Hampstead Heath and Ponds

Hampstead, London

Easy Full

5.8 km Distance

~1h 30m Duration

Parkland and woodland Terrain

Full Off-lead

Hampstead Heath is 320 hectares of surprisingly wild open land in north London. The route takes in the most varied terrain the heath offers: wooded paths, open grassland, Parliament Hill with its view south across the whole city, and the ponds. Dogs can swim in the mixed and dog ponds - the dog swimming area is well established and dogs of all sizes use it.The terrain changes character across the walk. Wooded sections have root-covered paths that can be uneven and slippery when wet. The heath itself is open and usually good underfoot. Parliament Hill is worth the climb for the view.

Early mornings provide the best version of this walk - quieter, often misty, and with the full range of wildlife the site supports before the crowds arrive.

Dogs can be off lead across much of the heath, with some areas of on-lead restriction around the formal ponds and gardens. The heath is popular year-round but particularly busy on summer weekends. Early mornings provide the best version of this walk - quieter, often misty, and with the full range of wildlife the site supports before the crowds arrive. This is one of the best all-year dog walks available within London.

Seasonal notes

Tick season · Mar-Oct · Check after every visit

Good to know

Hazards Blue-green algae and dogs - what UK walkers need to know Hazards Ticks on dogs: what UK dog owners need to know Hazards Grass seeds and dogs - what every UK owner needs to know

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Before you go

Parking Limited street parking

Getting there Hampstead tube station 10 min walk

Nearest town Hampstead

Facilities Multiple cafes on the Heath

Difficulty Suitable for all fitness levels

For your dog

Off-lead

FullOff-lead throughout - open access land, no road crossings on the main route.

Distance 5.8 km, typically ~1h 30m

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Hampstead Heath sits in north London but does not feel like it. The Heath covers 320 acres of ancient mixed landscape - meadow, woodland, scrub, and the hill at Parliament Hill that gives you the full London skyline to the south. Dogs are off-lead across the majority of it, with the exceptions being the formal gardens at Golders Hill Park and the immediate areas around the mixed and ladies’ bathing ponds, where leads are required. The terrain is the most varied of the London walks on Sniffout: gravel paths on the main routes, open grass on the hill, and rougher undergrowth in the woodland sections that dogs tend to investigate at length. The paths become slippery on the wooded slopes after rain. Parliament Hill itself is well-drained and firm year-round. The Heath is best approached early in the morning on summer weekends when it fills quickly. The Lido cafe near the Highgate Ponds side is dog-friendly outside and a reliable stop.

Frequently asked questions

Can I take my dog to Hampstead Heath?

Yes, dogs are welcome on Hampstead Heath and can be off-lead in most areas. Leads are required in the formal gardens (Hill Garden, Golders Hill Park flower gardens), around the bathing ponds, and in any areas with ground-nesting birds during nesting season. Dogs are not permitted in the swimming ponds. The Heath has a dedicated dog swimming area at the Mixed Bathing Pond during certain periods. Golders Hill Park has a small zoo area where dogs must be on leads.