The Best Things to do in Hampstead in London

Hampstead is home to a bunch of things to do and places to see that are interesting, delicious, and even at certain times scary. It is a gorgeous and vibrant borough of London that I think everyone should have the chance of enjoying.

To make sure you’d have fun visiting this neighourhood, we’ve made a list of all the top places to visit in the area so without further ado, here are the best things in Hampstead you should try out!

My Picks of the Best Things to do in Hampstead

Freud Museum

Sigmund Freud is known as the Father of Psychology, though admittedly not a lot modern psychologists actually agree with his works but he is still one of London’s most influential people who have ever lived. So it is super fascinating to have a glimpse of how he lived during the last years of his life when he lived in Hampstead.

This Hampstead museum houses a lot of exhibits and artwork dedicated to the psychologists, and even guided tours about the items and furniture scattered across this stately home. There’s also unique things around here such as the famous psychoanalytic couch gifted to him by one of his patients. The “therapist’s couch” has been referenced in movies and shows worldwide and you could see the first one from one of the first ever psychologist when you visit Hampstead!

📍20 Maresfield Gardens, London NW3 5SX, United Kingdom

La Creperie de Hampstead

There’s a lot of fantastic places to eat in Hampstead and there’s a lot of places to visit in Hampstead as well. It might take a few hours to explore the hides gems of this London neighborhood, so you’re looking for a spot that’s not only quick and easy but also super delicious, and that leads us to La Creperie de Hampstead, Hampstead Heath’s best place for crepes!

The treats they serve here are simply amazing, and made authentically by French chefs, so be ready for a long queue. But, let me tell you the wait is so worth it! Whenever I wander around Hampstead heath, I always make a point to visit this spot first before moving on to explore Hampstead itself.

📍77a Hampstead High St, London NW3 1RE, United Kingdom

Hampstead Heath Bathing Ponds

There’s something about the Hampstead Heath that makes everyone in the city of London want to visit it, you could go for a relaxing stroll or check out the attractions that’s near or around Hampstead and the heath which includes one of my personal favourite places in London, the Bathing Ponds.

Thanks to the hard work of the Hampstead society, you can refreshingly swim around in their bathing ponds while being treated to an amazing well-preserved green space. A little tip that I learned a bit too late when I lived in Hampstead Village, is that if it’s winter, then no matter how tempting it is to go for a swim, then you have to ignore that feeling!

📍Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR, United Kingdom

Keats House

The museums in Hampstead are also super interesting, which brings us to this Hampstead home that was transformed into one if London’s best heritage museums. The former residence of Romantic poet John Keats is now a writer’s house museum called Keats House, situated in Keats Grove, Hampstead, London.

It was a stunning Georgian villa that served as Keats’s source of love, friendship, and inspiration. Today, it serves as a museum and literary hub that honors John Keats’ legacy and creative output. In addition, the museum hosts poetry and literary events on a regular basis and provides a variety of educational resources.

📍10 Keats Grove, London NW3 2RR, United Kingdom

The Spaniards Inn

If you’re like me, someone who’s so eager to discover the best things to see and do in this part of London, I recommend one of the more unusual, and frankly scariest places to go on your visit to Hamstead. That’s because while I do love the Hampstead history, I’m not fond of the ghosts that’s associated with that history.

The Spaniards Inn joined the many pubs in Hampstead in 1585 but then quickly became one of the best bars in Central London, and then a few years later became one of the most haunted pubs across London. Still, the first time I went there it was surprisingly delightful and surprising, as they have a chill and relaxing vibe set in a historic location.

📍Spaniards Rd, London NW3 7JJ, United Kingdom

Kenwood House

Quite literally, just next to Hampstead Heath is Kenwood House, another building that’s just like the Spaniards Inn, represents hundreds of years of history. The Earls of Mansfield lived in the house from the 18th and 19th centuries, after it was first built in the 17th century. It’s actually present in a bunch of Hampstead guides and for good reason!

The house has breathtaking interiors and gardens, exhibits that show the history of its residence, events such as the Kenwood Picnic concerts, and lastly because of it’s close proximity to other attractions and the Hampstead station. Getting off from the northern line of the London underground station, you could arrive in just a few short minutes, making it perfect as the first thing to visit when you walk in Hampstead.

📍Hampstead Ln, London NW3 7JR, United Kingdom

Holly Bush

No guide to Hampstead would be accurate without even mentioning a few iconic pubs and bars you could could enjoy, and one pub I’d like to highlight is one my personal favourites and a place I regularly go back to whenever I visit the Hampstead area.

The building itself has seen a few years since it’s been around since the 1800’s but I especially would like to commend it’s commitment to the history-theme as the interior is decorated in this rustic wood and leather design. Of course, Hampstead is famous for not only it’s historic buildings, but also because of it’s delicious food (We also have guides for that) so you could expect this place has some amazing food in store!

📍22 Holly Mount, London NW3 6SG, United Kingdom

Burgh House

Burgh House is a historic house located on New End Square in Hampstead, London, that includes the Hampstead Museum and a charming basement cafe that has good food made with fresh seasonal ingredients! 

The independent, self-funding Burgh House Trust is in charge of managing the property with the mission of offering a vibrant venue for events, art, and history. So, it’s great for weddings and even art exhibits because the inside and outside is decorated so beautifully. 

📍Burgh House, New End Square, London NW3 1LT, United Kingdom

Keith Fawkes Antique Shop

Located just a stone’s throw from Hampstead High Street is Flask Walk formerly known as the Hampstead antique and craft Emporium, is a particular antique shop – it is the used book and antique store Keith Fawkes Antique Shop. The store, which opened in 1965, has a long history of providing a large selection of antiques and used books, including uncommon and out-of-print titles.

I’m not exactly the most knowledgeable about antiques and old books and stuff but the staff here in this shop are! Whenever something shiny caught our fancy, their staff were quick to tell us about the history of what the item is and how important it is in it’s own right.

📍1-3 Flask Walk, London NW3 1HJ, United Kingdom

Looking for More Guides?

Hampstead is also home to a few amazing bars for a good night out, cosy cafes to unwind in, and restaurants that are sure to blow your mind! Fortunately our other guides have all the information on where they are and even what to order!

But, if you’re looking for good food, and drinks all in one convenient place then come on over to the best comedy club in London!  Aside from comedy shows performed by renowned comedians, we’ve also got a bottomless brunch option that would have you coming back for more!