Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath (locally known simply as the Heath) is a large, ancient London heath, covering 320 hectares (790 acres). This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the highest points in London, running from Hampstead to Highgate, which rests on a band of London Clay. The heath is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, recent and ancient woodlands, a lido, playgrounds, and a training track, and it adjoins the former stately home of Kenwood House and its estate.

Parliament Hill is an area of open parkland in the south-east corner of Hampstead Heath in north-west London. The hill, which is 98 metres (322 ft) high, is notable for its views of the capital's skyline. The Houses of Parliament, which are 6 1⁄4 miles (10.1 km) south of Parliament Hill in the City of Westminster, can be seen from the summit, although construction in the intermediate parts of London has partly obscured them.

Hampstead Heath has some thirty ponds on or adjacent to it. The main Hampstead Heath Ponds were originally dug in the 17th and 18th centuries as reservoirs to meet London's growing water demand. These main ponds are divided in to two groups: the three Hampstead Ponds (West Heath Side) and the eight Highgate Ponds (East Heath Side).