The ultimate area guide to Hampstead and Belsize Park

Hampstead and Belsize Park are among North London’s most desirable neighbourhoods, offering a tranquil combination for residents and tourists; a village atmosphere, beautiful architecture, quaint streets, cute coffee shops and excellent access into central London and beyond.

Alongside grand period homes and leafy avenues, the area is also celebrated for its characterful mews streets –  quiet, charming enclaves that sit just moments from the energy of local high streets. Below, Lurot Brand gives you an insight into these lovely neighbourhoods, the best coffee shops to visit, mews streets to explore and more – perfect for if you’ve just moved to the areas or simply want to visit for a day.

The ultimate area guide to Hampstead and Belsize Park

There are parts of London that feel like London – and then there are places that feel like a world of their own. This ultimate area guide to Hampstead and Belsize Park begins with that distinction, because the moment you arrive, the atmosphere changes. The roads curve instead of marching in straight lines. Georgian façades sit beside Victorian villas. Church bells, independent shopfronts and the distant sweep of open heathland create something increasingly rare in the capital: a genuine village feel in the city.

Neighbourhoods shaped by history

Hampstead’s story stretches back to the 17th century, when visitors were first drawn to its chalybeate springs, believing the iron-rich waters had healing properties. By the 18th century, it had become a fashionable spa retreat for London’s elite, and grand houses began to rise along its winding lanes. Many of those handsome period homes still define the area today.

Walking along Hampstead High Street, you can still sense that layered history. Independent boutiques sit beside historic pubs, and long-established bookshops share the street with welcoming cafés. Tucked behind the main thoroughfare are cobbled lanes and quiet corners that feel untouched by time.

Just to the south, Belsize Park developed later, largely in the 19th century, when the grand Belsize estate was transformed into elegant residential avenues. The wide, tree-lined streets and substantial stucco-fronted houses give Belsize Park a calmer, more residential rhythm. Around England’s Lane and Haverstock Hill, local shops and neighbourhood cafés create an easy, everyday sociability that residents cherish.

The hidden mews streets

No ultimate area guide to Hampstead and Belsize Park would be complete without exploring one of its most desirable property secrets: the mews streets.

Originally built in the 18th and 19th centuries as service lanes behind grand townhouses – stabling horses above and carriages below – these cobbled enclaves have evolved into some of North London’s most characterful homes. Today, they offer privacy, architectural charm and a sense of seclusion just moments from vibrant high streets.

In Hampstead, famous streets such as Perrin’s Court and Holly Bush Vale are particularly picturesque, but mews aren’t as well known and benefit from a quiet ambiance.

Wander around and explore Boades Mews, taking note of its little sign pointing to the pretty Flask Walk, Wildwood Grove with its abundance of flowers and Prince Arthur Mews, situated close to Ginger and White coffee shop – the ideal place for a homemade snack. After, continue to Belsize Park and visit Daleham Mews; a cobbled through road off Belsize Lane, Baynes Mews and McCrone Mews, which contain original/ surviving Mews properties from WW2.

What makes mews houses in Hampstead and Belsize Park so special is their balance. They are hidden, yet central. Historic, yet adaptable. Many have been thoughtfully reconfigured for modern living, offering flexible layouts, generous natural light and, in some cases, integral garages – a rarity in London. For buyers seeking individuality rather than uniformity, mews living remains one of the area’s most compelling opportunities.

Green Space on a Grand Scale

Dominating the northern edge of the neighbourhood is Hampstead Heath – 790 acres of meadows, ancient woodland and swimming ponds that feel closer to countryside than capital. For generations, writers, artists and intellectuals have walked its paths, inspired by its wildness and its extraordinary views across the London skyline from Parliament Hill.

Just to the south lies Primrose Hill, another iconic green space known for its sweeping panoramas and sunset gatherings. Together, these open expanses define daily life here. Morning runs, weekend picnics and year-round cold-water swimming are not occasional treats but part of the local rhythm.

Cafés, restaurants and local hotspots

Part of the enduring appeal of Hampstead and Belsize Park lies in their independent spirit with long-standing institutions sitting comfortably alongside newer arrivals.

In Hampstead, Ginger & White is a much-loved brunch destination, Louis Patisserie remains something of a local legend, and The Wells Tavern near the Heath blends traditional pub warmth with refined dining. Retsina has long been celebrated for its Greek cooking, and Jin Kichi is widely regarded for its intimate Japanese dining experience.

Over in Belsize Park, The Washington has a loyal following as a characterful gastropub, coffee houses such as the WatchHouse Belsize Park and Euphorium offer cosy places for a cappuchino and a catchup, whilst Franco Manca offers relaxed, reliable dining. The café culture here isn’t about chains dominating corners – it’s about familiarity, quality and community.

Culture and creative legacy

For centuries, Hampstead has attracted writers, poets and artists seeking both inspiration and proximity to central London. The area’s creative reputation continues today. Hampstead Theatre, located in South Hampstead, presents an acclaimed programme of contemporary productions, while independent cinemas and galleries contribute to a lively cultural fabric.

That sense of community runs deep. Weekly shops become rituals, familiar faces greet one another on the High Street, and many residents stay not just for years, but for decades. It’s no wonder that some of the UK’s famous faces live in the vicinity, like actress Helena Bonham Carter, singer Harry Styles and comedian Ricky Gervais to name a few.

Schools, connectivity and long-term appeal

Families are drawn to the area for its strong selection of respected state and independent schools, as well as the lifestyle balance that access to green space provides. Despite its village atmosphere, connectivity is excellent. Hampstead, Belsize Park and Swiss Cottage Underground stations offer swift access to the West End, the City and beyond, ensuring that tranquillity does not come at the cost of convenience.

Why buyers choose Hampstead and Belsize Park

The ultimate area guide to Hampstead and Belsize Park ultimately comes down to one defining quality: enduring appeal. These neighbourhoods have evolved over centuries without losing their identity. The architecture is rich in history, the green spaces are unmatched, and the mews streets offer a discreet and characterful way to live in London.

For buyers seeking a distinctive North London home – somewhere with charm, privacy and a genuine sense of place – Hampstead and Belsize Park, particularly their hidden mews addresses, remain among the capital’s most desirable and resilient residential choices.

Are you looking to live in Maida Vale? Contact our team at enquiries@lurotbrand.co.uk to see how we can assist you with your search.