NESLISAH YILMAZ HIDAYETOGLU
LONDON : High above the bustle of central London, perched like a green crown on the city’s northern edge, Hampstead feels more like a countryside village than part of the capital. Cobbled streets curve around Georgian townhouses, ivy tumbles over garden walls and blue plaques tell stories of poets, painters and philosophers who once called this hillside home.
Hampstead Heath, the neighborhood’s wild, untamed heart, stretches over 800 acres – a patchwork of meadows, woodlands and sparkling ponds. On a clear day, Parliament Hill offers one of the best panoramic views in the city, with the skyline rising in the distance like an intricate paper cut-out.
It’s no wonder filmmakers fall in love with the area. Scenes from “Bridget Jones’s Baby” captured its leafy charm, with Renee Zellweger’s Bridget strolling along the Heath and winding streets – perfectly blending rom-com magic with Hampstead’s real-life beauty.
Cafes here serve oat milk cappuccinos alongside warm scones, while antique shops hide treasures from another century. You might wander into a quiet bookshop and end up chatting with a local who’s lived in Hampstead for 40 years, because here, life still moves at a walking pace.
Art lovers find refuge in the former home of Romantic painter John Constable, while literary pilgrims visit Keats House, where the poet wrote “Ode to a Nightingale” amid the garden’s lilacs and roses.
And yet, Hampstead isn’t frozen in time. Modern restaurants and chic boutiques line the high street, while the weekend farmers’ market brims with artisanal bread, organic cheeses and flowers that seem almost too perfect to be real.
For many Londoners, Hampstead is where you go to breathe – to escape the noise without leaving the city. For visitors, it’s a reminder that London isn’t only about landmarks and lights, but about quiet corners where history and everyday life intertwine.
Where to stay, eat, wander
Accommodations
The Langorf Hotel: A charming boutique stay in a converted Victorian townhouse, just a short stroll from Hampstead Heath.
La Gaffe Guesthouse: Family-run with cozy rooms and a beloved Italian restaurant downstairs, giving you that true Hampstead “village” feel.
Eat, drink
The Holly Bush: A historic 18th-century pub tucked away on a cobbled side street; roaring fireplaces in winter and a warm welcome year-round.
Jin Kichi: A tiny Japanese grill beloved by locals for its yakitori skewers and authentic flavors.
Ginger & White: Bright and airy café famous for its coffee, banana bread and laid-back atmosphere.
Wander, explore
Hampstead Heath: Lose yourself in wild meadows, hidden ponds and that iconic Parliament Hill view.
Keats House: Step into the poet’s world and see the desk where literary magic happened.
Burgh House: Discover Hampstead’s layered history in an elegant 18th-century home.
Flask Walk: Antique shops, flower stalls and cafes along one of Hampstead’s prettiest streets.
Hampstead on screen
Hampstead’s timeless charm and leafy scenery have made it a go-to location for filmmakers. Here are some standout appearances
“Hampstead”: This romantic comedy-drama starring Diane Keaton and Brendan Gleeson unfolds right on Hampstead Heath and includes scenes at The Holly Bush pub and Church Row.
“Notting Hill”: Kenwood House, nestled on Hampstead Heath, is the backdrop for the “film-within-the-film” featuring Julia Roberts.
“The Wedding Date”: Features outdoor scenes on Parliament Hill Fields, with sweeping views of west London.
“Notes on a Scandal”: Captured emotionally charged moments on Parliament Hill, combining drama with Hampstead’s iconic landscape.
“The Killing of Sister George”: Opens with scenes of Beryl Reid walking through Hampstead’s alleyways near Mount Square and the Marquis of Granby pub (actually The Holly Bush).
“The Collector”: The tense kidnap sequence takes place in Mount Vernon, Hampstead.
“An American Werewolf in London”: Features scenes on Hampstead Heath, Well Walk and Haverstock Hill – including a memorable mansion block at The Pryors.
“Les Bicyclettes de Belsize”: follows a love story set against a cycling journey through scenic Hampstead.
“Allied”: Major portions filmed around Hampstead, including Christchurch Hill and Willow Road for the family home.
Cruella de Vil’s mansion: The dramatic exterior of Cruella’s home in 101 Dalmatians (1996) and 102 Dalmatians (2001) is the striking Sarum Chase on West Heath Road.
“A Christmas Carol”: Church Row and the churchyard of St. John’s in Hampstead served as evocative backdrops.
Hampstead’s cinematic appeal comes from its blend of pastoral landscapes, grand architecture, and quaint streets. It offers a rare combination of rural charm and cinematic versatility – all within Central London.
