A brief history of hampstead
From Rural Village to Bustling Town...
The earliest record of Hampstead was in 986AD. A document recalls the grant of Hampstead by King Ethelred The Unready to the monastery of St. Peter's at Westminster. A century later, the Domesday Book of 1086 described 'Hamstede' as being centred on a small farm.
For the next six hundred years, Hampstead existed like any other rural village in the Middlesex countryside, surrounded by heathland as far as the eye could see. Then, at the end of the 17th Century, the discovery of medicinal waters marked the development of Hampstead that drew visitors from miles around and its fame took it from rural village to bustling town and ultimately to one of London's most desirable locations.
Our walks bring to life the story of Hampstead. In around two hours we will take you back 250 years on a journey to the 18th Century, to a village deep in the Middlesex countryside and to a time when the only transport was the horse and cart. You will explore its many hidden alleys and quaint squares, discovering some hidden gems on the way. We will also take in the views over London and find out what drew numerous artists, writers and poets to Hampstead and find out what ultimately makes Hampstead...
...A Town Built On Water
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To Book, Or Not To Book...
All of our walks are 'Turn Up And Go'... That means that you can just show up at the meeting point at the appropriate time and off we go. Alternatively, you can guarantee you place (or places) on any of our tours by dropping us a line via the Contact Us page and booking.
Children Go Free...
All of our walks cost £10 per person. There is a concessionary rate of £8 for Senior Citizens and Students and children 15 years and under go free!