Tucked away in the far north of London, Hampstead is leafy, historic, and quietly proud of its cultural and intellectual heritage. Roam its cobbled streets and you’ll discover Georgian houses, blue plaques and that inimitable feeling of old world charm.
But beyond the famed Heath and quaint cafés, Hampstead is also home to some of London’s most fascinating and family-friendly museums. Whether you’re in the mood for literary landmarks, hands-on history or a nice, long walk through one of the city’s less exhausted neighbourhoods, we’ve got something for you here.
Why Visit Museums in Hampstead?
These museums offer a series of compact spaces that are calm and often tucked into scenic corners. You’re not plunged into an infinite series of corridors or lines. Instead, they welcome you into elegantly preserved houses, greened-up gardens, and eye-opening shows, many of which grow from Hampstead’s centuries-old association with writers, artists and reformers.
For families in particular, these museums are a blessing. Entry fees tend to be modest (or nonexistent), and most don’t require hours upon hours of dedication. Many are located near parks or cafés, allowing you to alternate between learning and lounging. And being smaller in scale, they tend to feel more personal, more like walking into someone’s story than being told one.
Must-Visit Hampstead Museums
1. Fenton House and Garden
Location: Fenton House, Hampstead Grove, NW3 6RT
What It’s Known For:
A 17th-century merchant’s house filled with fine art, porcelain, and early musical instruments.
Highlights:
The house is delightful to explore, but the real magic lies in the walled gardens, perfect for a relaxing walk or a family picnic. Children can have fun searching out hidden details in the displays, and older visitors might enjoy the rare harpsichords and paintings.
Opening Times & Entry:
Open on Fridays and Sundays from 11 am to 4 pm. Admission is free for National Trust members; otherwise, an adult ticket costs ÂŁ13.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
It’s a calm and lovely space that seems worlds apart from central London. The garden alone is worth the journey, especially on a sunny day.
2. Keats House
Location: 10 Keats Grove, NW3 2RR
What It’s Known For:
The onetime home of the Romantic poet John Keats, where he composed some of his best-known work.
Highlights:
Enter Keats’ world via original manuscripts, period rooms and poetry readings. In addition to the family trails, the museum organises family workshops for younger visitors. The garden is small but peaceful, making it the perfect spot to sit in tranquillity.
Opening Times & Entry:
Wednesday to Friday & Sunday, 11 am to 1 pm and 2 to 5 pm. Adults ÂŁ10, children free.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
Even if you’re indifferent to poetry, Keats House is a soothing place with interesting stories. It’s an easy one to combine with a trip to nearby Hampstead Heath.
3. Burgh House & Hampstead Museum
Location: Burgh House, New End Square, NW3 1LT
What It’s Known For:
A Grade I-listed house with displays on Hampstead’s local history, and a lively café in the garden.
Highlights:
The museum tells the story of Hampstead’s growth, celebrated inhabitants and art history. It’s not vast, but there’s always something to look at. Children will love the scavenger hunts and creative workshops, and the on-site café (The Buttery) is a lovely spot for a break.
Opening Times & Entry:
Open Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm. Entry is free.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
It’s relaxed, friendly and located in a charming section of Hampstead. Suitable for a light bite and a taste of the local community.
4. Freud Museum
Location: 20 Maresfield Gardens, NW3 5SX
What It’s Known For:
The home where Sigmund Freud lived after fleeing Nazi-occupied Austria in 1938.
Highlights:
The museum contains Freud’s actual psychoanalytic couch, his private library and his extraordinary collection of antiquities. Anna Freud, a pioneer in child psychoanalysis, is also in the spotlight. Exhibitions often delve into psychology, culture and art.
Opening Times & Entry:
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 5 pm. Adults ÂŁ14.50, children under 12 free.
Why It’s Worth Visiting:
It’s a mesmerising glimpse into a world-changing thinker, and the house has a subtle electricity to it. Older children or teenagers with an interest in psychology will especially enjoy the detail.
Family-Friendly Tips for Visiting
- Go early or during the midweek to avoid crowds, especially on school holidays. The least crowded time is weekday mornings.
- Both Burgh House and Fenton House feature gardens that are perfect for letting children go for a wander while adults admire the views. Throw in a blanket and some snacks, and you’ve got a picnic.
- Nearby cafes: The Buttery at Burgh House or one of the many spots along Flask Walk or Heath Street.
- Buggy access varies. Keats House and Burgh House are more buggy-friendly, but Fenton House has those narrow staircases and might not be ideal for buggies.
- Watch for family trails or activity sheets to pick up at the front desk. They’re a sweet way to keep little ones involved.
No Need to Hurry
Hampstead’s museums are not just sights to tick off the list; they represent a slower, more intimate form of discovery. There’s no need to hurry or overwhelm yourself with a jam-packed schedule. A trip to one or two of them, combined with a walk on the Heath or a piece of cake from a nearby bakery, is the perfect day.
So whether you’re showing the kids Hampstead’s history, immersing yourself in London’s literary past or simply poking around somewhere tranquil, these museums are worth a look. Begin with one, and let Hampstead take it from there.
