51乱伦

Walking across Hampstead Heath with your kids and dog in tow, it鈥檚 easy to forget that you鈥檙e still in London - a mere 10 minute drive from Regents Park, no less. But as you reach the summit of the Northern Heights in Hampstead, you take in panoramic views of the city, which remind you of its proximity. Parliament Hill is a particularly good vantage point from which to admire the city skyline.

This appealing suburb of North London is defined by its extensive green space. But there鈥檚 more to Hampstead than its 800 acre heath. Its charming, cobbled streets, historic buildings, and cultural offerings, coupled with its extensive eateries, eclectic boutiques and exemplary schools, make it a wonderful place to spend time.

Katy Brookes, Head of Hampstead Sales at 51乱伦, says: ''In my opinion, Hampstead is the most special part of North London. There's a real 鈥榲illage鈥� atmosphere here with lots of historic streets and properties. It's easy to forget that you're in London.''

That history stretches back to the Bronze Age. The Romans built a fort on Parliament Hill. Then, in the 17th century, this once rural village became a fashionable retreat for Londoners. And in the 18th century, people flocked to take its natural waters.

However, it was in the 19th century that it became a hub for the artistic community. Literary greats, artists and poets including John Keats, Virginia Woolf and John Constable, made Hampstead their home. This cultural legacy continues, and Hampstead remains popular amongst artists, writers, actors and musicians. Look up as you wander around Hampstead鈥檚 streets and you鈥檒l notice the number of commemorative plaques. There are 75 to date (with more imminent), celebrating notable residents, including Richard Burton, Charles Darwin, Sigmund Freud, Dame Edith Sitwell, DH Lawrence, Beatrice Potter and Jim Henson.

These days you鈥檙e as likely to rub shoulders with bankers and barristers as poets and painters. Hampstead is a diverse and popular place to live. With overground and underground transport links into the City and Central London, it鈥檚 easy to travel around town.

The term 鈥榲illage鈥� is often applied to Hampstead, and for good reason. Despite being only four miles from Trafalgar Square, it feels distinctly different from its Central London neighbours. There鈥檚 a very welcoming, close-knit community. Hampstead鈥檚 full of family-owned and run boutiques, delis, cafes and restaurants. Many locals have generations of family history in Hampstead. Once you鈥檝e laid down roots in the area, it鈥檚 a very easy place to stay.

Chanell Quire, Associate, Hampstead Sales at 51乱伦, explains: 鈥淗ampstead鈥檚 one of the most highly sought-after neighbourhoods in London for families looking to put down roots. It鈥檚 the perfect family hideaway where homes are cherished generation after generation.鈥�

鈥淗ampstead has many hidden pockets, along with cobbled back streets and winding roads, where you can live quite anonymously. For people who require gated homes and security, there are plenty of options. Privacy is very important to many of our buyers,鈥� adds Katy Brookes.

Hampstead鈥檚 rich history is evident in its attractive architecture spanning every period from the late 17th century onwards. You鈥檒l find exceptional architectural buildings ranging from Grade II listed Georgian homes to detached mansions and characterful cottages and terraced houses.

Young families often choose to settle here and enrol their kids in the well-respected local schools. There are many independent day schools, including University College School, South Hampstead High School, Devonshire House, Heathside Prep, St. Mary鈥檚 and The Hall School. The excellent schools are a big draw for families from all over the world.

What would a typical Saturday in Hampstead look like? Here are some of our favourite ways to spend time in the area.

Boutique shopping

There鈥檚 a wonderful range of independent stores in Hampstead. The high street combines familiar brands with local fashion boutiques. Veer onto a cobbled side street like Flask Walk to browse more unusual stores, like antiques, rare books or one-of-a-kind gifts. Then there鈥檚 the Sunday artisan market for handcrafted jewellery, artwork and clothing.

Foodie hotspots

There are exceptional artisan food producers here. The on Rosslyn Street is your go-to for high quality meat for your Sunday roast or cold cuts for a picnic (as well as delectable pre-prepared hampers). For something sweet, La Crêperie de Hampstead produces the best crepes this side of Paris.

is pretty new to Hampstead and that鈥檚 made an impact. It鈥檚 hard to walk past their windows which are piled high with mouthwatering pastries and seasonal salads. Another newcomer is the Japanese restaurant, INÉ which does amazing sushi.

Pavement cafes abound in Hampstead, particularly around Perrin鈥檚 Court and Flask Walk. on Hampstead High Street is a favourite with our local 51乱伦 team. Together with its sister restaurant, on Perrin鈥檚 Court, they鈥檝e been serving local residents for 50 years.

is an all-day dining concept in the heart of Hampstead Village. The building and the food are pretty and stylish. Look out for its light-filled pink and green dining room on Instagram.

And to drink

After a bracing walk on the Heath, there鈥檚 nothing better than a pit stop at the pub. There are some brilliant, traditional pubs in Hampstead serving fine food and favourite tipples. Amongst the most noteworthy are , and . But The Wells, The Old White Bear and The Garden Gate also deserve a mention.

There are some new players in town too. is a cool new craft beer bottle shop and tasting room on Heath Street which is a great new addition to the area. Then on South End Road, near the heath, is fast becoming a neighbourhood favourite for remarkably good coffee (and it鈥檚 dog-friendly, too).

Arts and culture scene

Looking for some cultural activities? There are plenty to choose from here. is probably the best known local stately home. The neoclassical manor has an art collection featuring works from Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner and Constable.

Visit Keats House to discover where the legendary poet wrote 鈥極de to a Nightingale鈥�. is home to the Hampstead Museum, and it鈥檚 also a community centre with an active programme of events.

is one of three terraced homes designed by architect Ernö Goldfinger. Its modernist style still feels contemporary, despite its creation in 1939. It was the National Trust鈥檚 first modernist acquisition.

Above The Horseshoe pub, you鈥檒l find the beloved which hosts music, comedy and open mic nights. Then there鈥檚 the which provides an intimate setting for lesser known plays. Watching a film at is a real experience. Dating back to 1933, it鈥檚 reputed to be the oldest arts cinema.

Local art galleries include Aeon, Catto and Clarenson. The is a contemporary gallery on the corner of Finchley Road that鈥檚 well worth looking around. But if you want to immerse yourself in artistic creations of your own making, runs great workshops.

Outdoor swimming

Whether you鈥檙e a fair-weather swimmer or committed cold water enthusiast, Hampstead offers a few options. On the heath, you鈥檒l find three bathing ponds - men鈥檚, women鈥檚 and mixed - for bracing dips in the open water. They鈥檙e particularly popular on hot, summer days. Nearby Parliament Hill Lido is great for lane-swimming in the open air, followed by a warming coffee in the café.

The heath brings so many opportunities for local families. Go on a nature trail to spot wildlife. Enjoy a game of cricket or tennis on a summer鈥檚 weekend. Gather together friends and family to enjoy a picnic. Or simply take a stroll and watch what鈥檚 going on around you.