You’ll find Belsize Park neatly nested between Hampstead and Camden in North London. Blink, though, and you might miss it. Along with Chalk Farm and Mornington Crescent, Belsize Park makes up a community of small areas that blur the lines between where one ends and the other begins.
It’s also just a few stops on the Tube from central London and the City. If you’re living in Belsize Park, it means you have access to a wealth of shops, restaurants, bars, cafes and open spaces all within walking distance.
Everyman Belsize Park
Everyman has gone on to become one of the most popular cinema chains in the UK. And the Belsize Park branch was one of the initial versions of Everyman. In the past, the single-screen cinema has hosted premieres and special events.
It features 129 leather armchairs and sofas and is well known for its seat service, which sees staff bringing snacks straight to your comfy armchair. Everyman cinema is the place to catch the latest flick or enjoy an art-house favourite.
Find at 203 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, London NW3 4QG
Phone: 0872 436 9060
Email: [email protected]
Follow @everymancinema
Hampstead Heath
One of London’s most-visited open spaces, Hampstead Heath is 800 acres of meadows, woodlands, trails and unkept terrain. Go for a scenic stroll and see how much local wildlife you can spot or laze the day away by one of the many lakes.
Head to Parliament Hill for sweeping views of the London skyline before taking a dip in one of the swimmable ponds. Visitors can enjoy wide-ranging activities on the heath. It’s no surprise that it’s so popular, with almost 10 million visitors per year.
Find at Hampstead, London, NW3
Phone no: 020 7332 3322
Follow #HampsteadHeath
Camden Market
Camden Market is just a 10-15 minute walk for those living in Belsize Park. And it offers thousands of shops and stalls to explore. Expect to find everything from tasty snacks to quirky fashion items. It’s also one of London’s greenest markets.
The market opened in 1974 and started as a small arts and crafts fair. Before long, it grew in popularity with a range of diverse traders. Today it’s one of Camden’s most-visited attractions and a prime tourist hotspot in London.
Find at Camden Lock Place, London, NW1 8AF
Phone no: 020 3763 9900
Email: [email protected]
Follow @camdenmarketldn
Chez Nous
As far as local cafes go, it’s hard to beat Chez Nous. The French spot is a huge hit with those living in Belsize Park and is so popular that it doesn’t even need a website. Situated opposite Belsize Park tube station, you’ll find everything from Mezes to full English breakfasts at Chez Nous.
It's hard to miss this French delight as you wander down Haverstock Hill. The bright-red chequered cloths don the tables outside, and the vibrant plants are designed to capture your attention. Inside features traditional cafe interiors with more chequered tablecloths and wood flooring.
Find at 157 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, London NW3 4QT
Phone: 020 7483 3373
Follow @Cheznous1restaurant
Jamon Jamon
Another local gem, Jamon Jamon (or Ham Ham in English) is a traditional Spanish tapas restaurant. Whisk yourself away to Spain without needing to leave the comforts of NW3 and sample delights from a wide range of tapas dishes.
In Spain, jamons are traditionally made in local family farmhouses, and there's a real family vibe about Jamon Jamon. Food-wise, tapas might be the name of the game here, but there's another star on the menu: paella. Even if you visited the heartlands of Barcelona or Madrid, you'd struggle to find paella as good as the one at Jamon Jamon.
Find at 177 Haverstock Hill, Belsize Park, London NW3 4QS
Phone: 020 7483 4242
Email: [email protected]
Follow @jamonjamontapas
Primrose Hill
Despite the name, there isn’t actually a park in Belsize Park. However, you’re never short of options when it comes to enjoying the great outdoors. Along with Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park, Primrose Hill park is one of the many open spaces near Belsize Park.
There are stunning panoramic views of the city to soak up, not to mention walking trails and woodland to discover. If you fancy grabbing a bite or something to drink, head into the neighbourhood of Primrose Hill after your scenic stroll.
Find at Primrose Hill Rd, Primrose Hill, London NW1 4NR
Phone: 0300 061 2300
Follow #PrimroseHillPark
The Roundhouse
The Doors, Pink Floyd, Jay-Z, Coldplay, Foo Fighters and Adele have all graced The Roundhouse at some point in the last 40-odd years. And if you’re living in Belsize Park, you can enjoy access to world stars just a few minutes’ from your doorstep.
When the big guns aren’t performing, The Roundhouse is a place to discover emerging talent. It’s a breeding ground for some of the best up-and-comers in the world of music, theatre, circus and spoken word.
Find at Chalk Farm Rd, Camden Town, London NW1 8EH
Phone no: 0300 678 9222
Email: [email protected]
Follow @roundhouseldn
The Washington
The Washington is a rustic and welcoming gastropub tucked away just around the corner from Primrose Hill. Head to the pub, which is a favourite with the locals, for Sunday roasts, relaxed lunches or a refreshing drink or two.
Food incorporates classic British ingredients with a twist, and an extensive wine, beer and spirits menu is also on offer. The interiors are warm and welcoming, with the brick wall layout offering a nice airy vibe. Seating comes in the form of comfy armchairs that you can sink into.
Find at 50 England's Ln, Belsize Park, London NW3 4UE
Phone no: 020 7722 8842
Follow @TheWashNW3
Living in Belsize Park
If you find Hampstead too village-y and Camden too loud, living in Belsize Park offers the perfect alternative. It's filled with cafes and restaurants and has transport that takes you into central London in a little over 10 minutes. What Belsize Park lacks in size, it more than makes up for in fun things to do and see. Still undecided? Take a look at other places to live in North London in our blog.
Tell us about your favourite Belsize Park hotspot at @essliving
