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Events
Diary
2015/16
Contents
Travel to the Heath
4
Welcome to Hampstead Heath
5
Access for everyone 7
Dog days 8
Countryside in the city
10
Hampstead Heath is a charity
12
Heath Life Education 14
Heath Hands volunteers 16
City of London’s Open Spaces
17
Message from the Chairman
18
Guide to events
19
Heath map
centre pages
Hampstead Heath Ponds Project
50
Staying safe
53
Walking
54
Golders Hill Park
55
Pergola and Hill Garden
56
For children
57
Sports
61
Fishing and cycling
66
Swimming
67
Kenwood
72
Our Heath partners
73
Contact us
75
Photo credits: Jason Alden, David Bentley, Adrian Brooker, Ruth
Corney, Meg Game, Matthew Maran, Jamie Smith, Hannah J Taylor,
Layton Thompson, Clive Totman
Front cover: Matthew Maran www.matthewmaran.com
This Diary runs from April 2015 to March 2016
Travel to the Heath
The Heath Map in the centre pages of this Diary
shows the location of bus stops, train and tube
stations and car parks.
By bus
210 and 268 to Golders Hill Park
C11 to Gospel Oak
210 and 268 to Jack Straw’s Castle 210
and H3 to Kenwood
214, C2 and C11 to Parliament Hill
24, 46, 168 and C11 to South End Green
(for East Heath)
By train
London Overground trains to Gospel Oak
or Hampstead Heath
By Northern Line tube
Kentish Town for Parliament Hill
Hampstead for Vale of Health and East Heath
Golders Green for Golders Hill Park
By car
There is limited parking on the Heath and all our
car parks are pay and display
Parliament Hill Lido Car Park, Gordon House Road,
East Heath Car Park, East Heath Road,
Jack Straw’s Car Park, North End Way
Car park opening times
7:30am - 8:30pm
Pay and display parking charges
0 - 2 hours
£3
2 - 4 hours
£6
Additional hours
£5
www.tfl.gov.uk
Welcome to
Hampstead Heath
The City of London Corporation welcomes
you to the premier open space in North
London. Hampstead Heath receives more
than seven million visitors a year and is
nationally and internationally renowned.
Opening hours
Golders Hill Park is open every day from 7:30am
to dusk (with the earliest closing time being
4:30pm during the winter).
The Pergola and Hill Garden is open every day
from 8:30am to before dusk (with the earliest
closing time being 3:45pm during the winter).
All other areas of Hampstead Heath are open
every day, 24 hours a day.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Hampstead Heath? See page 4
Is there a map? See centre pages
Where can I swim? See page 67
Are refreshments available? See page 9
How do I contact the managers ? See page 75
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
Keeping the Heath
special. Please…
Take your litter with you
It is best if you take your litter away and recycle it;
alternatively please put it in one of our bins.
Scoop your poop
Pick up all of your dog’s mess. Leaving it is
irresponsible, antisocial and illegal.
No barbecues or fires
The Heath’s habitats are vulnerable to scorching
and fire damage at all times of the year.
Barbecues have become a real problem in
recent years. They are not allowed on the Heath.
Cycle only on designated shared use routes
Feed the birds only what they eat
Don’t tip unused bread in the ponds, it will
only encourage rats. In fact our birds prefer
grain or lettuce.
Most of all, relax, have fun and be happy
Access for everyone
Surfaced footpaths are the most accessible
for people with mobility difficulties. Please
see the Heath Map in the centre pages of
this Diary.
Accessible toilets are located at:
Parliament Hill Staff Yard
Athletics Track
Millfield Lane
Vale of Health
Kenwood House
Golders Hill Park Café
Golders Hill Park Zoo
Heath Extension
Parking for disabled people
Designated parking bays are available at all
Heath car parks. In addition, a small parking area
for disabled people is available (not weekends or
Bank Holidays) at the North End Road entrance
to Golders Hill Park. Please make sure you display
a valid Blue Badge.
Mobility scheme
People with limited mobility have free access
to our mobile electric buggy scheme with prior
booking Tel: 020 7485 5757.
Dog days
Responsible dog walkers and their dogs are
extremely welcome on Hampstead Heath.
In surveys of Heath users, dog fouling and poor
control of dogs always come out toward the top
of people’s dislikes.
Dog waste
Dog waste left on Hampstead Heath is
unhygienic, unpleasant and causes serious
ecological damage to plant and animal
communities. It is also dangerous, with children
being particularly vulnerable to diseases such
as toxocarosis. It is an offence under the Clean
Neighbourhood and Environmental Act 2005 to
fail to clean up after your dog. Anyone failing to
clean up after their dog may face prosecution.
Dog control
Some people, especially small children, can find
dogs intimidating. Your dog should be kept in
sight and under control at all times. Permitting
your dog to chase, injure or kill any form of wildlife
is an offence under the byelaws.
People walking dogs on Hampstead Heath must:
Ensure
that their dog is wearing a collar
and tag
Place
dog waste in a sealed bag and take it
home or deposit it in the bins provided for dog
waste. Free bags are available at Parliament
Hill Staff Yard and Golders Hill Park Tennis Hut
Keep
their dog under control at all times
and their dog must respond to a call when
off the lead
Be
considerate to other Heath users,
particularly children and picnickers.
We advise that people walk no more than
four dogs at a time.
Heath refreshments
Parliament Hill café Tel: 020 7485 6606
Opens: 9am
Closes: varies between 4:30pm and
9pm as seasons change
Golders Hill Park café Tel: 020 8455 8010
Opens: 9am
Closes: one hour before the park closes
Kenwood Brew House restaurant
Tel: 020 8348 4073
Opens: 9am
Closes: varies between 4pm and 6pm
as seasons change
Closed: 24, 25 and 31 December
Countryside in the city
Hampstead Heath embraces a wide variety
of habitats including acid grassland with
gorse and heather, woodland, hedgerows,
wildflower meadows, veteran trees, streams
and over 30 lakes and ponds.
It supports many species of wildlife, including
bats, rare spiders, stag beetles, kingfishers and
grass snakes.
Protecting the Heath’s habitats, species and
landscape is the primary management objective.
The Heath has great natural interest, but it is
far from ‘natural’ in that its character is largely
shaped by past and present management.
Without active conservation the mosaic of
habitats would soon revert to woodland and
scrub and the special character of the Heath
would be lost.
Management priorities for the coming
year include:
Monitoring
Heath habitats and species
including the colony of grass snakes with the
help of our Heath Hands volunteers
Improving
aquatic habitats and water quality
as part of the Ponds Project
Protecting
rare acid grassland habitat from
encroachment
Creating
new, and managing existing,
wildflower meadows
Restoring
and conserving hedgerows through
laying and other techniques
Conserving
veteran trees and working closely
with the Forestry Commission and other
organisations on tree diseases.
11 – 14 June 2015
Hampstead Heath
London
11 | 11
Contemporary art
£100 – £5,000
affordableartfair.co.uk
FREE ENTRY
ON FRIDAY OR
2-FOR-1 ON
THURS, SAT & SUN
WITH THIS PAGE
Hampstead Heath
is a charity
Hampstead Heath is a registered charity (No.
803392). Any donation, large or small, or legacy
in a will would be a gift that lasts forever, as it will
be used to make long term improvements on
Hampstead Heath.
Tel: 020 7332 3322
Golders Hill Park Zoo Animal
Adoption Scheme
The animal adoption scheme, including the
Golders Griffins children’s club, is a great way to
contribute to the upkeep of the Golders Hill Park
Zoo and to learn more about its star species.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/goldershillpark
Tel: 020 7332 3322
Filming opportunities
For filming guidelines, rates and an application
form hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk or
Tel: 07769 931 311 Parliament Hill area
Tel: 07775 702 274 Golders Hill Park area
Weddings
The Hill Garden and Pergola is a licenced venue
for weddings and civil partnerships. This beautiful
and secluded place makes a wonderful location
for such ceremonies. There are three licenced
areas in which ceremonies can be held: the Hill
Garden Shelter, the Belvedere and the Rotunda.
Please note that receptions are not possible on
Hampstead Heath.
Tel: 020 7332 3977 or hampstead.heath@
cityoflondon.gov.uk for further information and to
make a booking.
The site remains primarily a green space for
public enjoyment, so the number of dates
available is limited.
Heath calendar
The Hampstead Heath calendar is a quality gift
for friends and family, with excellent photographs,
including favourite Heath views.
Tel: 020 7332 3322
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
Heath Life Education
Join the Heath Life Education
team and discover one of the
most interesting classrooms in
London: Hampstead Heath!
Our team of experienced field
teachers engages with all ages in school sessions,
educational and fun holiday events and wildlife
themed weekend events.
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
The Rookie Rangers Wildlife
Club is open to children
8 - 12 years old. Join us one
Sunday per month and
during the school holidays to
learn about wildlife, outdoor
games, bush skills, natural art
and more.
Tel: 020 7482 7073
heath.education@cityoflondon.gov.uk
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheatheducation
Ponds Project Education
This new programme offers free secondary
education sessions, both on the Heath and in
your schools. It focuses on Science, Engineering,
Geography and Citizenship topics.
Tel: 020 7332 3738
ponds.education@cityoflondon.gov.uk
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/pondsprojecteducation
Nature photography workshops
One-day workshops led by award winning wildlife
photographer Matthew Maran.
Adult workshops
£84 + booking fee
Further details and book in advance
www.matthewmaran.com
Saturday 14 March
2015
Saturday 6 June 2015
Saturday 5 September
2015
Saturday 14 November
2015
Saturday 9 January 2016
Saturday 19 March 2016
Children workshops
FREE
Further details and book in advance
www.matthewmaran.com
Sunday 7 June Sunday 15 November
2015
2015
info@matthewmaran.com
Tel: 07812 131 721
www.lfm.org.uk
Parliament Hill
Farmers Market
Every Saturday 10am - 2pm
William Ellis School Highgate Road NW5
Farmhouse cheese, organic and free
range meat, Fish and shellfish, apple
juice, local honey, seasonal fruit and
vegetables, artisan breads, free range
eggs, and much more.
www.lfm.org.uk
Heath Hands volunteers
Heath Hands is the Heath’s volunteer corps, with
members ranging in age from 16 to over 85.
There are hands-on work sessions to help maintain
the diverse and distinct wildlife habitats of the
Heath such as grassland, ancient woodland,
heather and gorse.
Volunteers also use their horticultural skills to help
maintain and renovate areas of formal garden
at Golders Hill Park, the Hill Garden and in the
Kenwood Estate.
Sessions are held throughout the week and at
weekends. There are also opportunities to help
with wildlife surveys, information and education
programmes and at events.
www.heath-hands.org.uk
Tel: 020 8458 9102
info@heath-hands.org.uk
The Dairy, Kenwood House,
Hampstead Lane, NW3 7JR
City of London’s
Open Spaces
The City of London owns and manages around
4,500 hectares of historic and natural open space
for public recreation and health. Our green
spaces, most of which are charitable trusts, are
run at little cost to the communities that they
serve. They are funded principally by the City of
London, together with donations, sponsorship,
grants and trading income.
Our spaces in and beyond the Square Mile are
enjoyed by over 23 million visitors each year.
They include important wildlife habitats, sites of
scientific interest and national nature reserves for
the public to enjoy.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/greenspaces
The Affordable Art Fair
The Affordable Art Fair returns to Hampstead
Heath. Over 100 galleries will exhibit an inspiring
array of contemporary art including paintings,
sculpture, photography and original prints – all
available from £100 - £5,000.
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
11 - 14 June 2015
www.affordableartfair.com/hampstead
GROW London
The UK’s friendliest, most contemporary garden
fair, GROW London is an inspiring day out bursting
with ideas on how to transform your outside
space, no matter how large or small.
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
19 - 21 June 2015
www.growlondon.com/london
Message from
the Chairman
This year got off to a tremendous start with the
English National Cross Country Championships
returning to the Heath, just one of the many
events that take place every year. The Affordable
Art Fair returns on 11 – 14 June with its companion
show GROW London on 19 – 21 June. Do support
the annual Race for Life on 4 July in support of
Cancer Research. The Lord Mayor’s City Dip will
be at the Heath on 10 – 11 July to support the
Lord Mayor’s charities.
The Diary gives details of everything that’s going
on, with useful information on all the sporting
facilities. Do remember some events can be very
popular, for example the bat walks, and can
become fully booked very quickly.
I am delighted the Heath and Golders Hill Park
continue to win Green Flags each year, and for
the first time Golders Hill Park has won a London
in Bloom Gold Award. These awards are a tribute
to the hard work and dedication of the staff. The
Heath is for everyone to enjoy, whether you are
interested in sport, walking, nature, music or just
lying on the ground doing nothing!
Jeremy Simons
Chairman, Hampstead Heath
Management Committee
Guide to events
In the following pages you will find all of the
events that will take place on the Heath over
the next 12 months. We hope that you will find
something that takes your fancy, so get planning!
If no contact details are given, further information
can be obtained by Tel: 020 7332 3773 for music
and sports events and Tel: 020 7332 3322 for all
other events.
Heath Dog Days
Saturdays (see dates below) 11am – 4pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Held in partnership with the Dogs Trust, these
drop–in events offer free micro–chipping,
training tips and behavioural advice.
Dates: 11 April, 9 May, 6 June, 25 July,
8 August, 5 September, 3 October,
7 November and 5 December.
HH-Constabulary@cityoflondon.gov.uk
City Bridge Trust
We would like to thank the City Bridge Trust for
the provision of a Grant Award for ‘Healthy Trees,
Healthy Ecosystems, Healthy Londoners.’
www.citybridgetrust.org.uk
April
Easter Fair
Friday 3 April – Monday 6 April
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath and
Upper Fairground Site, Vale of Health
Good Friday 3
Saturday 4
Sunday 5
Monday 6
12 noon – 9:30pm
12 noon – 9:30pm
12 noon – 7pm
12 noon – 9:30pm
The traditional, historic and famous Hampstead
Heath Fair.
Birds of the Heath
Sunday 5 April 9:30am
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Easter Egg Hunt
Monday 6 April 2:30pm – 3pm
Adventure Playground
Over 5s only (under 8s must be accompanied
by an adult)
Tel: 020 7482 2116
Hop into Spring
Tuesday 7 April 12 noon – 4pm
Secret Garden, Parliament Hill
Drop in for families
Learn about hopping things that happen in spring!
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 8 April 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for
a day of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Mammal Mania at the Zoo
Thursday 9 April 12 noon – 4pm
Golders Hill Park Zoo
Drop in for families
Do lemurs have feathers, donkeys fly or coatis live
under water? Learn about what makes mammals
unique through activities and crafts.
Egg–ceptional Eggs
Tuesday 14 April 12 noon – 4pm
Secret Garden, Parliament Hill
Drop in for families
As birds and other creatures start to nest, learn
about the amazing properties of eggs through
experiments and activities.
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 15 April 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventure.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Highgate Harriers Open
Athletics Meeting
Wednesday 15 April 5:30pm (under 11s),
7pm (main meeting)
Parliament Hill Athletics Track
All ages and beginners welcome
www.highgateharriers.org.uk
Feathers, Beaks and Webbed
Feet at the Zoo
Thursday 16 April 12 noon – 4pm
Golders Hill Park Zoo
Drop in for families
Owls, kookaburras, rheas and egrets all make the
zoo home. Learn about these fascinating creatures
through crafts and activities.
Dawn Chorus Walk
Sunday 26 April 5am
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults
Find out how many birds we can hear in the
beautiful Heath dawn chorus.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7482 7073
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 26 April 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of
this stunning ‘secret’ garden and
magnificent restored Pergola. £5
May
World Laughter Day Celebration
Sunday 3 May 11am
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Tel: 020 7609 6145
Preserving Hampstead Heath in ‘its
natural aspect and state’: the reservoir
owner’s dilemma
Sunday 3 May 2:30pm
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Bat Walk for Families
Thursday 7 May 8:15pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults and children over the age
of eight
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
John Keats lived in this
house from 1818 to
1820 and here he wrote
some of his best loved
poetry, including
Ode to a Nightingale
Keats House
Keats Grove,
Hampstead, NW3 2RR
020 7332 3868
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/keatshousehampstead
Herb Walk
Sunday 10 May 11am – 1pm
Front of Lido, Gospel Oak
Learn about ID, folklore and traditional use of
plants with a herbalist on a gentle walk over
the Heath. (NB Plant picking is not permitted on
the Heath.)
Pre–book only Tel: 07976 579 619
handmadeapothecary@gmail.com £20
Bat Walk for Adults
Thursday 14 May 8:30pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
Tree ID for Beginners
Saturday 16 May 12 noon – 3pm
Education Centre
Find out the basics of identifying trees and then put
it into practice on the Heath with the help of a key.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Highgate Harriers Night of the
10,000m Personal Bests
Saturday 16 May 4pm – 9:45pm
Parliament Hill Athletics Track
Including elite British Championships and GB trials
for European Cup – watch top class athletics,
free, from lane three of the track. Eight races,
including:
5:45pm Inter London Borough Relay
(Primary schools)
7pm Inter London Borough Relay
(Secondary schools)
8:15pm 10,000m Women’s ‘A’ British and
English Championship race
9pm 10,000m Men’s ‘A’ British and
English Championship race
www.highgateharriers.org.uk
Croquet Open Day
Sunday 17 May 2pm – 4pm
Golders Hill Park
www.hampsteadheathcroquetclub.org.uk
Bat Walk for Adults
Thursday 21 May 8:45pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
Whitsun Bank Holiday Fair
Saturday 23 May – Monday 25 May
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Saturday 23
Sunday 24
Monday 25
12 noon – 9:30pm
12 noon – 7pm
12 noon – 9:30pm
The traditional, historic and famous Hampstead
Heath Fair.
Eco–Art
Tuesday 26 May 1pm – 3pm
Parliament Hill
For families
Try your hand at different natural crafts
and eco–art.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 27 May 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Eco–Art
Thursday 28 May 1pm – 3pm
Golders Hill Park
For families
Try your hand at different natural crafts
and eco–art.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 31 May 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of this
stunning ‘secret’ garden and magnificent restored
Pergola. £5
June
Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday 6 June 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique opportunity to engage with the nature
of Hampstead Heath through photography, with
an award–winning photographer.
www.matthewmaran.com
Highgate Harriers Open Hurdles and
Steeplechase Meeting
Saturday 6 June 11am – 3pm
Parliament Hill Athletics Track
www.highgateharriers.org.uk
Nature Photography Workshop
Sunday 7 June 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique FREE! opportunity to engage with the
nature of Hampstead Heath through photography,
with an award–winning photographer.
For 14 – 18 year olds
www.matthewmaran.com
Spider Foray
Sunday 7 June 2:30pm
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
London Gay Symphonic Winds
Sunday 7 June 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Concert orchestra
Andalus
Sunday 7 June
3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand Gipsy
Kings Tribute/Latin
Affordable Art Fair
Thursday 11 – Sunday 14 June
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Thursday 11
11am – 5:30pm
(late view 5:30pm – 9:30pm)
Friday 12
11am – 6pm
Saturday 13
11am – 6pm
Sunday 14
11am – 6pm
www. affordableartfair.com/hampstead
Picture the Heath
Saturday 13 June
Create original artworks on the Heath and
surrounding area to be exhibited at The Art
Village on Sunday 21 June.
Register with Hampstead School of Art
Tel: 020 7794 1439
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Sunday 14 June 11am – 1pm
Education Centre Suitable
for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
The Trouser Band
Sunday 14 June 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Rock / Pop
Symphonic Winds Orchestra
of North London
Sunday 14 June 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Classical / Light
GROW London
Friday 19 – Sunday 21 June
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Friday 19
Saturday 20
Sunday 21
11am – 6pm
11am – 6pm
11am – 6pm
www.growlondon.com/london
Picture the Heath
Saturday 20 June
Create original artworks on the Heath and
surrounding area to be exhibited at The Art
Village on Sunday 21 June.
Register with Hampstead School of Art
Tel: 020 7794 1439
Hampstead Summer Festival – The
Art Village
Sunday 21 June 11am – 5pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Art and fun for all ages. Exhibitions, art to buy,
competitions, stalls, demonstrations and
workshops; plus great food and drink.
Tel: 07710 907 431 or
www.hampsteadsummerfestival.com/Art
South London Jazz Orchestra
Sunday 21 June 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Big band jazz
Aquaduct Ceilidh Band
Sunday 21 June 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Folk dance music
Gui Tavares
Thursday 25 June 7pm
Golders Hill Park café
Latin
Hampstead Heath: A Precious
Inheritance
Friday 26 June 10am
Golders Hill Park café
A Proms at St Jude’s guided walk explaining how
philanthropists helped save areas of the Heath and
giving examples of ongoing conservation work.
Pre–book only at www.promsatstjudes.org.uk
Son Yambu
Friday 26 June 7pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Cuban son /salsa
City of London Festival
Hampstead Heath Family Day
Sunday 28 June 11am – 6pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
A colourful extravaganza for all the family with
performances, workshops, street theatre and
participatory events from across the globe.
There will be samba drummers, gospel choirs,
flamenco dancers and brass bands, ending
with a carnival headdress finale parade!
www.colf.org
South End Green Festival
Sunday 28 June 11am – 5pm
South End Green
Street festival, music, dance, food market, arts
and crafts, dog show, children’s play area.
www.southendgreenfestival.org
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 28 June 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of
this stunning ‘secret’ garden and
magnificent restored Pergola. £5
July
John Etheridge’s Sweet Chorus
Thursday 2 July 7pm
Golders Hill Park
café World jazz
John Etheridge’s Blue Spirits with
Vimala Rowe (vocals)
Friday 3 July 7pm
Parliament Hill café
Jazz / blues
Race for Life
Saturday 4 July 11am
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Pre–booking only at www.raceforlife.org
Treasures of the Heath: clues to the
landscape and its history
Sunday 5 July 2:30pm
Parliament Hill café
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Young Music Makers
Sunday 5 July 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand Big
band jazz and blues
Hendon Music Centre Senior Concert
Band (music youth afternoon)
Sunday 5 July 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Wind orchestra
City Dip
Friday 10 – Saturday 11 July
Parliament Hill Lido
Friday 10
7:30am – 10:30am and 6:30pm – 9pm
Saturday 11 7:30am – 12 noon
Lord Mayor’s Appeal charity swim
Individuals and teams welcomed for
this great cause.
www.thelordmayorsappeal.org
Tel: 020 7485 5757
Dan Carrier’s Music Night
(featuring the Dig it Sound System)
Friday 10 July 7pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Pop
Herb Walk
Sunday 12 July 11am – 1pm
Front of Lido, Gospel Oak
Learn about ID, folklore and traditional
use of plants with a herbalist on a gentle
walk over the Heath. (NB Plant picking is
not permitted on the Heath.)
Pre–book only Tel: 07976 579 619
handmadeapothecary@gmail.com £20
Give it a Go! Festival
Sunday 12 July 1pm – 5.30pm
Parliament Hill
Take part in games, sports coaching, dance,
well–being, children’s and fun activities, displays
and music at the bandstand. In partnership with
Camden Council, COOL and the Metropolitan
Police Service. Other bands will be confirmed;
headliners will be:
The Bruvvers 3:30pm and 4:45pm
Rock’n’roll
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
‘Elvis on the Heath’ and Johnny Ford
and the Edsels
Friday 17 July 7pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
USA 50s rock’n’roll
Mad Dog Bites
Sunday 19 July 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Rock /pop
Andy Cooper’s Top Six
Sunday 19 July 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Jazz
Bat Walk for Adults
Wednesday 22 July 9pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 26 July 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of
this stunning ‘secret’ garden and
magnificent restored Pergola. £5
The 286
Sunday 26 July 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Rock
Jimmy Beckley Trio
Sunday 26 July 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Cool and upbeat Jazz
Water Awareness Week
Monday 27 – Friday 31 July 9:30am – 10:30am
Parliament Hill Lido
Lifesaving and fun water safety activities.
Age 8 – 15 only
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7485 5757
Bat Walk for Adults
Thursday 30 July 8:45pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
August
Flora of the Heath
Sunday 2 August 2:30pm
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
London Saxophone Choir
Sunday 2 August 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Latin/Pop/Light
TJB (The Jazz Band)
Sunday 2 August 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Jazz
Explorer Skills
Tuesday 4 August 1pm – 3pm
Parliament Hill
For families
An introduction to the basic skills used by explorers
to navigate their way around the world.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 5 August 10am – 4pm
Education Centre Suitable
for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Explorer Skills
Thursday 6 August 1pm – 3pm
Golders Hill Park
For families
An introduction to the basic skills used by explorers
to navigate their way around the world.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Trident Waters
Sunday 9 August 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Blues/Rock
The Mags
Sunday 9 August 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Rock’n’Blues
Minibeast Discovery
Tuesday 11 August 12 noon – 3pm
Parliament Hill Secret Garden
Drop in for families
Come face to face with the tiny creatures of the
natural world hiding in nooks and crannies.
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 12 August 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Minibeast Discovery
Thursday 13 August 12 noon – 3pm
Golders Hill Park
Drop in for families
Come face to face with the tiny creatures of the
natural world hiding in nooks and crannies.
Willow Weaving
Saturday 15 August 1pm – 3pm
Parliament Hill
For families
Try your hand at creating different structures using
sustainably–sourced willow.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Eco–Art
Tuesday 18 August 1pm – 3pm
Parliament Hill
For families
Try your hand at different natural crafts and eco–
art.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 19 August 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Eco–Art
Thursday 20 August 1pm – 3pm
Golders Hill Park
For families
Try your hand at different natural crafts and eco–
art.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Waterworld
Friday 21 August 3pm – 4pm
Adventure Playground
Over 5s only (under 8s must be accompanied
by an adult) Prepare to get wet!
Tel: 020 7482 2116
Nicola Emmanuelle Quartet
Sunday 23 August 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand Classical /
jazz
London Metropolitan Brass
Sunday 23 August 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Brass
Mud and Clay
Tuesday 25 August 12 noon – 3pm
Parliament Hill
Drop in for families
Discover the secrets of mud and get your hands
covered in clay. Let you imagination run wild and
leave with your own mini–creations.
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Wednesday 26 August 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
Mud and Clay
Thursday 27 August 12 noon – 3pm
Golders Hill Park
Drop in for families
Discover the secrets of mud and get your hands
covered in clay. Let you imagination run wild and
leave with your own mini–creations.
Summer Fair
Saturday 29 – Monday 31 August
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Saturday 29
Sunday 30 Monday 31 12 noon – 9:30pm
12 noon – 7pm
12 noon – 9:30pm
The traditional, historic and famous Hampstead
Heath Fair.
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 30 August 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of
this stunning ‘secret’ garden and
magnificent restored Pergola. £5
Harrow Concert Band
Sunday 30 August 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Classical / marches / musicals
Welwyn Garden City Band
Sunday 30 August 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
Brass
Andalus
Monday 31 August 3pm
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Gipsy Kings Tribute/Latin
Oh–La–La!
Monday 31 August 3pm
Golders Hill Park Bandstand
French chanson/musette classic/jazz
September
Bat Walk for Families
Wednesday 2 September 7:30pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults and children over the
age of eight
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday 5 September 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique opportunity to engage with the nature
of Hampstead Heath through photography,
with an award–winning photographer.
www.matthewmaran.com
Birds of the Heath
Sunday 6 September 9:30am
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Highgate Harriers Open
Athletics Meeting
Wednesday 9 September 5:30pm (under 11s), 7pm (main
meeting)
Parliament Hill Athletics Track
All ages and beginners welcome
www.highgateharriers.org.uk
Bat Walk for Families
Thursday 10 September 7:30pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults and children over
the age of eight
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
The 17th Heath Duathlon
Sunday 13 September 8am
Parliament Hill Lido
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7485 5757
Herb Walk
Sunday 13 September 11am – 1pm
Front of Lido, Gospel Oak
Learn about ID, folklore and traditional use of
plants with a herbalist on a gentle walk over
the Heath. (NB Plant picking is not permitted on
the Heath.)
Pre–book only Tel: 07976 579 619
handmadeapothecary@gmail.com
£20
Bat Walk for Families
Thursday 17 September 7:15pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults and children over the age
of eight
Using bat detectors we will venture onto the Heath
to discover these amazing creatures of the night.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £7
Jubilee Hall Trust 10k Trail Run
Saturday 19 September 9am
Parliament Hill
Trail run across iconic Hampstead Heath
£25 (concession prices available), limited places
www.jubileehalltrust.org
Jubilee Hall Trust Flash Dash
Saturday 19 September 10am
Parliament Hill
Free entry, 2k family run, limited places
www.jubileehalltrust.org
Fungi for Beginners
Saturday 19 September 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for adults
Find out the basics of identifying fungi and then put
it into practice on the Heath with the help of a key.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 8458 0652
Beneath our Feet – Geology
of the Heath
Sunday 20 September 10:30am – 1pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
London Geodiversity Partnership walk for beginners
looking at how what’s beneath our feet affects the
Heath landscape.
Zippos Circus
Thursday 24 – Sunday 27 September
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Thursday 24
Friday 25
Saturday 26
Sunday 27
1 show
2 shows
3 shows
3 shows
Tel: 0871 210 2100 www.zipposcircus.co.uk
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Sunday 27 September 11am – 1pm
Education Centre Suitable
for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 27 September 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of this
stunning ‘secret’ garden and magnificent
restored Pergola. £5
October
Zippos Circus
Thursday 1 – Sunday 4 October
Lower Fairground Site, East Heath
Thursday 1
Friday 2
Saturday 3
Sunday 4
1 show
2 shows
3 shows
3 shows
Tel: 0871 210 2100 www.zipposcircus.co.uk
Hampstead Heath Conker
Championship
Sunday 4 October 2:30pm – 5pm
Parliament Hill
Take part in conkers and more! Conkers
are provided. Conkers start at 3pm
Identifying Trees in Golders Hill Park
Sunday 4 October 2:30pm
Golders Hill Park café
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Fungi for Beginners
Saturday 17 October 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for adults
Find out the basics of identifying fungi and then put
it into practice on the Heath with the help of a key.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 8458 0652
Hill Garden Blue Badge Walk
Sunday 25 October 2pm
Flagstaff, Whitestone Pond
Find out about the history and planting of this
stunning ‘secret’ garden and magnificent restored
Pergola. £5
Hallowe’en Party
Friday 30 October 2:30pm – 4pm
Adventure Playground
Over 5s only (under 8s must be accompanied by
an adult)
Fancy dress contest, games and scary drawing
competition
Please bring food to share
Tel: 020 7482 2116
Haunted Heath for Adults
Saturday 31 October 7pm and 8:30pm
Parliament Hill
Suitable for adults
Only for the strong of will and courageous
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £10
November
Trees and the Historic Landscape
Sunday 1 November 10:30am
East Heath Road car park Heath &
Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Fungi for Beginners
Saturday 7 November 10am – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for adults
Find out the basics of identifying fungi and then put
it into practice on the Heath with the help of a key.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 8458 0652
Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday 14 November 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique opportunity to engage with the nature
of Hampstead Heath through photography, with
an award–winning photographer.
www.matthewmaran.com
London Youth Games and
Greater London Cross Country
Championships
Saturday 14 November 11am
Parliament Hill
Tel: 020 7332 3773
Nature Photography Workshop
Sunday 15 November 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique FREE! opportunity to engage with the
nature of Hampstead Heath through photography,
with an award–winning photographer.
For 14 – 18 year olds
www.matthewmaran.com
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Sunday 22 November 11am – 1pm
Education Centre Suitable for
ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
December
The History and Topography of the
Hampstead Heath Ponds
Sunday 6 December 10:30am
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Winter Wreath Making
Sunday 6 December 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm
Education Centre
Suitable for children over eight and their families
Use willow and greenery to make a wreath,
decorate it and take it home.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5 per wreath
January 2016
Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday 9 January 2016 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique opportunity to engage with the nature
of Hampstead Heath through photography, with
an award–winning photographer.
www.matthewmaran.com
Southern Counties Cross
Country Championships
Saturday 30 January 2016 11am
Parliament Hill
Tel: 020 7332 3773
February 2016
The Heath and Kenwood: how they
relate to each other
Sunday 7 February 2016 10:30am
Brew House café, Kenwood House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Sunday 21 February 2016 11am – 1pm
Education Centre Suitable for
ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
March 2016
The Pergola, the Hill Garden and
Golders Hill Park
Sunday 6 March 2016 10:30am
North End Way, Hampstead side of
Inverforth House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Nature Photography Workshop
Saturday 19 March 2016 8:30am – 4pm
Parliament Hill
A unique opportunity to engage with the nature
of Hampstead Heath through photography, with
an award–winning photographer.
www.matthewmaran.com
Rookie Rangers Wildlife Club
Sunday 20 March 2016 11am – 1pm
Education Centre Suitable
for ages 8 – 12
Leave your parents at home and come for a day
of nature adventures.
Pre–book only Tel: 020 7332 3773 £5
Easter Egg Hunt
Monday 28 March 2016 2:30pm – 3pm
Adventure Playground
Over 5s only (under 8s must be accompanied by
an adult)
Tel: 020 7482 2116
April 2016
Birds of the Heath
Sunday 3 April 2016 9:30am
Burgh House
Heath & Hampstead Society walk
Tel: 07941 528 034
Parkrun
Every Saturday all year 9am
Timed run for all abilities
www.parkrun.com
Laughter Yoga Sessions
Held on the first Sunday of each month 11am
Parliament Hill Bandstand
Free or donation to charity
Tel: 020 7609 6145
Hampstead Heath
Ponds Project
We are carrying out essential safety works on the
dams of some the ponds. This work involves raising
some of the existing dams, building spillways and
re-landscaping to ensure the dams can withstand
a severe storm.
Design
The designs take full account of the need to
preserve the Heath’s landscape and habitats.
During the works we will do everything we
can to minimise disruption. We have taken the
opportunity to make enhancements, including
new paths, viewpoints and reed-beds. A team of
landscape architects, ecologists and hydrologists
has worked alongside engineers and local
stakeholders to ensure that the works will improve
water quality and biodiversity. On completion the
Heath will have a wider diversity of habitats and
although the landscape will be different around
some of the ponds, the design is sympathetic
to the Heath. We are confident that it will soon
blend into the existing environment.
Programme
The project will take 18 months to complete with
construction work starting in April 2015. The area
around Model Boating Pond on the Highgate
Chain is where the most significant work will take
place in the first year. Towards the end of 2015
major works will start in the Catchpit area on
the Hampstead chain. This programme is subject
to change.
Location
Approximate
start date
Approximate
duration
Model Boating Pond
April 2015
16 months
Viaduct Pond
May 2015
8 weeks
Vale of Health Pond
July 2015
3 months
Hampstead No 2 Pond
July 2015
8 months
Bird Sanctuary Pond
September 2015
5 weeks
Ladies’ Pond*
October 2015
8 months
Stock Pond
October 2015
13 weeks
Hampstead No 1Pond
November 2015
4 ½ months
Catchpit
November 2015
10 ½ months
Mixed Bathing Pond*
January 2016
3 ½ month
Highgate No 1 Pond
March 2016
5 ½ months
Men’s Pond*
May 2016
3 ½ months
*These dates do not necessarily represent disruption to swimming.
Please see page 69 for more information.
Path diversions will be signposted and, wherever
possible, we will give advance warning on the
Heath, on our website and through social media.
We apologise for the inconvenience while this
essential safety work takes place.
Ponds Project Liaison Officer Tel: 020 7332 3847
pondsproject@cityoflondon.gov.uk
Blog: https://hampsteadheathpondsproject.
wordpress.com/
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/pondsproject
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
Staying safe
The Hampstead Heath Constabulary’s primary
function is to uphold byelaws and ensure,
by means of education, engagement or
enforcement, that the Heath remains free from
crime and anti-social behaviour. The Constables
are able to provide a response every day of
the year to incidents which may threaten the
enjoyment of Heath users.
The Constables carry out proactive patrols,
reducing the fear of crime and providing
reassurance. They work in partnership with other
agencies including the Metropolitan Police local
Safer Neighbourhoods Teams.
What you can do…
do
not leave valuables in your car
tell
someone where you are going and what
time you will be home
consider
your personal safety
be
aware of your surroundings
cycle
only on designated shared use routes
respect
the byelaws and other Heath users.
Contact the Constabulary Tel: 020 8340 5260
HH-Constabulary@cityoflondon.gov.uk
The Heath Constabulary has a dedicated
mailbox to report any concerns or homophobic
incidents that occur on the Heath.
LGBT-Constabulary@cityoflondon.gov.uk
In an EMERGENCY Tel: 999
Walking
Health walks on the Heath
Suitable for all levels of fitness, but especially
aimed at those just starting to exercise and older
people. Any participants with health concerns
should consult their GP before coming on their
first walk.
Camden
Every Monday, 9:50am
Meet: Hampstead Heath Overground Station
www.camden.gov.uk/activehealth
Barnet
Every Tuesday, 9:30am
Meet: Golders Hill Park, North End Road entrance
Every Thursday, 9:30am
Meet: Hampstead Way/Linnell Drive junction,
Heath Extension
Every Sunday, 10:30am
Meet: Hampstead Way/Wildwood Road junction,
Heath Extension
www.barnet.gov.uk
Tel: 020 8359 4600
Bird watching walks on the Heath
Every Tuesday, 10am
Meet: outside Parliament Hill Staffyard
Contact: Meg Game, Marylebone Bird Watching
Society
www.birdsmbs.org.uk
Tel: 020 7267 8434
Golders Hill Park
Park opening hours
7:30am to dusk (with the earliest closing time
being 4:30 pm during the winter).
Check signs on site or visit
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/goldershillpark
for precise closing times.
Butterfly House opening hours
Saturday 28 March 2015 –
Sunday 1 November 2015
2pm – 4pm every day
Café opening hours
9am to one hour before the park closes.
Tel: 020 8455 8010
Golders Hill Park information
Tel: 020 7332 3511
Map
See the centre pages for a map of Golders
Hill Park.
Travel
By bus: 210 and 268 stop at the
North End Road entrance to the park
By Northern Line tube: Golders Green
Golders Hill Park was opened to the public in
1898 and has been managed as a discrete and
historically important part of Hampstead Heath
by the City of London since 1989. Beautiful plant
displays enhance the peaceful setting of the
Mediterranean and water gardens, while the
park houses a popular café and a free zoo with
a collection of rare and exotic birds and
mammals such as laughing kookaburras,
ring-tailed lemurs and ring-tailed coatis.
There is a variety of leisure facilities including
tennis courts, croquet lawn and a children’s
play area.
Pergola and Hill Garden
Pergola and Hill Garden opening hours
8:30am to before dusk (with the earliest closing
time being 3:45pm during the winter).
Check signs on site or www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/
goldershillpark for precise closing times.
For health and safety reasons, the Pergola may
be closed in icy, stormy or windy weather.
Travel
By bus: 210 and 268 stop at Inverforth House
By Northern Line tube: Golders Green
The magnificent Pergola overlooks the West
Heath and provides fine views towards Harrow
on the Hill. It was the realised dream of the rich
idealist William H Lever – later Lord Leverhulme and is equal in length to the height of the Canary
Wharf tower. The structure and its kitchen gardens
have been sympathetically restored to their
former glory by the City of London. Along with the
tranquil and beautiful Hill Garden, the Pergola is
one of the London’s best kept secrets.
For children
Hampstead Heath is a great place for children to
enjoy the outdoors. With impressive play facilities
spread across the Heath, we are sure that there is
something for children of all ages to enjoy.
Parliament Hill Fields Playground
Playground opening hours
Open every day except 25 December
9am to dusk (with the earliest closing time being
4pm during the winter)
Further information Tel: 020 7433 1917
This playground is for children up to the age of
12 and has challenging structures for all abilities.
It encourages controlled risks in a safe
environment. There are climbing walls, multilevel
multiplay structures, swings (including cradle
swing with seats for children with mobility
disabilities), slides, tactile play units and a
wheelchair accessible sand pit.
The site is fully staffed by trained first aiders every
day between April and October and every
weekend throughout the year.
While on site parents and carers remain
responsible for their children at all times.
Playground paddling pool
Paddling pool opening hours
Open from approximately Saturday 23 May 2015
until the first week in September 2015
Monday – Saturday 10am – 5:30pm
Sunday
10am – 5pm
Further information and school visit
bookings Tel: 020 7433 1917
For health and safety reasons, the playground
and paddling pool may be closed in icy, stormy
or windy weather.
Peggy Jay Centre (Ten and One O’Clock Clubs)
This is a popular drop-in centre for children under
the age of five and their parents and carers. It
offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
Centre opening hours
Open Monday to Friday, but closed every
Bank Holiday
Morning session
10am – 12 noon (Operated by Queen’s
Crescent Community Association)
Afternoon session
1pm – 4pm (Operated by the City of London)
Further information Tel: 020 7485 6907
Adventure Playground
This staffed play facility is open for children over
the age of five (children under eight must be
accompanied by an adult) and offers a wide
variety of outdoor activities including swings,
challenging structures and sports, as well as arts
and crafts and indoor games. Staff are highly
qualified and have years of experience of
working with children in play and educational
settings.
The facility is open for school groups during
term time and offers tailored activities that
complement the national curriculum.
Term time opening hours
Tuesday – Friday
10am – 3pm pre-booked school groups only
3:15pm – 4pm (or later – see below*)
Free public play session
Saturday
10am – 4pm (or later – see below*)
Free public play session
School holidays opening hours
Monday - Friday
10am – 4pm (or later – see below*)
Free public play session
*Playground closing times vary with the seasons:
April – June 5pm, July – August 6pm, September
– October 5pm, November – February 4pm,
March 5pm
For further information or to book a school
session Tel: 020 7482 2116
Golders Hill Park Playground
Playground opening hours
Open whenever the park is open, which is:
7:30am to dusk (with the earliest closing time
being 4:30 pm during the winter)
The playground at Golders Hill Park contains a
castle multi-play area, sand pit, swings, carousel
and more and is for children up to the age of 12
supervised by an adult.
Children-only play enclosures
There are also five children-only play areas across
the Heath where youngsters and their parents
and carers can relax and enjoy a dog-free
environment. These are situated on the Heath
Extension, in Golders Hill Park, near the Vale of
Health, near Preacher’s Hill (off East Heath Road)
and next to the bowling green at Parliament Hill.
Sports
Athletics
The 400 metre running track including pole vault,
throwing cage, high and long jump, at Parliament
Hill, is categorised as Class A, being one which
meets the specification and requirements for all
competition under UK Athletics rules.
Training times
Mon, Wed, Fri and Sat
Tues and Thurs
Sun and Bank Holidays
7:45am – dusk
7:45am – 8:40pm
7:45am – 4pm
Day tickets
Adults £3.50
Concession £1.50
Season tickets
Adults Concession
£62
£31
To book the track for meetings Tel: 020 7332 3773
See page 74 for contact details of Highgate
Harriers and London Heathside athletics clubs.
Bowls
The facility at Parliament Hill is open to members
and the general public from April to September.
Coaching is available.
Public play
Daily: 10am - dusk
Hourly Charge
£3.50 per player; £10 deposit for equipment
Members of the public are all welcome. A
specially adapted wheelchair with rollers is
available for people with limited mobility.
The club supports the Give it a Go! Festival on
Sunday 12 July 2015.
General enquiries and membership of Parliament
Hill Bowling Club Tel: 020 8440 7842
Tel: 020 8441 0013
Paul.mennell@btinternet.com
d.mennell@btinternet.com
http://parliament-hill-bowling-club.clubbz.com
Cricket
Pitches and practice nets are available at
Parliament Hill and the Heath Extension from May
to September.
Charges
Senior pitch: £77
Senior pitch at weekends at Parliament Hill: £98
Junior pitch: £46
Practice nets per hour: £7
To book all cricket pitches and nets Tel: 020 7332
3773, except for Heath Extension practice nets
Tel: 020 8201 8182
Croquet
Two half-size croquet lawns are available for use
in Golders Hill Park from 18 April to 27 September
2015, subject to turf conditions.
Charges (including equipment)
£4.50 per hour for members
£8 per hour for non-members
Bookings: 8:30am – 10am daily Tel: 020 8201 8182
There will be an Open Day from 2 - 4pm on
Sunday 17 May and croquet will form part of
the Give it a Go! Festival on Sunday 12 July, plus
regular club sessions at which all are welcome.
Further details and Hampstead Heath Croquet
Club membership enquiries at
www.hampsteadheathcroquetclub.org.uk
Tel: 07943 658 242
Experienced players who join the club may also
play on the full-size lawn at Parliament Hill.
Football and Rugby
Football pitches (Parliament Hill and the
Heath Extension) and rugby pitches (the
Heath Extension) are available from
September to March.
Charges
Pitch with goal posts: £72
Net hire: £15
Private changing room: £43
To book pitches Tel: 020 7332 3773
Tennis
Hard courts are available at Parliament Hill and
Golders Hill Park.
Grass courts are available at Golders Hill
Park from April to September, subject to turf
conditions.
Courts can only be booked in advance when
in possession of an annual registration card,
obtainable on the hour at the Parliament Hill and
Golders Hill Park tennis huts (weekends only in
winter season).
Charges
Registration card: £16
Adults: £7 per hour
Concessions: £4 per hour
Tennis coaching
Tennis coaching is available for adults and
children during the summer, with qualified LTA
coaches. Each course consists of five sessions
held at the same time each week, from April to
September.
For tennis coaching details, charges and
bookings go to
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
Tel: 020 7332 3773
Concessionary rates
To be eligible for the concessionary rate you
will need to show either:
• Freedom pass
• Disabled card
• Unemployment
card
• Student card
• Proof
that you are
under 16
Petanque
To book the Parliament Hill petanque rink
Tel: 020 7332 3773
Charges
£3 per hour; £20 deposit for boules
Orienteering
There is a permanent course on the Heath. There
is also a course at Golders Hill Park suitable for
young people.
Maps are available at
www.londonorienteering.co.uk
Alternatively, download the free MOBO
Orienteering app and you can have the Heath
orienteering map on your smartphone.
Putting
A putting green is available in Golders Hill Park
from 12 noon to 4pm at weekends and Bank
Holidays from the first weekend in May to the first
weekend in September, subject to turf conditions.
Charges
Adult: £3 per round
Concessions: £1.50 per round
Tel: 020 7332 3511
Fishing and cycling
Fishing
Fishing is allowed at the Men’s Pond, the Model
Boating Pond, the Hampstead No 2 Pond, the
Mixed Pond, the Viaduct Pond and the Vale of
Health Pond. Please note that from approximately
January 2016 fishing will not be allowed on the
Mixed Pond.
Please be aware that during the Ponds Project
there may be temporary disruption to fishing on
some ponds. Please see our website for the latest
information.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/pondsproject
Anglers must have a current Environment Agency
licence and a Hampstead Heath fishing permit
(available weekends from Parliament Hill Tennis
Hut; weekdays May – September from Parliament
Hill Tennis Hut and weekdays October - April from
Parliament Hill Staff Yard Office; two passport
photographs required); for further information Tel:
020 7332 3773
Fishing is not permitted between 15 March
and 15 June, inclusive. You must keep your area
tidy by taking your litter home and you must
protect wildlife by disposing of old line and tackle
in the bin.
The Hampstead Heath Anglers Society promotes
responsible angling on the Heath.
Visit www.hhasoc.org.uk for details.
Cycling
Cycling is allowed on the Heath on marked
shared use routes only. These are shown on all
Heath maps at entrances and in this diary.
Cycling off designated routes is an offence under
the Heath byelaws. The maximum speed allowed
is 12 miles an hour. Pedestrians have priority over
cyclists on shared use routes.
Swimming
There are four swimming facilities on the Heath:
the outdoor Parliament Hill Lido, Ladies’, Men’s
and Mixed Bathing Ponds. Opening times vary
according to the season.
Swimming information and latest
water temperatures
Tel: 020 7485 3873
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheathswimming
Parliament Hill Lido
Our unheated outdoor 60 metre swimming pool,
with small paddling pool, is open all year round.
Parliament Hill Lido opening times
Summer season
2 May to 20 September
Early morning swim
7am - 9am
Vacate water 9:30am
Day swim
10am - 6pm
Vacate water 6:30pm
Evening swim
For adult lane swimming only
Mon, Thurs, Fri
6:45pm - 8pm
Vacate water 8:30pm
Winter season
21 September to 6 May 2016
Early morning swim only
7am - 12 noon
Vacate water 12:30pm
Swimming charges
All swimming facilities
Full year season ticket
Adult: £195
Concession: £108
Summer season ticket
Adult: £140
Concession: £70
Parliament Hill Lido
Early morning/Winter ticket
Adult: £2.50
Concession: £1.50
Under 16s and OAPs: FREE (early morning only)
Summer day ticket
Adult: £6
Concession: £4
Family: £15
Adult and child: £8
Summer evening ticket
Adult: £2.50
Concession: £1.50
Full year season ticket
Adult: £152
Concession: £98
Summer season ticket
Adult: £120
Concession: £60
Monthly season ticket
Adult: £42
Concession: £21
Bathing Ponds
Day ticket
Adult: £2
Concession: £1
Full year season ticket
Adult: £125
Concession: £66
Summer season ticket
Adult: £66
Concession: £33
All income generated is used to help maintain these facilities and
towards the cost of lifeguarding the Lido and Ponds.
Bathing Ponds
The Heath has three unique and internationally
famous bathing ponds: the Ladies’, Men’s and
Mixed Bathing Ponds. These are available for
competent swimmers over eight years. Children
between 8 - 15 years are permitted only if in
the care of an adult responsible for their safety
and good conduct. Two children per adult are
permitted at the discretion of the lifeguard on
duty. Swimmers may be asked to complete a
short swim test to prove their competence.
Ponds Project
During winter/spring 2015/16 work on the Ponds
Project will result in changes to the provision
of swimming. We aim to keep two swimming
facilities open at any one time and offer
alternative arrangements.
The Men’s and Mixed Ponds should be closed
only for desilting and the time it takes for the
water to settle. The Ladies’ Pond will be closed
for a longer period while the structure and
building of the changing rooms and lifeguard
facility are replaced.
Please see our website and on-site signage for
the latest information.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/pondsproject
Swimming in winter
A safety audit has identified medical issues
surrounding the physical and psychological
acclimatisation associated with all year round
recreational swimmers who enter water that is
below 12 ºC.
Dangers
• Numb and freezing cold injury
• Hypothermia
• Sudden Immersion Syndrome (SIS)
Recommendations
• Complete
a medical check for cold
water swimming
• Continue
swimming through the seasons,
three to four times a week for a minimum
of two to three minutes
Ladies’ and Men’s Bathing Ponds
opening times 2015-2016
Period from
Open
29 March
7am
4:30pm
4:45pm
19 April
7am
6:30pm
6:45pm
3 May
7am
8:30pm
8:45pm
30 August
7am
6:30pm
6:45pm
27 September
7am
4:30pm
4:45pm
25 October
7am
2:15pm
2:30pm
7:30am
2:45pm
3pm
7am
2:15pm
2:30pm
29 November
31 January 2016
Vacate water Vacate facility
During winter/spring 2015/16 work on the Ponds Project
will result in changes to the provision of swimming.
Please see our website and on-site signage for the latest
information. www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/pondsproject
Mixed Bathing Pond opening times
Summer season
2 May to 20 September
Open: 7am
Vacate water: 6:30pm
Vacate facility: 6:45pm
There is late evening swimming each
Wednesday in the month of July.
Vacate water: 8:30pm
Vacate facility: 8:45pm
Winter season
21 September 2015 to 6 May 2016
Swimmers wishing to use the Mixed Pond during
the winter season must join the Hampstead Heath
Winter Swimming Club. Membership of the club
is open to all adults, who swim at their own risk
without lifeguards.
There is an annual membership fee of £15 which
covers insurance. To enquire about membership
call Marc Hutchinson Tel: 07879 444 380.
During winter 2015/16 work on the Ponds Project
will result in changes to swimming times for the
Hampstead Heath Winter Swimming Club.
Contact details for other Heath swimming
organisations are on page 74.
Ponds Project
During winter/spring 2015/16 work on the Ponds
Project will result in changes to the provision
of swimming. We aim to keep two swimming
facilities open at any one time and offer
alternative arrangements.
The Men’s and Mixed Ponds should be closed
only for desilting and the time it takes for the
water to settle. The Ladies’ Pond will be closed
for a longer period while the structure and
building of the changing rooms and lifeguard
facility are replaced.
Please see our website and on-site signage for
the latest information.
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/pondsproject
Kenwood
Kenwood House is a neoclassical villa designed
by Robert Adam in 1764 for the first Earl of
Mansfield. With its exterior and interior conceived
to work beautifully together it is one of the best
examples of Adam’s work. Kenwood’s stories of
reform, slavery, brewing and philanthropy also
make it a fascinating insight into our social and
political history.
The Caring for Kenwood project has seen the
Adam interiors returned to their mid eighteenth
century glory, as well as the restoration of the
dairy and there are new and exciting ways to
get involved through volunteering, learning
and exploring. Kenwood House now feels
more like a home with the removal of barriers
and installation of furniture for visitors to sit as
intended in the rooms and marvel at the rehung
painting collection including masterpieces such
as Rembrandt’s self-portrait, Vermeer ‘s Guitar
Player and works by Gainsborough, Turner and
Reynolds.
House opening
10am – 5pm free entry (closed 24 and 25 Dec)
Estate opening
The park opens earlier and stays open later;
please see property notices.
The estate which is noted for its ancient oak
woodland was visited by landscape architect
Humphry Repton in 1793. He outlined a number of
improvements in his Kenwood Red Book which is
still referred to today.
www.english-heritage.org.uk
Tel: 020 8348 1286
Our Heath partners
As managers of Hampstead Heath, the City of
London works in partnership with a range of local
clubs, groups and societies, including:
Barnet Council
www.barnet.gov.uk
Camden Council
www.camden.gov.uk
Heath and Hampstead Society
www.heathandhampstead.org.uk
The Highgate Society
www.highgatesociety.com
South End Green Association
JFHunt@btinternet.com
Vale of Health Society
Tel: 07973 749 265
gollins@gmail.com
Hampstead Garden Suburb Residents Association
www.hgs.org.uk
Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee
Tel: 020 8340 5280
Hampstead Conservation Area
Advisory Committee
john.jmba@talktalk.net
Dartmouth Park Conservation
Area Advisory Committee
26 Brookfield Park, London, NW5 1ER
Mansfield Conservation Area Advisory Committee
Tel: 020 7485 2530
Mansfield Neighbourhood Association
chrisfaggconsulting@gmail.com
Heath Hands
www.heath-hands.org.uk
The Hampstead Scientific Society
www.hampsteadscience.ac.uk
Hampstead and District Ramblers
www.hampsteadramblers.org.uk
The Camden History Society
www.camdenhistorysociety.org
London Natural History Society
www.lnhs.org.uk
Marylebone Birdwatching Society
www.birdsmbs.org.uk
Hampstead Heath Anglers Society
www.hhasoc.org.uk
Highgate Harriers
www.highgateharriers.org.uk
London Heathside Athletics Club
www.londonheathside.org.uk
Hampstead Rugby Club
www.hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk
London Orienteering Klubb
www.londonorienteering.co.uk
Highgate Life-Buoys
Tel: 020 7485 7521
Highgate Men’s Pond Association
info@highgatemenspond.com
Kenwood Ladies’ Pond Association
www.klpa.org.uk
Mixed Pond Association
rachel.douglas@mac.com
Parliament Hill Lido Users Group (PHLUG)
groups.google.com/group/parliament-hill-fieldslido-swimmers-group-forum
United Swimmers Association
of Hampstead Heath
Chairman: Robert Sutherland Smith
Tel: 020 8455 0352
Contact us
hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
Heath Constabulary
FOR EMERGENCIES TEL: 999
Staff Yard, Highgate Road, NW5 1QR.
Tel: 020 8340 5260
(including out-of-office hours calls)
Superintendent’s office
Superintendent of Hampstead Heath,
Heathfield House,
432 Archway Road, N6 4JH.
Tel: 020 7332 3322
Fax: 020 8348 1677
hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk
www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/hampsteadheath
Parliament Hill
Manager, Staff Yard,
Highgate Road, NW5 1QR.
Tel: 020 7332 3773
Golders Hill
Manager, Staff Yard,
West Heath Avenue, NW11 7QP.
Tel: 020 7332 3511
Education Centre
Community Education Officer, Staff Yard,
Highgate Road, NW5 1QR.
Tel: 020 7482 7073
For general enquiries about the City of London’s
Green Spaces Tel: 020 7332 3505
The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of going to
print (April 2015). The City of London reserves the right to vary the events,
withdraw facilities or change opening times or prices without prior notice.
Out on the Heath
almost every
weekend!
Find out when
and where on
twitter
@wildheathbike
Visiting the Heath?
Look out for the
Heath bikes
and our team of wildlife interpreters
Pop up free activities to help you explore
the Heath, discover our wildlife and
get to know nature!
Find more about volunteering with
the Wild Heath Bike team and
the Wild about Hampstead Heath Project at:
www.wildhampsteadheath.org.uk