A stylish and affluent area of London, Hampstead is known for its art, fashion and beautiful architecture. Its located in the borough of Camden, north of London city centre and is close to many tube stations including Belsize Park, Hampstead, Finchely Road and Swiss Cottage. It was once part of the great forest of Middlesex and it was granted to Westminster Abbey in 1986. It remained under the possession of the church until 1550 and started to develop as a village during the first half of the 18th century.
It was popular in the 18th century due to its spa waters and has been a desirable address in London ever since. It is home to a lot of small independent retailers, including bookshops, butchers, cheese shops and grocers that have been passed down through generations. Its also home to an exceptional selection of schools.
So what are some of the reasons why Hampstead is such a great place to live?
The History
When you live in Hampstead you will have shared an address with several celebrities and famous names, including Agatha Christie, Florence Nightingale, Sigmund Freud, Kingsley Amis, poet John Betjeman and Keats. The neighbourhood has also been mentioned in many classic works of fiction – Sherlock Holmes and Dorian Gray both frequented the opium dens and there is a description of Hampstead Heath in Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula.
The Tasty Gourmet Food
Hampstead has a wide selection of high quality local restaurants, cafes and markets that offer all of the delicious treats a foodie could ever wish for. Why not check out the light and fluffy cakes at French bistro Aubaine or the fresh fruits and vegetables at Hampstead Community Market? Mimmo La Bufala is an Italian restaurant featuring authentic wood fired pizzas whilst Jin Kichi offers some of the best Japanese food in the area.
The Park Land of Hampstead Heath
With 790 acres of woods, gardens and meadows to explore, Hampstead Heath is known as the “green lungs” of London. Living in Hampstead allows you to enjoy these lovely natural areas whenever you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a dip in the Hampstead Health ponds, visit the zoo or look for birds and wildlife. It’s a lovely place to go for a jog or walk, making it easy to stay fit and active.
The Excellent Museums
Hampstead offers a wealth of art, history and culture and there are plenty of excellent museums to enjoy in the area. You could visit the home where Romantic poet Keats lived from 1818 to 1820. The interiors have been restored and they reflect the original decoration of the property – a superb example of Regency style. There is also the Freud Museum, located within the house that Freud lived when he fled from the Nazis in 1938. It offers many artefacts from his life, offering a glimpse into the story of one of the world’s most famous psychologists.
The Transport Links
Living in Hampstead is extremely convenient; it is linked to the rest of London with many great transport options. The over ground will take you anywhere in the city quickly and is located just a ten minute walk away from the centre of Hampstead Village. The Northern Line will take you to Bank in just 25 minutes whilst the number 46 bus can conveniently get you to Farringdon. Camden and Chalk Farm are a 25 minute walk away. Also Hampstead is conveniently located for air travel; it is 20 miles from Heathrow airport and 20 miles from Luton airport.
These are just a few of the reasons why Hampstead is a great place to live. This picturesque residential area located on a hill overlooking London is one of the most sought after residential addresses in the city. As you get to know the shady tree-lined avenues, lanes and cul-de-sacs you are sure to discover many more reasons for loving this great neighbourhood.