Area Guide: West and South Hampstead NW3
West Hampstead grew up as a small village, surrounded by farmland. With the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century, much of the farmland was converted into housing, and the name was changed from West End to West Hampstead – to avoid confusion with the area of central London known as the West End. The village feel is still very much a part of modern West Hampstead life; indeed, one of the big draws for local residents is the sense of community. South Hampstead lies between West End Lane, Belsize Road, Finchley Road and Broadhurst Gardens.
Architectural highlights
The area consists of substantial redbrick semi-detached houses, handsome Edwardian mansion blocks, tall Victorian terraces, and a mix of luxurious developments of modern apartments.
Smartest streets
The smartest streets tend to border Hampstead ‘proper’ where large detached houses, some with up to seven bedrooms, can be found. The most desirable addresses include the leafy Crediton Hill, the hugely popular ‘Greek Roads’, or the highly regarded Aberdare Gardens and Goldhurst Terrace.
Who’s there
Particularly famous for its high concentration of celebrity residents, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry and Angela Griffin have all called this trendy borough home.
Entertainment
One of the greatest charms of this area is that the high street hasn’t yet been taken over by the big chains – there are still plenty of independent restaurants, bars and shops to encourage visitors to return, and local residents to stay put.
Education
For pre-school and preparatory school age children, the Little Ark Montessori Nursery, South Hampstead Junior School, Broadhurst School and The Mulberry House School all offer excellent options, and the highly recommended Emmanuel Church of England Primary School, takes children up to the age of 11.
Travel
West Hampstead has not one, but three stations: West Hampstead underground, on the Jubilee line; West Hampstead overground, with routes spanning from Richmond, through Highbury and Islington, to Stratford; and West Hampstead Thameslink, offering direct connections to the city. There are also numerous bus routes in and out of the area, making it extremely well connected. South Hampstead hosts its own London overground railway station, and Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road underground stations are nearby.
Trivia
The recording studio situated on Broadhurst Gardens in West Hampstead saw David Bowie and The Rolling Stones record early albums, but became infamous as the site of The Beatles’ failed audition with Decca Records.
Architectural highlights
The area consists of substantial redbrick semi-detached houses, handsome Edwardian mansion blocks, tall Victorian terraces, and a mix of luxurious developments of modern apartments.
Smartest streets
The smartest streets tend to border Hampstead ‘proper’ where large detached houses, some with up to seven bedrooms, can be found. The most desirable addresses include the leafy Crediton Hill, the hugely popular ‘Greek Roads’, or the highly regarded Aberdare Gardens and Goldhurst Terrace.
Who’s there
Particularly famous for its high concentration of celebrity residents, Matt Lucas, Stephen Fry and Angela Griffin have all called this trendy borough home.
Entertainment
One of the greatest charms of this area is that the high street hasn’t yet been taken over by the big chains – there are still plenty of independent restaurants, bars and shops to encourage visitors to return, and local residents to stay put.
Education
For pre-school and preparatory school age children, the Little Ark Montessori Nursery, South Hampstead Junior School, Broadhurst School and The Mulberry House School all offer excellent options, and the highly recommended Emmanuel Church of England Primary School, takes children up to the age of 11.
Travel
West Hampstead has not one, but three stations: West Hampstead underground, on the Jubilee line; West Hampstead overground, with routes spanning from Richmond, through Highbury and Islington, to Stratford; and West Hampstead Thameslink, offering direct connections to the city. There are also numerous bus routes in and out of the area, making it extremely well connected. South Hampstead hosts its own London overground railway station, and Swiss Cottage and Finchley Road underground stations are nearby.
Trivia
The recording studio situated on Broadhurst Gardens in West Hampstead saw David Bowie and The Rolling Stones record early albums, but became infamous as the site of The Beatles’ failed audition with Decca Records.
