I will be in London for an extended time with my family...I was wondering if Hampstead Heath is a good leisure area...(kite flying, area to run for the kids). Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks

its ok....just a big open area surrounded by busy roads....the town itself is quite nice

Hampstead Heath is quite nice, esp in summer when they have open-air concerts nr Kenwood House. Also good for general walking/rambling.

Though the place IS big. For kite flying, I'd prefer Primrose Hill (excellent view of London skyline, good children's playground). Also close to shops/cafes along Primrose Hill and also to Regent's Park/London Zoo. Or try Greenwich Park.

How old are the kids? If they're quite young, ie stroller-age, I would opt for somewhere flatter, like Regent's Park or Kensington Gardens.

Also, what time of the year will you be visiting? Late spring to summer is gorgeous (long daytime) but it does get wet/chilly/dark early in winter time. Do you know which part of London you will be staying?

My kids are 6 and 3. Let me know if you want something more specific for children's activities etc.

BTW, because we sometimes have really crappy weather, London has good indoor playgrounds. There is one near Kentish Town West, another in Swiss Cottage (also an indoor children's pools). Also a good children's swimming pool at Porchester leisure centre.

W9London,

The indoor playgrounds sound intriguing (and probably a necessity for us, my children are 3, 5, and 7). We will be there in May and will be staying in a flat in the Willesden Green area. I really appreciate your suggestions!

I (honestly) don't know what rhkkmk is talking about. Busy roads - Hampstead Heath? Sure there are busy roads in the vicinity - it is London afterall. But when one wants to get away from the hustle/bustle, a walk across the Heath and you will feel you are far out in the country. The view from Parliament Hill is amazing.

I agree w/ W9 about Primrose Hill - and it being near Regent's Park/the zoo.

Also - The Princess Diana playground in Kensington Gardens is perfect for kids the ages of yours.

Hubby and I were just there and it was great...you really do feel like you are in the country and there were tonnes of families out and about. The path isnt paved though, so it does make a stroller difficult. The views from Parliament Hill are fabulous, and there were lots of people flying kites.

Here are some pics of what it looks like http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/jamie....oHampsteadWalk

The grounds at Kenwood House (free) is really lovely. When I visited in Sept 07, lots of locals were there having walks and picnics. Kenwood House and the grounds were in a (rather long) scene in the movie Notting Hill.

Riscott,

Some friends of ours in Willesden Green live in flats/semi-detached with communal gardens. It would be quite nice if your flat is indeed a garden flat.

Otherwise, it is on Jubilee Line, so good connection to Swiss Cottage. Try googling Swiss Cottage Leisure Centre. You can use the swimming pool (but not their gym) on pay-per-visit use. There is also an indoor softplay area called Rascals--great for 3yo and 5yo, your oldest one maybe a bit too old. Also a great library next door with an excellent children's section.

There is another indoor soft play area called Topsy Turvey at Brent Cross shopping centre (the closest thing we have to the US style shopping mall). It's a bit hard to find, on the back of a multi-story parking lot.

Also another indoor play area called Treetops in Tallacre Sports Centre (closest train station Kentish Town West). This one is quite big--definitely for older kids as well.

There are also Gymboree in the O2 centre on Finchley Rd. I think you'll need to sign up for the course for this one. (all the rest I mentioned are pay per visit, usually quite reasonable).

Not really an indoor, but Paddington Rec has kids' tennis/football sessions. Most private gyms (like the Virgin in Cricklewood) have children's swimming pools. You may want to inquire if you can get short-term membership.

Thank you so much for the suggestions!

Parliament Hill has the most amazing view of the city! Take the tube to Belsize Park, head up the hill, towards the park, and take the signs to East Heath and Parliament Hill. You'll see more locals than visitors in this park, with local joggers, families with kids in strollers, and kite-flyers and dog walkers.

I know you are considering Hampstead Heath as a good outdoor area for your family, but it also might be worth taking turns with your spouse to see the interior of kenwood House. It is a beautiful building with some outstanding art. My husband and I often took this approach to visiting museums, etc when our kids were young.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/s...show=nav.12783

The view of the city from Parliament Hill is great.

Hampstead Village is also interesting

Something that I like to do withy visitors is buy a postcard of Constable's view from Hampstead Heath from the National Gallery's gift shop, and then try and pick out he landmarks in the modern cityscape - there are a surprisingly large number left.

You'll probably want to avoid the gay cruising area, though

And the pond with the nekkid people too.

London is difficult for east west journeys most transport, even buses are radial so although it is a good idea to visit Hampstead Heath, or Regents Park or Primrose Hill, all have children's play equipment. You would be well advised to find some local parks near your temporary home. However, don't lose heart use the TfL journey planner for routes and you will see that from Willesden Green to Hampstead (Northern Line) they recommend W. Grn to Finchley Road and 268 bus to Hampstead tube. To the Heath take the tube to Swiss Cottage and then the C11 bus to South End Green and Hampstead Heath station nearby. This station is on the surface rail just re-christened London Overground. There is also a direct link from Willesden Junction station to Hampstead Heath to the east or Kew and Richmond to the west. This train also gives a lot of amusement to little children who are keen on trains as you can see level crossings etc from close up and at a viewable speed. Very local will see the real face of London. While you are waiting for the next train you see goods trains going through. Why do I know, had a nephew who was a train freak. PS London Overground is now part of the ticket structure of the undeground and buses so you can use an Oyster card or Travel cards.

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