Where: London NW3

What: Hampstead Heath in the Hampstead suburb of North London, is a sprawling, green, tree-lined area that covers 791 acres within two London boroughs - Camden (681 acres) and Barnet (110 acres).

Hampstead Heath has a variety of landscapes: heathland, meadows, hills, ponds and lakes. Popular among walkers, joggers, and sports enthusiasts, it is one of london's most popular green spaces. You can stroll, take a guided walk, jog, sunbathe, picnic, fish, play football, tennis or bowls and swim in one of the ponds or Parliament Hill Lido.

Other facilities include a horse-riding circuit, adventure playground, play equipment and activities for under-fives. There are also deer and animal enclosures with a variety of animals and birds, including flamingoes.

In the summer there are shows for children with clowns, puppets and magicians. Funfairs are held at the upper and lower ends of the Heath on the Easter, May and August bank holidays.

It is also home to Kenwood House, which holds a large collection of paintings and fine furnishings and hosts summer lakeside concerts. It seems further, but it is only 4 miles from central london. Parliament Hill, to the south of Hampstead Heath, has magnificent views over central London.

Nearest underground station: Hampstead

Attractions and things to do near hampstead heath: Kenwood House and Keates House museum are nearby.