Location
West Hampstead is an inner residential suburb in the northern part of the London Borough of Camden. It is about five miles north west of central London, and about a mile to the west of Hampstead Village. Local green spaces include Hampstead Heath, a much-loved area of parkland, heath and ponds on a hill overlooking the rest of London.
History
Although West Hampstead is bordered to the west by a Roman road (Edgware Road, formerly the Roman Watling Street), there was only a small agricultural village, known as West End, in the area before the railway arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is believed that one of the railway engineers called his new station 'West Hampstead' to avoid confusion with the central London shopping area. Once the area was accessible by train the farmland quickly gave way to residential building.
Community
In its early years, West Hampstead was largely a blue-collar area. In more recent times, its proximity to central London, and its ready access to the business districts of the City and Docklands, have made West Hampstead a popular choice amongst both business and professional people, and also those employed in the theatre and creative arts.
Transport
As well as buses, West Hampstead enjoys plentiful rail and underground services. There are two railway lines, including the Capital Connect service which links to European services via St. Pancras International. Underground services include the Jubilee Line, London's most modern Tube, which provides a fast service to central London and Docklands.
Shopping
The village feel of West End Lane is enhanced by small independent retailers, including bakers and delicatessens. Food shopping also includes a weekly Farmer's Market. Chain stores can be found on Kilburn High Street, and there is indoor shopping at the O2 centre on Finchley Road.
Business
As this is a largely residential area, businesses in West Hampstead are principally involved in the retail and service sectors, although Hampstead's traditional reputation as a healthy area to live is reflected in the number of private hospitals and clinics in the area. Many West Hampstead residents make the easy journey into central London for work.
Entertainment
At nearby Swiss Cottage is the Hampstead Theatre, which is well known for commissioning new work reflecting the cultural diversity of its audience. The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn is another highly regarded small theatre. There is an independent cinema, the Screen on the Hill, at Belsize Park.
Food
West Hampstead has a good choice of bars and restaurants, including an award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant, Elephant Walk. There are restaurants serving all kinds of British and European food as well as those from further afield, such as the Far East.
Education
Families have long been drawn to the West Hampstead area because of the quality of its schools. The Hampstead School and Haverstock School are well-known secondary schools, and there are also local independent establishments, such as University College School.
Property
West Hampstead's Victorian origins are reflected in its substantial nineteenth century villas, many of them now divided into flats. There are also good-quality mansion blocks from the twentieth century, and some well-designed modern properties.
West Hampstead is an inner residential suburb in the northern part of the London Borough of Camden. It is about five miles north west of central London, and about a mile to the west of Hampstead Village. Local green spaces include Hampstead Heath, a much-loved area of parkland, heath and ponds on a hill overlooking the rest of London.
History
Although West Hampstead is bordered to the west by a Roman road (Edgware Road, formerly the Roman Watling Street), there was only a small agricultural village, known as West End, in the area before the railway arrived in the middle of the nineteenth century. It is believed that one of the railway engineers called his new station 'West Hampstead' to avoid confusion with the central London shopping area. Once the area was accessible by train the farmland quickly gave way to residential building.
Community
In its early years, West Hampstead was largely a blue-collar area. In more recent times, its proximity to central London, and its ready access to the business districts of the City and Docklands, have made West Hampstead a popular choice amongst both business and professional people, and also those employed in the theatre and creative arts.
Transport
As well as buses, West Hampstead enjoys plentiful rail and underground services. There are two railway lines, including the Capital Connect service which links to European services via St. Pancras International. Underground services include the Jubilee Line, London's most modern Tube, which provides a fast service to central London and Docklands.
Shopping
The village feel of West End Lane is enhanced by small independent retailers, including bakers and delicatessens. Food shopping also includes a weekly Farmer's Market. Chain stores can be found on Kilburn High Street, and there is indoor shopping at the O2 centre on Finchley Road.
Business
As this is a largely residential area, businesses in West Hampstead are principally involved in the retail and service sectors, although Hampstead's traditional reputation as a healthy area to live is reflected in the number of private hospitals and clinics in the area. Many West Hampstead residents make the easy journey into central London for work.
Entertainment
At nearby Swiss Cottage is the Hampstead Theatre, which is well known for commissioning new work reflecting the cultural diversity of its audience. The Tricycle Theatre in Kilburn is another highly regarded small theatre. There is an independent cinema, the Screen on the Hill, at Belsize Park.
Food
West Hampstead has a good choice of bars and restaurants, including an award-winning Sri Lankan restaurant, Elephant Walk. There are restaurants serving all kinds of British and European food as well as those from further afield, such as the Far East.
Education
Families have long been drawn to the West Hampstead area because of the quality of its schools. The Hampstead School and Haverstock School are well-known secondary schools, and there are also local independent establishments, such as University College School.
Property
West Hampstead's Victorian origins are reflected in its substantial nineteenth century villas, many of them now divided into flats. There are also good-quality mansion blocks from the twentieth century, and some well-designed modern properties.
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