Car Hire Hampstead

Hampstead blends urban elegance with deep-rooted character, located in North London just inside the North Circular. Drivers can approach easily via the A41 or A1, both leading into tree-lined streets that soon reveal glimpses of Georgian terraces and hidden green spaces. The climate follows the typical London pattern with damp winters and mild summers. Spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting, when the air is fresh and the trees around the Heath are at their best. Bring a light jacket, comfortable shoes and perhaps an umbrella tucked in the boot.

We planned this trip after a quiet morning in West Hampstead, which made Hampstead feel like a natural extension of the day. If you’re lucky with the timing, the roads stay calm and the parking relatively easy.

Attractions In Hampstead

Having a car in Hampstead makes it easy to explore without following a fixed route. Many of the most interesting places are set back from the main roads, whether tucked behind green spaces or located along quiet residential streets.

Hampstead Heath

We kicked off our day with Hampstead Heath, which always manages to surprise us with how wild it feels. As we wandered the trails, a dog darted past chasing a stick and an elderly couple were seated on a bench, happily sharing a flask of tea.

We took the long path up to Parliament Hill and paused at the top, watching the skyline sharpen as clouds cleared. It’s a view that never quite feels finished, always changing with the weather and the hour. It’s a common side trip for those already exploring Highgate just up the hill.

Kenwood House

Kenwood was a spontaneous stop but we were glad we made it. Pulling into the car park around 10am, we found only a few other visitors and nearly had the galleries to ourselves.

Inside, we lingered in the room with Vermeer’s Guitar Player, then stepped outside for a coffee overlooking the lawn. The peace of the place, especially just after opening, gave us the space to take it all in without feeling rushed.

The Hill Garden And Pergola

This was one of the most photogenic stops we made, though it never felt staged. Arriving late morning, we entered to find a couple having engagement photos taken under the ivy-draped beams, which suited the atmosphere perfectly.

We walked the length of the pergola twice, once for the view and again to notice the details we’d missed—faded carvings, old brickwork, climbing roses. It’s often recommended by folks based in Primrose Hill looking for something less crowded.

Keats House

There’s something unassuming about Keats House from the outside but once inside, it felt deeply personal. We visited on a Wednesday afternoon and had time to read the letters without distraction.

A guide shared a few stories with us in the drawing room, little details about Keats’ friendship with Charles Brown and they brought the space to life. We sat in the back garden before leaving, watching the breeze move through the branches of that famous plum tree.

2 Willow Road

This was a last-minute decision after spotting a mention in the National Trust guide. We were curious more than anything but the house turned out to be a quiet standout.

The tour felt informal, almost like being invited into someone’s home. We particularly remembered the small kitchen and how well the design had aged. Tucked within easy reach of Golders Green, it’s a good one to add to a relaxed afternoon route.

Burgh House

We stumbled on Burgh House while cutting through a side street to avoid the busy High Street. The sign outside promised a café and local history, so we gave it a go.

Inside, we found a thoughtful exhibition on Hampstead’s medical past and a room upstairs filled with old photographs. The coffee in the courtyard afterwards was strong and the lemon cake even better. While nearby in Kentish Town, we decided to take a short drive over for a change of pace.

Fenton House And Garden

We’d seen photos of the garden beforehand but they don’t quite prepare you for how secluded it feels in person. We arrived early in the afternoon, walked through rooms of porcelain and harpsichords, then stepped outside into a surprisingly quiet oasis.

A few deckchairs were placed under trees near the orchard and we sat down without really intending to. It was hard to leave once we’d settled in. This makes for a handy rest stop for drivers between St Johns Wood and the upper parts of the Heath.

Jack Straw’s Castle

We parked nearby for a quick stroll and found ourselves drawn to this grand, slightly imposing building that once housed writers and thinkers. There’s no access inside now but the history still lingers in the atmosphere around it. We walked the perimeter slowly, passing another visitor who nodded knowingly, as if they too were retracing steps from a different time.

Admiral’s House

We didn’t plan on stopping here, we just noticed the roofline while walking nearby. Once we looked it up and realised its literary connection, we couldn’t resist pausing.

It’s not an official attraction, just a characterful old building in a quiet street but that made it feel more special. A simple, unexpected joy. Popular with those in Cricklewood, it often gets a quiet stream of passers-by.

Hampstead Heath Tumulus

This small grassy rise wasn’t on our list at all. We noticed it while heading back through the Heath and decided to take the detour. Some believe it’s Boudica’s burial site, though that’s likely legend more than fact.

Still, we sat at the top with takeaway coffees and let the quiet stretch out. Many visitors from Tufnell Park find this to be a good first stop before heading deeper into the Heath.

Cafés, Plates And A Place To Stay

Spending a day in Hampstead feels like slipping into a slower rhythm. Independent cafés, bakeries and converted pubs offer plenty of places to recharge. We stopped at The Coffee Cup for a pistachio croissant and found it better than we’d expected—crumbly, rich and not overly sweet.

Later in the day, we had lunch at The Wells, seated upstairs near the windows where we could watch the street below. For an overnight stay, La Gaffe on Flask Walk offered a cosy, tucked-away feel that suited the pace of the place perfectly.