It just so happened that I probably picked one of the last proper London summer days to visit Hampstead Heath.
Word around town in Summer is that Hampstead Heath is the perfect place to have a picnic. I already knew that this area was special given its history, some quick internet reading informed me that it was registered in 986, further it is one of the highest points in London.
Walking through the Heath felt like I was walking through a mysterious part of old England. The bushes and paths made me think of BBC period dramas and it evoked this desire to dress up in a corseted dress and 'take a turn' with a potential suitor!
The open land spaces are lush and the foliage makes it feel a little chilly, like I was a bad character about to be discovered in a child's fable. I sat in one open area with a couple who had a dog and ate my lunch in the quiet- one could really get lost in their own thoughts in this tranquil atmosphere.
The park is so vast that after a few twists and turns I started to get concerned that perhaps I was getting lost and would get stuck (which I imagine would be quite scary at night!)
On my way out I discovered a huge patch of land which was obviously the main location where most people picnicked and playing games of cricket whilst drinking pimms in the peak of Summer.
Aside from the Heath itself the town of Hampstead is very quaint and quite posh when compared to its neighboring suburbs of Camden and Chalk Farm. There is the usual high street that runs through the centre of town but aside from the normal chains of shops there are boutiques, cute cafes and pubs. There are little side streets with vintage stores, ice cream stores, antique and independent coffee shops. Even on the walk from the main street to the Heath I passed a few old English pubs with friends and couples spilling out on to the streets in proper English style.
One of the other reasons for my visit was to have a coffee from my Timeout list at 'Ginger and White'. This tiny cafe served lovely homemade food and tasty looking treats. The coffee was smooth and my salad was delicious- I tried to savor every inch of my meal. The vibe of the establishment is organic, down to earth and family friendly.
I had a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon at Hampstead and would love to go back with a group and spend a whole day and night taking in everything this lovely suburb has to offer in terms of food and entertainment.
x
