Why Belsize Park was known as “Budget Hampstead”
In these days of inflated house prices, it’s hard to imagine Belsize Park was once the “budget Hampstead” – but it was! The apartments in Belsize Park were originally rented by Central London refugees in the 1930s who moved into the council-built Victorian flats. In the present day you will still find council flats here (as in most neighborhoods in London) but Belsize Park would never be described as ‘budget’.
French origins of Belsize Park’s name
Belsize Park is named after the French word ‘bel assis’, which means ‘beautifully situated’.
It’s no secret that celebrities now love Belsize Park!
Walking around Belsize Park, you’re likely to encounter a familiar face or two. Jude Law, Cameron Diaz, Noel Gallagher, Tom Hiddleston or Agatha Christie are some of the famous residents as well as former Prime Minister Tony Blair.. Thousands of celebrities have lived in the North London neighborhood over the past few decades, some of whom might even be found in your local Belsize Park pub!
Originally a small village
Hampstead started out as a village before becoming swallowed by Greater London.
Why does Hampstead have an eclectic choice of restaurants?
Numerous cafes and restaurants that became successful chains were tested in Hampstead. These include Giraffe World Kitchen, Gail’s and Bagels Street. Therefore, Hampstead is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from French to Thai or Indian.
Hampstead is strongly European
75% of Camden voters voted to remain in the European Union during the 2016 United Kingdom referendum. Hampstead was used by many commentators as an archetype for the kinds of areas that favored EU membership following the referendum.
In which famous films has Hampstead appeared?
Parliament Hill Fields on the Heath, overlooking west London, is featured in outdoor scenes in The Wedding Date (2005). Besides Parliament Hill, Gospel Oak and Camden Town are also featured in Notes on a Scandal (2006). On Haverstock Hill, the old Hampstead Town Hall is featured in Four Weddings and a Funeral (1994).
60 English Heritage blue plaques
There are at least 60 English Heritage blue plaques in Hampstead commemorating the many diverse personalities that have lived there
An enchanted secret garden inherited from a Lord
In Hampstead Heath, there is a historic garden hidden and known as the Pergola. It was built in the early 20th century by Lord Leverhulme, a wealthy businessman and philanthropist, as part of his plans to create a lavish Edwardian estate on the grounds of a former mansion.
Pergolas are long, raised walkways that are planted with climbing plants and surrounded by ponds, gardens, and other ornamental features. It is designed to provide visitors with a peaceful and scenic retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, and has become a popular destination for walkers, joggers, and nature lovers.
The source of the River Fleet; Hatchett’s Bottom
The River Fleet, London’s lost river, runs right through Hampstead Heath, right around the bend from the ponds. The river is flowing and you can hear it on Hampstead Heath’s west side, the Vale of the Health. The River Fleet originates here at Hatchett’s Bottom, once called Hatchett’s Bottom.
Parliament Hill’s secret impressive view
A sandy ridge extending from Hampstead on the west to Highgate on the east lies in the south part of the park. Parliament Hill reaches nearly 100m in height and has spectacular views of the London skyline, including St Paul’s Cathedral, BT Tower, Emirates Stadium, among others. As an added bonus, you need to be local to know about it and parts of that panorama are protected, meaning no building can be constructed that would block the view, a beautiful view to enjoy for many years to come!
Hampstead, a place for facial reconstruction?
Royal Free Hospital is a national center of excellence for facial reconstruction and is a leader in plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery in the UK. In addition to reconstructive ear surgery, hand conditions, and skin cancer treatment, the plastic surgery and reconstructive surgery team also performs cosmetic procedures.
