Parliament Hill
the skyline view nobody can build away
The best free view in north London, a grassy summit on Hampstead Heath where the whole skyline lays itself out, protected by law so no building can ever block it.
Free to visit · Hampstead Heath · Gospel Oak · NW5 1QR
Opening: Always open
Parliament Hill is the high southern shoulder of Hampstead Heath, and the climb up its grassy slope earns you one of the great free views of London. From the benches at the top the whole city spreads out below, the Shard, the City cluster, St Paul's, the towers of the West End, all in one sweep.
The view is so prized that it is protected by law. Certain sightlines from the hill to landmarks like St Paul's cannot be built across, so what you see is guaranteed to stay, a free panorama no developer can ever take away.
It is a working local hill rather than a tourist platform, busy with kite flyers, runners, dog walkers and couples watching the sun go down. On a clear evening half of north London seems to drift up here for free, and it beats any paid viewing deck in town.
Getting there: A short walk up from Gospel Oak or Hampstead Heath overground, on the southern edge of the Heath.
Best time to go: Sunset on a clear evening, a north London ritual. Bring a kite on a breezy day and you will be in good company.
Insider tip: Come for sunset and stay for the lights. As the sky darkens the whole city switches on beneath you, and it costs nothing. A breezy afternoon is the classic time to bring a kite, which the hill is famous for.
Official site: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/hampstead-heath
Free things to do in London · London Free Guide