Where: Hampstead Lane, NW3
What: Kenwood House is a classical style mansion set in 24 acres of parkland beside Hampstead Heath. The magnificant house holds works by Rembrandt, Vermeer, Turner, Reynolds and Gainsborough, all hanging against a backdrop of sumptuous rooms.The house also contains paintings from the Suffolk Collection, with full-length portraits by William Larkin and Royal Stuart images by Van Dyck and Lely.
The house itself was remodelled by Robert Adam between 1764 to 1779, when he transformed an original brick building into this majestic villa for the great judge, Lord Mansfield. Later Earls of Mansfield redesigned the parkland and Kenwood remained in the family until 1925. When developers tried to buy the estate, the house and grounds were saved by a brewing magnate, the first Earl of Iveagh. When the Earl died two years later he bequeathed the Kenwood Estate and part of his collection of pictures to the nation.
As well as visiting the house, take time to relax in the extensive lakeside gardens or explore the meandering pathways and woodland, featuring sculptures by Henry Moore and Barbara Hepworth. The landscape was designed to be seen from a planned circuit walk that provided a series of evocative views, contrasts and "surprises" for which the gatden designer Repton was well known. Also, pause to admire the wonderful views of London.
Part of the film Notting Hill was filmed here (Julia Roberts is in a period drama near the end, with the house as the backdrop). Lakeside open air concerts are held in the summer and are great with a group of friends and a picnic.
Nearest underground station: Archway or Golders Green then a 210 bus

Admission: Free, but there is a charge for access to an enclosure at the lakeside concerts.
Opening times: Daily April - October 10:00 - 17:00 daily, November - March 10:00 - 16:00. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Website: english-heritage.org.uk