Location
West Hampstead is an area of north west London, lying within the borough of Camden. It is one of London's inner suburbs, being about five miles from central London, and six miles from the Greater London boundary. There are green spaces nearby, including the famous 800-acre Hampstead Heath (which is an easy walk to the north east), and Fortune Green to the north west.
History
Although West Hampstead is bordered to the west by a Roman road (Edgware Road, formerly the Roman Watling Street), there was only a small agricultural village, known as West End, in the area before the railway arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is believed that one of the railway engineers called his new station 'West Hampstead' to avoid confusion with the central London shopping area. Once the area was accessible by train the farmland quickly gave way to residential building.
Community
Although in Victorian times West Hampstead was a mixed community including working-class districts, more recently it has been a prosperous suburb of mainly business and professional households. Its easy access to the City and central London has ensured its popularity both with entrepreneurs, and with artistic and creative people.
Transport
There are two railway lines, and three stations, in the middle of West Hampstead, making it extremely well connected by train. The Capital Connect service via St. Pancras links to Eurostar services to France and Belgium. There are two underground lines; the Jubilee Line to Docklands and the Olympic Park, and the Metropolitan Line.
Shopping
West End Lane Books is one of London's few surviving independent bookshops. There are other independent shops on West End Lane, including some interesting food shops, supplemented by a weekly Farmer's Market. There is an indoor shopping centre on the Finchley Road, and chain stores to the west in Kilburn.
Business
West Hampstead is more of a commuter base than a business area, although there is a substantial retail and service sector. Other local employers include private clinics and hospitals, reflecting Hampstead's historical reputation for having a healthy climate.
Entertainment
Two well-known small theatres, the Hampstead and the Kilburn Tricycle, lie just outside the area. The Screen on the Hill in Belsize Park is an independent cinema specialising in screenings of films outside the usual mainstream repertoire.
Food
On West End Lane you can find a great variety of restaurants at all price levels. The Wet Fish Caf'e is noted for its simple fresh food and great coffee. Food from all over the world includes Italian, Vietnamese and Lebanese specialities.
Education
This is traditionally an area noted for its excellent schools. Emmanuel School is a primary school rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. Hampstead School and Haverstock School both have excellent reputations at secondary level.
Property
West Hampstead's Victorian origins are reflected in its substantial nineteenth century villas, many of them now divided into flats. There are also good-quality mansion blocks from the twentieth century, and some well-designed modern properties.
West Hampstead is an area of north west London, lying within the borough of Camden. It is one of London's inner suburbs, being about five miles from central London, and six miles from the Greater London boundary. There are green spaces nearby, including the famous 800-acre Hampstead Heath (which is an easy walk to the north east), and Fortune Green to the north west.
History
Although West Hampstead is bordered to the west by a Roman road (Edgware Road, formerly the Roman Watling Street), there was only a small agricultural village, known as West End, in the area before the railway arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is believed that one of the railway engineers called his new station 'West Hampstead' to avoid confusion with the central London shopping area. Once the area was accessible by train the farmland quickly gave way to residential building.
Community
Although in Victorian times West Hampstead was a mixed community including working-class districts, more recently it has been a prosperous suburb of mainly business and professional households. Its easy access to the City and central London has ensured its popularity both with entrepreneurs, and with artistic and creative people.
Transport
There are two railway lines, and three stations, in the middle of West Hampstead, making it extremely well connected by train. The Capital Connect service via St. Pancras links to Eurostar services to France and Belgium. There are two underground lines; the Jubilee Line to Docklands and the Olympic Park, and the Metropolitan Line.
Shopping
West End Lane Books is one of London's few surviving independent bookshops. There are other independent shops on West End Lane, including some interesting food shops, supplemented by a weekly Farmer's Market. There is an indoor shopping centre on the Finchley Road, and chain stores to the west in Kilburn.
Business
West Hampstead is more of a commuter base than a business area, although there is a substantial retail and service sector. Other local employers include private clinics and hospitals, reflecting Hampstead's historical reputation for having a healthy climate.
Entertainment
Two well-known small theatres, the Hampstead and the Kilburn Tricycle, lie just outside the area. The Screen on the Hill in Belsize Park is an independent cinema specialising in screenings of films outside the usual mainstream repertoire.
Food
On West End Lane you can find a great variety of restaurants at all price levels. The Wet Fish Caf'e is noted for its simple fresh food and great coffee. Food from all over the world includes Italian, Vietnamese and Lebanese specialities.
Education
This is traditionally an area noted for its excellent schools. Emmanuel School is a primary school rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. Hampstead School and Haverstock School both have excellent reputations at secondary level.
Property
West Hampstead's Victorian origins are reflected in its substantial nineteenth century villas, many of them now divided into flats. There are also good-quality mansion blocks from the twentieth century, and some well-designed modern properties.
About the Author:
Read more about Hampstead Heath on the UK housing market blog. It's the best way to stay up to date with the latest industry news.
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