Hampstead Podcast

Long popular with London's intelligentsia and rich, leafy Hampstead has a hilltop village atmosphere. Its fine cafes, boutiques, Georgian buildings and pubs make it an ideal place to stroll - or laze - around.

Interesting buildings include architect Erno Goldfinger's House (Two Willow Rd). A striking 1930s example of modernism, it initially aroused vociferous opposition. One objector, Ian Fleming, reportedly disliked it so fiercely he named a Bond villain Goldfinger.

Keats House is where the poet lived from 1818-1820 and wrote some of his finest work, including Ode to a Nightingale. There is an exhibition inside. Constable's House is where the painter spent his last 10 years (1827-1837). His tomb is at the nearby St John-at-Hampstead Church.

But for many the greatest draw is Hampstead Heath. A mixture of open land and heath, this is North London's largest country area. It escaped development because neighbouring landowners exercised political clout. The superb views from Parliament Hill stretch across the City to Docklands. At the heath's fringe, the fine Neoclassical Kenwood House, known as London's country house, was remodelled by John Adam. The house, gardens and lake are open to the public and display many fine works of art.