Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath: London Views, History and Walks
Rising above the south-eastern side of Hampstead Heath, Parliament Hill is one of north London’s best-known viewpoints. At around 98 metres above sea level, the summit combines open green space, walking routes and a remarkable panorama across central London.
Parliament Hill is not beside the Houses of Parliament. It is part of Hampstead Heath in north London. From the summit, however, the city spreads out to the south, creating long-distance views towards many of London’s most recognisable buildings.
A Panoramic View Across London
The summit is famous for its wide view of the London skyline. On a clear day, landmarks visible from the hill include St Paul’s Cathedral, The Shard, The Gherkin and the Palace of Westminster, together with many other buildings across central and east London.
These views are more than a popular backdrop for walkers and photographers. Important sightlines from Parliament Hill are protected so that the relationship between the viewpoint and major London landmarks can be preserved as the city continues to change.
Why Is It Called Parliament Hill?
The name is associated with the English Civil War in the seventeenth century. The hill was used as a strategic lookout by forces fighting on the side of Parliament, taking advantage of its elevated position above the surrounding landscape.
Parliament Hill later became part of Hampstead Heath, joining a much larger protected landscape of grassland, woodland, ponds and paths. It was formally incorporated into the Heath in 1888, helping secure the area as public open space.
Walking on Parliament Hill and Hampstead Heath
Parliament Hill works particularly well as part of a longer walk across Hampstead Heath. Paths spread out from the summit towards open fields, wooded areas, ponds and other parts of the Heath, allowing walkers to combine the viewpoint with a much broader exploration of north London’s green landscape.
The climb to the summit is relatively short compared with a countryside hike, but the changing gradients and extensive network of paths make the area useful for anything from a relaxed walk to a longer urban hiking route.
Parliament Hill Fields
At the foot of the hill, Parliament Hill Fields provides a range of outdoor and sporting facilities. The area includes the Parliament Hill Lido, athletics facilities, tennis courts, cricket areas, children’s play facilities and a paddling pool.
This combination of open countryside character and established recreation facilities helps make Parliament Hill a distinctive part of Hampstead Heath: a place used for walking, running, sport, photography, family visits and simply enjoying the skyline.
Kite Hill and Open Space
Parliament Hill is also traditionally associated with kite flying, and the summit is sometimes known as Kite Hill. Its exposed position and broad open grassland make the hill one of the recognisable gathering points on the Heath.
A Viewpoint for Walkers and Photographers
For photographers, the appeal of Parliament Hill changes with the weather and the light. Clear conditions reveal architectural detail across the skyline, while mist, winter light and evening skies can transform the same panorama into something entirely different.
For walkers, its greatest advantage is the setting. Parliament Hill gives the feeling of standing above the city while remaining inside one of London’s major historic green spaces.
Conclusion
Parliament Hill is a genuine north London landmark: a historic viewpoint on Hampstead Heath where landscape, walking and the London skyline come together. Its Civil War association, protected views and connection with the wider Heath give the hill a story that is far more interesting than the myths and geographical confusion sometimes attached to its name.
This article is proudly sponsored by AllTrails.
