Not far from our beloved Hampstead, there’s a London ‘village’ you really should explore if you’re visiting the British capital. Located just north of the beautiful Regent’s Park, you'll find Primrose Hill - charming, picturesque, elegant and with a style all of its own.
Over the years, it’s become famous for its rich historical legacy, gorgeous Victorian architecture (think grand rows of listed, narrow houses, symmetrical terraces and large Italianate stucco villas). It’s affluent and desirable - for sure - but it also has a slightly ‘alternative’ vibe to it, which accounts for the number of artists, celebrities and journalists that have made it their home.
With Camden Market, Hampstead Heath and Regent’s Park all nearby, it’s a truly desirable location (houses sell for millions of pounds here) but wandering around the area itself, you still feel a sense of community, which makes it all the more special.
A Brief History of Primrose Hill
Primrose Hill's history dates back to the 19th century, but the land itself has seen much over the centuries. Originally part of a royal hunting ground belonging to Henry VIII, the hill and surrounding area were acquired by the Crown in the early 19th century.
By 1842, it was opened to the public as part of a movement to create more green spaces for London’s growing population. And its name? Well that is thought to have come from the wild primroses that once covered the greenery in spring.
In Victorian times, the area developed rapidly - once the railways arrived, an influx of wealth and urban development quickly followed, Primrose Hill began to evolve into a residential district. And even though it was close to Camden Town (which was once very industrial) and Euston (a growing transport hub) Primrose Hill stood out because of its ‘refined’ residential character.
Indeed, by the late 19th century it was a favorite with artists, writers, and progressive thinkers who were drawn to its quieter streets and beautiful views.
Ah yes..,the views!
A Park with a View
Primrose Hill Park is a high point in London (about 63 metres above sea level) and, actually, one of the six ‘protected views’ of London. This idea relates to specific vantage points in the city which offer unobstructed views of landmarks (such as St. Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster) which are preserved by urban planning guidelines.
From the top of the park, you have extraordinary panoramic views of the British capital, which include landmarks such as the London Eye, St Paul’s Cathedral, the old Post Office Tower and the Shard. On a clear day, it truly is wonderful to behold.
Moreover, this is a park that’s not particularly manicured - it has a rather natural feel to it - and in summer the grassy slopes are dotted with runners, picnickers, dog walkers, and yoga aficionados. But it’s also a fine hill to climb at any time of the year and don’t miss the inscription, carved in stone, by William Blake - “I have conversed with the spiritual Sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill’ - which really does inspire contemplation!
Primrose Hill’s Architecture
Renowned for its charming architecture, the 19th century facades you’ll see are often stucco-fronted or brick Victorian terraced houses. However, something special about these homes is that many are painted in pastel colours, which make you think you’ve stepped into a fairy story as you walk around…
Some of its best-known streets — Chalcot Crescent, Chalcot Square, and Fitzroy Road — boast curved and circular layouts, complete with garden squares. The terraces that accompany them are influenced by the Regency Period - look out for the ornate cornices, large sash windows and decorative railings.
No wonder these homes are some of the most desirable — and costly — across London.
The Village High Street and its Residents
The Village itself — centred around the main street which is Regent’s Park Road — is fabulously genteel and pretty. Lined with independent cafes, boutiques, restaurants and an independent bookstore - the community really goes out of their way to avoid bringing in large chains that are part of so many London areas. Indeed, the Greek restaurant Lemonia was opened back in 1979 and - like La Gaffe - is still owned by the same family.
Back in the day, the area was home to artists and writers, including Sylvia Plath and her husband Ted Hughes (her final home, at 23 Fitzroy Square, has one of the city’s famous ‘blue plaques’ outside it.
Today, it’s home to endless celebrities - including Jude Law, Late Moss, Daniel Craig, and Ewan McGregor - who settled there in the last three decades and are often referred to as ‘the Primrose Hill Set’. WIth the glamour came a certain amount of tabloid attention and if you’re lucky you might even have a sighting of one of them sipping a coffee or munching on a bagel on a Sunday morning!
The Community Feel
Even though it’s one of the most swanky parts of London, Primrose Hill still maintains a strong sense of local community. If you spend some time here, you’ll feel a ‘village-like’ intimacy that sets it apart from more transient London neighborhoods. Every year the Primrose Hill Festival and the Christmas Fair bring locals together and support independent businesses and charitable causes. And local pubs — such as The Princess of Wales and The Engineer — are long standing social hubs - think gastro fare and weekly quiz nights! And, ok, it may all be a little less Bohemian than the 1960;s, there’s still a spirit of creativity in the streets….
The fact is that Primrose Hill is a lovely spot to explore if you’re visiting the British capital. And on that note, if you’re coming to London and need a place to stay, then why consider our comfortable guest accommodation at La Gaffe Hotel Hampstead. Set in leafy Hampstead, arguably one of the capital’s most beautiful areas, and just a 30 minute walk from Primrose Hill, we’re family-owned and family-run and really go the extra mile to make you feel at home.
We’re just three minutes walk from Hampstead tube (on the Northern line) and then it’s a fifteen minute tube ride into the city centre, so you get both the charming ‘village’ feel of our neighbourhood and the opportunity to enjoy some ‘bright lights, big city’ atmosphere too.
Feel free to contact us by email or phone or by clicking here to book a room directly. We look forward to welcoming you.