Spaniards Road, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ
Toll Gate House
Tiny historic site
Place photograph
3.3
Wildland
Under 1 hour
Time
Check
Cost
Atmospheric
Feel
Why it's Wildland
3.3An 18th-century toll house that survived a campaign to save it when road widening threatened to sweep it away. A plaque was unveiled here in 2012, marking the building’s long history beside Hampstead Heath.
This is a small piece of roadside heritage rather than a destination for a long visit. Its appeal lies in the surviving toll house, its position beside Hampstead Heath and the story of local people campaigning to keep it from being demolished.
Atmospheric · Historic
Find your way
Open mapSpaniards Road, Hampstead, London NW3 7JJ
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
A brief heritage stop to view the toll house from a safe, publicly accessible position if available and read its plaque if accessible. Do not assume the building is open to enter.
Things to do
See the toll house from a safe public position
Take a brief look at the historic building beside Hampstead Heath. The source reports that this part of the Heath is open to the public, but does not confirm access to the house itself; the building also stands beside a busy road.
Under 1 hour
Look for the commemorative plaque
A plaque marking the Toll Gate House’s history was unveiled in 2012. Check whether it is currently visible and accessible.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · Under 1 hour
A brief look at the toll house
- 01
Check that the site can be approached safely and publicly before setting out.
- 02
View the Toll Gate House from a safe, accessible position; do not assume entry is permitted.
- 03
Look for the commemorative plaque if it is accessible.
Verified history
The Toll Gate House dates to an 18th-century toll levied on land owned by the Bishop of London. After tolls were abolished, the building struggled to find a new use. In the early 20th century it was considered an obstruction to traffic, and road-widening plans threatened it with demolition. The Heath and Hampstead Society campaigned to save it; a plaque was unveiled in 2012. The source describes it as a brick building and reports that the road was closed for two weeks during refurbishment in 2011.
Hidden details
A building caught between heritage and traffic — By around 1920, growing traffic had prompted proposals to remove the toll house and widen the road. The local campaign to save it helped preserve this small reminder of the area’s toll-taking past.
When to go
· Daylight; confirm current access before travelling.
The supplied source gives no seasonal information or current visitor schedule.
No weather-specific information is available. Take extra care beside the busy road, particularly in poor visibility.
What to look for
Look for the historic plaque unveiled in 2012, if it remains accessible. The article describes the house as a brick structure and recounts how it was threatened by proposed road widening around 1920.
The story
Industry
Best time to go
Any season, subject to current access.
Daylight is practical for viewing the building and its surroundings. Check access before setting out.
How long to spend
Under 1 hour
Perfect for
History lovers · Walkers
Before you go
Practical information
Opening & access
A 2012 local report describes the surrounding part of Hampstead Heath as open to the public, but does not establish whether visitors can enter or approach the Toll Gate House today. It stands beside a busy road; check current access and take care. Access arrangements are unconfirmed. Check before visiting; do not enter private land or restricted structures.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
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Dogs
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Accessibility
Access to the building and step-free access are unverified. The house is reported to stand beside a busy road; take care and check before visiting.
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Cost
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Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Toll Gate House
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
Kenwood Viewpoint
Kenwood, Hampstead Heath, London N6 4JU, United Kingdom
0.6 km away
Anna Pavlova Blue Plaque
Ivy House, 94–96 North End Road, London NW11 7SX
0.8 km away
