You may not have heard the news, but Hampstead really is rather lovely. With cute shops, fancy coffee shops, and Hampstead Heath next door, you’re spoiled for choice on a visit here. However, the most beautiful part is also the most criminally underrated: the Hampstead Pergola. Aside from offering lovely views over the Heath and Hampstead Hill Gardens, it also happens to be a splendiferous spot for a wander.
If you think this place looks like the frivolous construct of someone with too much money, you’d be spot on. It was commissioned by Lord Leverhulme, who made his fortune selling soap. One summer’s eve in 1904, he decided that his nearby mansion needed an extravagant terrace, to host garden parties and lazy summer nights. So, being filthy rich, he decided to build it.
Though beautiful, Hampstead Pergola suffered in the aftermath of Leverhulme’s death and the onset of World War II. By the time the City of London took it over in 1989, the place was almost falling apart. Resurrection is still underway, but in the faded glory of the pillars and arches, you’ll find a serenely beautiful spot with views aplenty.
Overgrown with vines and flowers, Hampstead Pergola is pretty magical, whether it be in the green of summer…
…or the orange hues of autumn.
Hampstead Pergola really is a place for all seasons, equally beautiful when it’s hidden under winter snow, or braving the summer sun. In spring, wisteria curls around the trellises, whilst a carpet of autumn leaves makes the place even more special.
All this beauty explains why Hampstead Pergola is an immensely popular spot for photoshoots. It also happens to be a licensed wedding venue, and if you stump up around £2,500, you can tie the knot in this magical spot. Though it seems that option is, in fact, so popular that the spot is currently not accepting wedding bookings. Keep an eye out for their return in the future.
That’s a big commitment to make to a place you just discovered, though. Maybe you’re better starting off with a peek around some sunny day?
(NB. The Eastern Section is currently closed to receive some TLC, but you can still have lovely walk around the rest of Hampstead Pergola)
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Also published on Medium.