Weekend in London: Escape to Hampstead

October 16, 2008 at 4:45 PM | by sedona | 0 Comments

Even in London, it's nice to get out of the city for a while. Forgo the trip to Bath (and save loads on a pre-packaged bus tour or rental car) and hop on the Underground to Hampstead, just outside the city in Camden. Take the tube to the Hampstead stop, after Belsize Park, and the trip couldn't be easier.

We'll warn you that it's home to more millionaires than any other area of the country, but to most of us that just means excellent restaurants, shops and perfectly maintained streets to meander.

We arrived on a sunny Sunday and strolled the (deserted) residential streets to take in some awesome English real estate. We also hiked up the hill to Hampstead Heath, the city's largest ancient parkland which has rolling hills and hidden meadows. A cool fact? When up there, you're higher than at St. Paul's Cathedral in London.

Take in Hampstead High Street also, which is filled with cute brunch places, pubs and shops. The town's home to some of Britain's most traditional pubs including The Holly Bush.

We recovered from all the walking with an English breakfast of eggs, beans and toast with the locals on High Street (pictured) while listening to the church bells ringing, before hopping on the train back to the city. It was a perfect, inexpensive day trip--despite all the millionaires.

Related Stories:
· Hampstead Garden Suburb [Official Site]
· Weekend in London: In Search of Curry [Jaunted]

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