Hampstead Park is huge. So it’s easy to miss this hidden gem in London.
The pergola is part picturesque, part derelict in places.
Plants have made themselves at home now, but the pergola was once part of a grand house.
You can actually get married at the Hill Garden and Pergola.
History of the Hill Garden & Pergola
The Hill Garden and Pergola is one of London’s hidden treasures, tucked away on the edge of Hampstead Heath. It was created in the early 1900s by Lord Leverhulme, a wealthy businessman who made his fortune selling soap. He wanted a beautiful place to host summer parties and entertain guests, so he bought a large house called “The Hill” and hired landscape architect Thomas Mawson to design the gardens.
Construction began in 1905. To build the raised terraces, they used soil from the nearby Northern Line extension. This clever idea helped create the dramatic height and structure of the Pergola. The first part was finished in 1906, and more sections were added over the years as Lord Leverhulme’s wealth and status grew.
The Pergola is a long walkway with stone columns and wooden beams, covered in climbing plants like roses and wisteria. It was designed to feel romantic and peaceful, with views over landscaped gardens and Hampstead Heath.
After Lord Leverhulme died in 1925, the estate changed hands and eventually fell into disrepair. In the 1960s, the London County Council restored the gardens and opened them to the public. More restoration work was done in the 1980s and 1990s, and today the Pergola is a quiet, atmospheric place to explore.
Visitors often say it feels like stepping into a forgotten world. The mix of faded grandeur and lush greenery makes it a popular spot for photos, peaceful walks, and quiet reflection.
Practical Information for Visiting
- Location: Inverforth Close, London NW3 7EX
- Nearest stations: Golders Green or Hampstead (Northern Line)
- Opening hours: Daily from 8:30 am until dusk
- Entry: Free
- Access: Assistance dogs only; not fully wheelchair accessible
- Photography: Permits required for commercial shoots
- Best time to visit: Late spring to early summer for peak blooms
