Belsize Park Area Guide
Belsize Park lies just 3.4 miles north of central London in the London Borough of Camden, a leafy suburb located amidst north London’s most charismatic districts, a stone’s throw from the likes of Hampstead, Kentish Town, Camden Town and Primrose Hill. Bel assis, the French derivation of the name Belsize roughly translates as ‘well-situated,’ no doubt an apt description of the area. With wide, treelined streets boasting outstanding Victorian, white Stucco fronted bulidings as well as Georgian, Arts and Crafts and Regency splendour, the area is well aesthetically endowed. Developed in the 17th century, parts of the area were heavily bombed during World War II, allowing a better designed redevelopment of the district.
The area offers traditional English pubs as well as a vibrant restaurant, bistro and café scene. From the artisan coffee and beautiful breakfast selection of Ginger and White to the brilliant Asian inspired menu of XO on Belsize Lane, the area boasts a variety of excellent dining options and takeout delis and bakeries. The delightful Euphorium Bakery in Haverstock Hill offers sumptuous dessert options and an outstanding selection of artisan breads. Stop off for a drink in The Washington, a classic Victorian pub serving great food and cask ales, frequented by the areas numerous celebrity residents.
A great location for culture and fashion loving shoppers, the splendid England’s Lane drag offers a host of independent boutiques and the wonderful England’s Lane Books, specialising in new and limited edition publications. Nearby Hampstead provides even more independent boutique shopping with Camden offering an endless variety of more edgy fashion and knickknack shopping.
Although Belsize itself is without its own park, Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill are less than 15 minutes’ walk away affording some of the most impressive views over London along with its most picturesque walking and cycling routes. Along with a great selection of schools in the surrounding area and its excellent transport connections, Belsize Park is among the most attractive locations in the capital.