The Villages of London – Hampstead
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London was never planned; it is a sprawling urban mass that has consumed hamlets and villages in its way. A lot of these areas have still retained their village-like qualities and are a great way of seeing a different side of London. Hampstead Heath is an area of natural heathland, looking down on London from the North. It’s a breath of fresh air, just a few minutes from the city centre. It’s an area boasting an impressive list of famous former residents, reading like a who’s who of British arts and literature. Hampstead Village is a bag of contradictions, where the most amazing ancient houses sit next to modern creations. Erno Goldfinger, a local brutalist architect, was so hated by Sir Ian Fleming that he named a James Bond villain after him! There is also a house which gave inspiration to PL Travers’ Admiral’s house in Mary Poppins. While investigating these villages you will hear rich stories about some of London’s most prominent figures like Karl Marx, John Keats, Sigmund Freud and interesting stories while walking through beautiful parks and haunted cemeteries and wandering past interesting inns. We see shortcuts and snicketts, pubs and teashops.
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"An afternoon tour, looking at the history of London through the medium of tea, coffee, beer and gin (drinks included!). Very entertaining and knowledgeable guide. A really fascinating and fun afternoon."
- A TripAdvisor Review
