Heath Lodge, Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
Parliament Hill Viewpoint
Viewpoint
Source image
6.8
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
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Cost
Big-sky
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.8At 98 metres, Parliament Hill is one of London’s highest natural points. Its broad skyline view takes in landmarks including St Paul’s, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Palace of Westminster.
A rare open, elevated panorama in the middle of north London, with a Civil War-era name and a view protected for future generations. It is worth visiting for the changing skyline as much as the hill itself.
Big-sky · Dramatic
Find your way
Open mapHeath Lodge, Hampstead Heath, London NW5 1QR
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The experience
Allow around an hour to reach the hill, take in the panorama and explore a little of the surrounding Heath. On a clear day, pick out St Paul’s, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Palace of Westminster.
Things to do
Take in the London panorama
From the viewpoint, scan the skyline for St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Palace of Westminster.
Allow time to pause and take in the view.
Make a short Heath walk of it
Use a public Heath path to reach the viewpoint. Consult the City of London’s Hampstead Heath map for walking trails and choose an approach suited to your time and ability.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Around 1 hour
Quick Escape: the skyline from the summit
- 01
Reach Parliament Hill via the Heath paths; the City of London identifies Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak stations as within walking distance.
- 02
Take in the panorama from the hill and look for St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Palace of Westminster.
- 03
Return by the route you came; paths, distance and conditions depend on your chosen approach.
Verified history
The City of London says the name Parliament Hill dates to the 17th century, when Parliamentarian forces used the hill as a strategic lookout during the English Civil War. The hill became part of Hampstead Heath in 1888, and its panorama is legally protected.
Hidden details
The view has protected status — The panorama is not simply a fortunate modern skyline view: the City of London says it is legally protected. Look across the landmarks knowing the view itself is part of the place’s heritage.
When to go
· Choose a clear day; no specific time of day is verified as best.
The main draw is the distant skyline, so visibility is more important than season. The supplied sources do not establish seasonal conditions or peak periods.
Distant landmarks are easiest to see when visibility is good. Check the forecast before travelling; conditions on the hill are not detailed in the supplied sources.
Worth pairing with
Parliament Hill Café
The City of London lists a café at Parliament Hill as a nearby amenity. Check its current opening and availability before planning around it.
What to look for
From the summit, look for St Paul’s Cathedral, the Shard, the Gherkin and the Palace of Westminster. Notice how the protected panorama sets the city’s landmarks against the open Heath.
The story
English Civil War; preservation of Hampstead Heath
Best time to go
Clear days in any season; visibility matters more than a particular month.
Choose a clear day for the best chance of seeing distant landmarks. Early or late light can add atmosphere to skyline photographs, but the supplied sources do not establish a specific best time.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
Walkers · Photographers · Solo
Before you go
Address
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Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
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Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The City of London describes Parliament Hill as part of Hampstead Heath’s public open space. Hampstead Heath and Gospel Oak Overground stations are within walking distance; check current access and travel information before setting out.
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Parking
Parking availability and cost are not verified; check before visiting.
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Toilets
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Food & drink
The City of London lists Parliament Hill Café; check current opening and availability before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible entrance and seating. The viewpoint is reached via Heath paths; surface and route accessibility are not verified. Check before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Parliament Hill Viewpoint
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
