up mouthwatering Mediterranean fare with a focus on Greek-inspired dishes and a warm, laid-back atmosphere. For something a bit more Japanese, Oka offers contemporary dining with delicious sushi and robata grill options that are always a crowd-pleaser. If you're craving a classic British pub vibe, head to The Lansdowne, a charming pub serving up hearty food and a great selection of drinks, perfect for winding down after a busy day.
Whether you end your evening on the hill or tucked away in one of these delicious eateries, Primrose Hill guarantees that your London day finishes on the perfect note.
📌 Places to save down for your next visit to Hampstead
Name | What to go there for | Location |
Ginger & White ☕ | Coffee, pastries, brunch | |
Sourdough Sophia ☕ | Coffee, pastries, sourdough bread | |
England's Lane Cafe 🍴☕ | Pastries, coffee, cakes, light lunches and smoothies | |
Ottolenghi 🍴☕ | Pastries, coffee, cakes, healthy salads, light lunches | |
Silverberry 🍴☕ | Coffee, brunch, cocktails, lunch | |
Flask Walk 📸 | Pretty streets to walk through and great photo spots | |
Daleham Mews 📸 | Beautiful Mews and picturesque spot | |
The Holly Bush 🍻 | One of London's most photographed pubs and the inspiration for Ariana Grande's 'Hampstead' song | |
La Crêperie de Hampstead 🍴 | This famous white cart is popular amongst locals looking for a sweet or savoury treats. P.S. bring cash in case! | |
The Washington 🍻 | Bright and warming pub perfect for a Sunday Roast | |
Cinder 🍴 | A light lunch or an intimate dinner | |
Lemonia 🍴 | A family-run Greek restaurant serving hearty dishes | |
Chalcot Crescent 📸 | Visit this crescent and Chalcot Square to check out beautiful colourful architecture and even Paddington's house. Less busier than Notting Hill. | |
Jin Kichi 🍴 | A restaurant serving authentic Japanese cuisine | |
28 Church Row 🍴 | Spanish and Italian cuisine with small plates designed for sharing | |
The Spaniards Inn 🍻 | Wood-panelled pub with homely fireplace and large garden for outdoor pints and comfort food. |
Looking for more inspiration for your travels abroad or in London?
Follow me on @maikenf on Instagram to see my journey or DM me if you need help planning your next London visit.
All views and opinions here are as usual my own.
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