Approximately four miles north west of Central London, Hampstead is an attractive hilltop getaway, and home to many well-known names, past and present. With plenty to entertain, interest and delight, here’s our guide to spending a day exploring the area.

9am

Arrive at Hampstead station (Northern line) from where it’s a short walk to Gail’s Artisan Bakery for breakfast. Perched on the corner of Hampstead High Street and Oriel Place, Gail's is popular with locals for its excellent coffee, blueberry muffins and artisan, organic bread. Place your order, take a seat, and plan your day.

10am

Time to work off breakfast with a walk on the Heath. The 791 acres of woodland, playing fields and swimming ponds, are a big attraction all year round, and the hilltop location means the views are pretty good, too.

Magnificent Kenwood House is located on the edge of the Heath and open every day. The architecture, interiors, art collection and gardens all have a story to tell and entry is free. Dip in or do the full tour.

12pm

Back to Hampstead High Street for some shopping and browsing in the superb mix of well-known brands, designer boutiques and specialist shops. Look out for The Hampstead Antique and Craft Emporium, which has more than 25 independent shops, ranging from antique and vintage artefacts to contemporary designer and craft items.

1pm

Hungry? We recommend Jin Kichi for the perfect light lunch. This high-quality, family-run Japanese restaurant serves delicious grilled skewers and sushi. The cosy, minimalist layout means you might not get a table straight away, but it’s worth the wait. Why not try a Shochu cocktail while you do?

3pm

How about a visit to Burgh House, a Grade I listed building and home to Hampstead Museum, which alongside a permanent collection hosts regular art and history exhibitions, concerts and recitals. Or the Freud Museum where, along with the remarkable collection of antiquities, you can see the famous psychoanalytic couch on which all of Freud’s patients reclined.

5pm

After all that history and culture it’s time to sample Hampstead’s social side with a beer at The Horseshoe, a buzzing gastro pub with a relaxed atmosphere and home to Camden Town Brewery.

7pm

Time for dinner and there’s no better place than L'Antica Pizzeria, where they serve delicious Neapolitan wood-fired pizzas and authentic Italian pasta, in a cosy, exposed brick and wood restaurant.

10pm

Finally, to round off your day, a real gem of a London local: The Holly Bush. A charming, Grade II listed pub with a real fire, ornate etched glass panels, authentic wooden floors and wealth of local nostalgia lining the walls, it’s the perfect place to enjoy good ales and fine wine at the end of a busy day.

Further information

Contact Savills Hampstead for more details or view available properties for sale in Hampstead