The area was believed to have water with medicinal properties and therefore several hospitals sprang up. Most of these have been replaced with luxury apartments although the Royal Free Hospital, one of the larger teaching hospitals, is based on the border of Hampstead and Belsize Park.

The area is very affluent. The local village is serviced by some fashionable shops, bistros, delicatessens, lovely old pubs, modern bars, restaurants and one of London’s smallest theatres (the New End Theatre).

Whitestone pond in Hampstead, adjacent to the Heath, is London’s highest point and the views across the Heath and London are stunning. The tube station (Hampstead, on the northern line, Zone 2) is the deepest tube station with a sign warning people to take the lift rather than attempt to climb the stairs. 

The area is flanked by Hampstead Heath, the jewel of London’s Parks. The Heath is over 800 acres of open spaces much of which has been left wild, and includes woodland, lakes, ponds and is home to a vast range of flora & fauna. This parkland has some landscaped gardens, several varieties of sports grounds, foot paths, a fenced off are near the centre know as Boudicca’s Mound that is reputed to be where Queen Boudicca’s is buried. To the North is Kenwood house, a large Manor House donated to the City and home to summer evening concerts and art exhibitions. Each Bank holiday the Heath hosts a large funfair.

The properties, predominantly Georgian and Victorian range from flats, terraced housing in the Village and to the North some of the homes reflect the wealth of the residents and are large, grand houses, homes to industrialist, successful pop stars, writers and politicians.

The area is a great place to visit and many people come to Hampstead just for a coffee or to walk on the Heath, many to people watch or to eat at the fantastic selection of quality restaurants. Keats was a local resident and the Keats museum is located in Keats Grove.