Hampstead circular walk
Follow this circular walk through the streets of Hampstead from Fenton House to 2 Willow Road. Discover the diverse architecture of its homes before ascending to the heights of one of London's most loved open spaces.
Steep incline
Holly Hill has a steep incline and can become dangerous in both wet and icy weather conditions.
Total steps: 13
Total steps: 13
Start point
Hampstead Underground Station, Hampstead High St, London NW3 1QA
Step 1
From Hampstead tube station exit via Hampstead High St. Immediately turn right to face the four-way junction and walk towards it, turning right at the corner, joining Heath Street. Cross the road at the pedestrian crossing ahead of you. Turn left when you reach the other side. Ahead of you, on the right, you will see the entrance to Holly Hill. Turn right in to Holly Hill, walking up the steep incline of the hill in a north-westerly direction.
Step 2
Continue up the hill, following the path to the right entering Holly Bush Hill. As Holly Bush Hill becomes Hampstead Grove, you should be able to see the ornate black and golden gilded gates of Fenton House emerging on your left.
Step 3
Continue along Hampstead Grove for another 85yd (77m), when you will see another set of ornate gates on your left-hand side. This is the visitor entrance to Fenton House and Garden.
Step 4
Head northwards along Hampstead Grove for 160yd (147m). Ahead of you is Hampstead Observatory. Take a right-hand turn on to Upper Terrace and cross the road. Shortly after entering Upper Terrace the small entrance to Whitestone Garden will appear on your left. Exit onto Heath Street, turning left and continuing north. Go across Heath Street and turn left, then proceed north towards the roundabout at North End Way, following the road to the right as this becomes B519/Spaniards Road.
Step 5
After 86yd (76m) you will see the entrance to Hampstead Heath on the right. Take the entrance and continue down the wide path. On your right views of London will emerge. At the first fork in the road take the right-hand path.
Step 6
Continue on the path over the bridge across the Viaduct Pond and after 166yd (152m), if you look to your right, you will see Lime Avenue. Continue straight ahead in an easterly direction following the path, as it bends round to the right.
Step 7
Cross the bridge intersecting the Mixed Bathing and No. 2 Ponds. At the end of the bridge, turn left and continue for another 185yd (170m) as Hampstead No.1 Pond emerges on your left. Continue on the path until you exit the Heath on South End Road.
Step 8
Continue on the path until you exit the Heath on South End Road. Cross South End Road, and proceed in a southerly direction for 113yd (104m) before turning right on to Keats Grove.
Step 9
After 121yd (111m), on your left-hand side you will see Keats House and Library. Keep walking along Keats Grove and continue as the road joins Downshire Hill.
Step 10
At the junction of Keats Grove and Downshire Hill turn right and head in a north-easterly direction for 240yd (220m), before turning left into Willow Road.
Step 11
After 76yd (70m) Erno Goldfinger's modernist home 2 Willow Road will appear on the left. This remarkable building was home to Erno, Ursula and their children in the 1940s.
Step 12
Continue along Willow Road for 437yd (400m). Ahead of you will be Burgh House, a Grade I-listed, Queen Anne building which houses the Hampstead Museum. Turn left here onto Flask Walk.
Step 13
Continue along Flask Walk as the street narrows, before emerging back on to Hampstead High Street. Turn right and in 50yd (46m) you will have returned to Hampstead tube station.
End point
Hampstead Underground Station, Hampstead High St, London NW3 1QA
Trail map
More near here
Fenton House and Garden
Handsome 17th-century house with unusual collections and picturesque walled gardens
Get in touch
Our partners
We’ve partnered with Cotswold Outdoor to help everyone make the most of their time outdoors in the places we care for.
You might also be interested in
Walking
Explore some of the finest landscapes in our care on coastal paths, accessible trails, woodland walks and everything in between. Find the best places to walk near you.
Walking in London
From acres of parkland at Osterley Park to the meadows, wetlands and woodlands of Ham House, discover where to go for the best walks in London.
Cotswold Outdoor: our exclusive walking partner
Find out more about the National Trust’s ongoing partnership with Cotswold Outdoor as our exclusive walking partner.
Staying safe at National Trust places
The special places in National Trust care sometimes come with a few risks for visitors, be it coastline or countryside. Find out how to keep safe throughout your visits.
Things to see and do at Fenton House
Explore Fenton House, one of London’s hidden treasures, a 17th-century house with vibrant ceramics, early keyboard instruments and intricate needlework.
Explore 2 Willow Road
Visit the house designed and lived in by renowned architect Ernő Goldfinger to see his Modernist philosophy in the interior design, bespoke furniture and influential modern art.