Hampstead

Hampstead Heath, affectionately known by Londoners as simply “the Heath”, is a popular nature reserve situated on the London Clay. Visitors can take their time, strolling among the many ponds, hills, forests and recreational areas. The Heath covers approximately 790 acres, and is the cross country running capital of Britain. Much of the area is a natural conservation reserve for a variety of birds and animals, including grass snakes and terrapins and woodpeckers.
What was once considered an intrusion and blight on the face of Hampstead Health, the Vale of Health was an otherwise picturesque village. Built in 1777 on former marsh land, the village was one time home to essayist Leigh Hunt, who frequently entertained such literary giants as Shelley, Keats and Byron. As a way of driving more visitors to the village, the name “Vale of the Health” was conceived in the late 1800s, and soon became popular. The village has endured to this day; albeit as a collection of villas and cottages.