We will meet opposite Hampstead tube station, by the Clock Tower (pictured below).
• We will then make our way via Heath Street to see the Jack Straw's Castle. Not that Jack Straw -:), this site is named after the rebel leader Jack Straw, who led the Peasants' Revolt in 1381 and who is said to have taken refuge on the site until he was caught and executed. It is mentioned in Bram Stoker’s Dracula, where Professor Van Helsing and Doctor Jack Seward stop to dine, and also in Harold Pinter's play No Man's Land.
• We will then make our way to see the Golders Hill Park. It adjoins the West Heath part of Hampstead Heath. It is chiefly grassy parkland, but it also has a formal, beautifully tended, flower garden next to a duck pond with a small humpback bridge, a separate water garden, which leads onto a larger pond, and a small free zoo, recently renovated.
• We will then make our way to see the Pergola (pictured above). The Pergola is one of the hidden delights of Hampstead Heath, and is very popular for wedding pictures, as well as with film and photography students. The Hill Garden is a beautiful, landscaped garden which was the private garden of a now demolished manor house.
• We will finish our by the whitestone Pond. Hampstead station for the Northern line is 5mins away. For members who prefer the Overground – Hampstead Heath is 10 mins away.
Optional drinks/lunch at the local pub after the walk.
What to bring:
Comfortable footwear
Water
Photo-taking gadgets and chargers
An umbrella just in case (it's London after all)
The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's Meetup fees and costs.
The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash/card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event).
All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest).
*'No Show' Policy:* *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organisers on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*
