Parliament Hill London
Iconic hilltop park offering breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline, set within the expansive Hampstead Heath.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical golden hour light
Parliament Hill London
Best Time
Magical golden hour light
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic hilltop park offering breathtaking panoramic views of the London skyline, set within the expansive Hampstead Heath.
"The most romantic place in London for a sunset."
🎯 Best Photo Spots
Capture the skyline from the summit; golden hour is magical! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Advice
Parliament Hill Lido or Kenwood House parking. Can be busy/costly. :car:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Iconic London Skyline
Parliament Hill Summit
Panoramic views stretching across London, a perfect spot for photos and soaking in the city's grandeur.
Hampstead Heath Exploration
Surrounding Hampstead Heath
Wander through this vast, beautiful parkland, discovering hidden ponds, woodlands, and charming paths.
Picnic Perfection
Grassy slopes of Parliament Hill
Enjoy a leisurely picnic with friends or family, set against the stunning backdrop of the city.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Best Photo Spots
Capture the skyline from the summit; golden hour is magical! :camerawithflash: 
🚗 Parking Advice
Parliament Hill Lido or Kenwood House parking. Can be busy/costly. :car:
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Pack a blanket and snacks for a perfect hilltop picnic experience. :foodforlunch:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Hampstead Heath's varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Best Photo Spots
Capture the skyline from the summit; golden hour is magical! :camerawithflash:
🚗 Parking Advice
Parliament Hill Lido or Kenwood House parking. Can be busy/costly. :car:
🧺 Picnic Essentials
Pack a blanket and snacks for a perfect hilltop picnic experience. :foodforlunch:
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring Hampstead Heath's varied terrain. :athletic_shoe:
🚶♀️ Explore the Heath
Don't just stick to the hill; discover ponds and trails on Hampstead Heath. :hiking_boot:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Parliament Hill for its breathtaking, iconic London skyline views, making it a must-visit for photographers and sightseers. The expansive Hampstead Heath offers a beautiful natural escape, perfect for picnics and leisurely walks. Some find parking challenging and crowds can be significant during peak times.
"Classic London view that is open 24/7. It is accessible form the both parts of the park. Unfortunatelly the foliage is never cut so during summer months the view is more restricted in comparison with the winter. However is it still an iconic place and a must visit spot"
Il y a D
"Parliament Hill Viewpoint is one of London’s most serene and breathtaking spots, offering a panoramic view of the city’s skyline. Tucked away in the northern part of Hampstead Heath, this place isn’t always on the radar for tourists, making it an ideal location for those seeking peaceful moments away from the city’s buzz. The view is nothing short of mesmerizing—especially at sunrise or sunset—when the silhouettes of London’s iconic buildings like The Shard, The Gherkin, and St. Paul’s Cathedral come alive under the sky’s changing colors.
What makes Parliament Hill truly special is the quiet charm it holds. You’ll often find people reading, couples sharing cozy conversations, or individuals simply taking in the calm breeze and open sky. It’s undeniably a romantic place—perfect for a thoughtful date or some quality solo reflection time.
The easiest way to get here is via the London Underground. Take the Northern Line to either Belsize Park or Hampstead station. From there, it’s about a 15–20 minute walk through the charming residential streets to reach Hampstead Heath. Alternatively, you can take the Overground train to Gospel Oak station, which is just a 5-minute walk from the hill. Once inside Hampstead Heath, follow the signs or ask a local for directions to the Parliament Hill viewpoint—it’s a popular yet peaceful spot that’s definitely worth the walk."
Alvin Lo Vincilo
"This an ideal spot from which to take in the skyline on central London. On a summer's day it is an extremely popular spot with visitors so the park benches are rapidly occupied. There is an information plaque helping you to identify various buildings."
Bernard Savage
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Parliament Hill is accessible via public transport. The nearest Tube stations are Hampstead and Belsize Park on the Northern Line, both a pleasant walk away. Buses also serve the area. For those driving, parking is available at Parliament Hill Lido or Kenwood House, though it can be limited and expensive.
Yes, there are parking options. The Parliament Hill Lido car park is available but not large and can be pricey. Kenwood House offers free parking and is usually a reliable option.
While a long walk, it's possible if you enjoy extended strolls. It's more practical to take the Tube to Hampstead or Belsize Park stations and then walk.
Taking the Tube to Hampstead or Belsize Park and walking is recommended to avoid traffic and parking issues. Aim to arrive a bit before sunset to secure a good spot.
The main paths on Hampstead Heath are generally accessible, but some steeper sections may be challenging. The summit of Parliament Hill offers great views without extensive climbing. Check local accessibility guides for detailed information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath are public spaces and free to enter. You don't need tickets to enjoy the views or the park.
Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath are open 24/7, allowing you to visit at any time. However, for the best experience and safety, daytime and early evening visits are recommended.
Hampstead Heath, including Parliament Hill, is a public park and does not have an entry fee. It's completely free to explore.
There are no official guided tours specifically for Parliament Hill itself. However, guided walks of Hampstead Heath are sometimes organized by local groups. You can also find tours of the Palace of Westminster (Big Ben) separately, which require pre-booking.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions beyond standard park rules. Enjoy the space responsibly, and be mindful of other visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for skyline photos. Weekday mornings can also provide clearer shots with fewer people.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive London skyline. A tripod can be helpful for low-light conditions during sunset or sunrise.
Drone usage is generally restricted in London parks and over populated areas. It's best to check the official Hampstead Heath or City of London Corporation guidelines before flying a drone.
The summit itself offers the classic panoramic view. Look for interesting foreground elements like trees or benches to add depth to your shots.
For professional photoshoots, it's advisable to check with the relevant authorities (e.g., City of London Corporation) as permits may be required, especially for commercial purposes. Casual photography is generally fine.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Parliament Hill is part of Hampstead Heath, offering extensive walking trails, swimming ponds, woodlands, and open spaces for recreation. You can enjoy a picnic, birdwatch, or simply relax in nature.
Yes, there are public restrooms and cafes located within Hampstead Heath, including near Kenwood House and Parliament Hill Lido.
Yes, families can enjoy Parliament Hill. The open grassy areas are great for kids to run around, and the views are captivating. Be mindful of the slopes and supervise children closely.
It can get very crowded, especially during sunset on warm days and weekends. Weekday mornings are significantly quieter.
Bring a picnic blanket, snacks, water, and comfortable shoes. A camera is a must for the views! Sunscreen and a hat are advisable on sunny days.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the summit offers stunning views, ensure children are supervised closely due to the slopes. The Heath also has playgrounds and open spaces ideal for family activities. Consider visiting during the day when it's less crowded and safer for younger children to roam.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Pack your own picnic and drinks to save money on food, as cafes on the Heath can add up. Utilize London's extensive public transport network (Tube and buses) to reach Hampstead, which is generally more cost-effective than driving and parking. Walking around Hampstead Heath itself is also free and offers hours of exploration and enjoyment.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 Aim for the golden hours of sunrise and sunset for the most dramatic light. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to fit the expansive view into your frame. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images in low light and for capturing long exposures of the city lights. Experiment with different compositions, using trees, benches, or the rolling hills of Hampstead Heath as foreground elements to add depth and interest to your photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Parliament Hill Views
+1Many visitors describe the experience as truly special, a moment to appreciate the vastness and beauty of London from a unique vantage point. It's a place where locals and tourists mingle, sharing the awe-inspiring scenery. The open, natural setting of Hampstead Heath provides a refreshing contrast to the urban sprawl, enhancing the impact of the skyline view.
To make the most of your visit, consider timing. While sunset is popular, it can be crowded. Sunrise offers a more tranquil experience with equally stunning light. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends. Remember to bring a blanket if you plan to sit and enjoy the view for an extended period, especially during cooler months.
Exploring Hampstead Heath Beyond the Hill
Visitors can spend hours exploring its diverse terrain, from the formal gardens of Kenwood House to the more rugged, natural areas. The Heath is a haven for wildlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching and nature photography. Many Redditors recommend dedicating a significant portion of your day to simply wander and discover its hidden corners, rather than just focusing on Parliament Hill itself.
For those looking for a more structured experience, Kenwood House, a magnificent stately home, is located on the Heath and offers free entry to its art collection and beautiful grounds. The Heath also features various cafes and refreshment points, making it easy to spend a full day immersed in its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Practicalities: Parking and Access
The Parliament Hill Lido car park is an option, but it's noted for being small and potentially expensive. A more reliable, and often free, parking choice is at Kenwood House. However, spaces can fill up, particularly on busy days. Some Redditors suggest parking on Bishops Avenue, though this may have time restrictions.
For those relying on public transport, the walk from the nearest Tube stations offers a pleasant introduction to the area, often passing through charming Hampstead streets before reaching the Heath. This approach also helps avoid the stress of finding parking and navigating potential traffic congestion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit