Hampstead Village Walk

Sunday morning was just as bright and sunny, so I decided to go for another London Walks tour.  This time I went to Hampstead Village. 

 

I had been to a pub dinner in Hampstead a few weeks back and immediately loved the area.  Love it even more after the tour!  Hampstead Village sits just next to Hampstead Heath, which is one of the largest parks in London.  It is full of tiny lanes and streets loaded with charm. We learned about many famous residents - literary greats like John Keats, Lord Byron, DH Lawrence, George Orwell and HG Wells.  But also modern celebrities such as Ozzy Osbourne, Sting, Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton and Judi Dench. 

Because of the proximity to large outdoor space, you could tell there were lots of runners in the area and people with big dogs - both things I love!  We saw several people out playing with their dogs in the park.

 

 

We spent some time in a famous and very old pub called the Holly Bush. Back in the 1800s there was a community movement that started in this pub to "Save the Heath" - property developers wanted to buy the park land and divide it up into housing.  This group was responsible for keeping the park a public space.

 

 

Let me take a minute to talk about pubs.  First - they are lovely!  No smoking inside and most of the time people are just enjoying conversation with friends.  You can have a drink...or not.  Have something to eat...or not.  No one will run you out of a table if you aren't keeping them busy.  They are casual and comfortable. 

They often have signs outside the door asking patrons to be respectful of the neighbors by staying quiet on the way home.  And some will even let you bring your dogs in! 

I've mostly been eating burgers or fish & chips at pubs - but this special is even more authentic if you are looking for something like that!

Here are a few more of the beautiful homes in Hampstead. 

 

I didn't realize my reflection was in this one until the next day - fun!