Primrose Hill

What to expect

Primrose Hill is a 64 m grassy hill just north of Regent's Park. The land once belonged to a chase taken by Henry VIII, and the name has been in use since the 15th century. An Act of Parliament secured it as public open space in 1842, and it is managed by The Royal Parks today.

The reason to come is the view from the summit, a clear outlook over central London, with Hampstead and Belsize Park behind you to the north. An engraved quotation from William Blake marks the top. The south side has a children's playground, an outdoor gym and toilets, close to the footbridge towards London Zoo and Regent's Park. It is a place to sit on the grass, not to see a monument, and most people stay for half an hour to an hour.

Don't miss

• The view of the London skyline from the top
• The engraved William Blake quotation
• The outdoor gym and playground on the south side
• The bridge towards London Zoo

Tips for your visit

• Sunset and early evening are popular, so arrive early to find a spot.
• Chalk Farm and Swiss Cottage are the nearest Tube stations.
• Combine it with a walk through Regent's Park and London Zoo.
• Bring a layer; the summit is exposed.