Hampstead Heath 

Hampstead Heath is one of London's largest open public spaces. Referred to locally as simply "the Heath", the area is spread over 790 acres of land and offers woods, ponds (including a few natural swimming ponds), sports track and a whole lotta space to fly those kites. It's a popular spot for a walk, and if you climb to the top of Parliament Hill you'll be awarded with an amazing panoramic view of the city that is actually protected by law. At the southern end of the Heath lies a small shopping village that takes its name from the gargantuan grassland. Separated from Hampstead High Street by residential property, Hampstead Heath can easily be missed by walking straight past Pond Street. Now that you know which road to take, you'll be delighted to find a small and quaint shopping district that feels like a village and completely cut off from the rest of London, it's perhaps hard to believe you're still in London at all, let alone within walking distance of Regent's Park, Kentish Town and Camden. There's only a couple of fashion shops here, most of what you'll find steer toward health and beauty and places to eat, with a few lovely restaurants to choose from... oh and there is of course the huge London Royal Free Hospital. It's a perfect place to start and/or end your hike around one of London's most beautiful and scenic parks.