Best Views in North London: 5 Walks Worth the Climb
There is something about standing at the top of a hill, slightly out of breath, looking at the whole of London laid out in front of you, that resets a stressful week. North London is blessed with hills, which means it is also blessed with views, and every one of them comes with a free workout on the way up. Here is my guide to the best views in North London that families can walk to from Archway and nearby, with an honest effort rating so you know what you are letting yourself in for.
How I rate the effort
- Easy: short and gentle, fine for toddlers and most buggies.
- Moderate: a steady climb that will warm you up. Older kids are fine, little ones may want a carry.
- Hard: long or steep, a proper leg workout. Bring snacks and patience.
The best views in North London, ranked by effort
1. Waterlow Park terraces, Highgate (moderate)
Waterlow Park sits on the slope of Highgate Hill, and its terraced gardens around Lauderdale House look out south over the city. It is the closest big view to Archway. The effort is all in the walk up Highgate Hill from the station, which is short but steep. Inside the park there is a play area and the café at Lauderdale House. You can turn the visit into a full session with my Waterlow Park outdoor workout.
Effort tip: take Highgate Hill at a pace where you can just about chat. Short steps, upright chest.
2. Parliament Hill, Hampstead Heath (moderate)
The most famous view in North London, and for good reason. From the top you look across to the City skyline, St Paul’s and the towers of the Square Mile, and it is one of London’s protected views. The climb from the playground and athletics track at the bottom is steady rather than brutal, which makes it a great family walk. Grass slopes get very slippery in winter, so stick to paths when wet.
Getting there: the C11 bus runs from Archway to Hampstead Heath, and Gospel Oak Overground is a short walk from the bottom of the hill. My Hampstead Heath family day out guide helps you plan the rest of the day.
3. Kenwood lawns (moderate to hard, depending on route)
Carry on from Parliament Hill across the Heath and you reach Kenwood, with its sweeping lawn looking down towards the lake and across the trees. It is a softer, greener view than Parliament Hill, and the walk between the two is one of the best on the Heath, with plenty of ups and downs.
Effort tip: this is where kids’ legs give out. Plan a café stop and a bus home.
4. Alexandra Palace (hard on foot, easy by bus)
“Ally Pally” sits high on its hill with wide views south across London from the terrace in front of the palace. Walking up from the bottom of the park is a genuinely tough climb, especially with a buggy. It is a great challenge for fitter walkers. If you have little ones, a bus up the hill and a walk down is the kinder option. Check the TfL journey planner for the best route from where you are. I am writing a full Alexandra Palace park walk guide.
Effort tip: treat the climb as intervals. Walk hard for 2 minutes, then easy for 1 minute, and repeat to the top.
5. Highgate Village and the view down to the city (easy once you are up)
Once you have climbed into Highgate Village, there are glimpses south across London from the top of the hill and along its streets. It makes a good finish to the Waterlow Park walk, with cafés nearby. Pair it with a look at the village itself.
Turn a viewpoint walk into a workout
Hills are the best free gym in London. Here is a session I give clients for any of the climbs above:
- Warm up: 5 to 10 minutes of easy walking on the flat.
- The climb: walk up at a strong pace. If you have to stop, stop, catch your breath, then carry on.
- Summit circuit: at the top, while you admire the view, do 2 rounds of 10 squats, 10 incline push-ups on a bench and 20 calf raises.
- Walk down slowly. Downhill is harder on the knees than people think, so shorten your stride and stay in control.
- Repeat: if you are feeling fit, walk down halfway and climb again.
Brisk walking uphill counts as moderate or even vigorous activity, which helps you towards the NHS physical activity guidelines. If you have knee or hip pain, a heart condition or high blood pressure, check with your GP or a physio before taking on the steep climbs, and stop if anything hurts.
Tips for viewpoint walks with kids
- Promise a reward at the top: a snack, a game of “spot the landmark” or a hot drink.
- Bring a cheap landmark checklist: The Shard, St Paul’s, the BT Tower. It keeps them climbing.
- Go on clear days. A crisp winter morning often gives the sharpest views, and it is quieter too.
- Check the light. In winter, aim to be at the top by early afternoon so you are not walking down in the dark.
Where a bootcamp class fits in
If the hills leave you puffing, that is not a sign to avoid them. It is a sign your legs and lungs would love a bit of training. My classes run indoors in a church hall in Archway, max 10 people, and every exercise has an easier and harder option. For hill walkers over 35, my SYP Built To Last functional strength class builds exactly the leg, hip and core strength that makes Parliament Hill feel easy.
FAQs
Where is the best view of London from North London?
Parliament Hill on Hampstead Heath is the classic, with its famous view of the City skyline. Alexandra Palace is another favourite, and Waterlow Park is the closest big view to Archway.
How hard is the walk up Parliament Hill?
It is a steady climb that most families can manage at their own pace. Toddlers may want a carry, and the grass gets slippery when wet, so stick to paths in winter.
Can you get to Alexandra Palace without walking up the hill?
Yes. Buses run up to the palace, so you can ride up and walk down. Check the TfL journey planner for the best route from your area.
What is the best time to see the view from Parliament Hill?
Clear, crisp mornings tend to give the sharpest views and quieter paths. Sunset is popular too, but in winter remember to head down before it gets dark.
Book your first class
The view is better when you are not gasping for air. SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes in Archway N19, maximum 10 people, indoors and weatherproof, all fitness levels, for £15 a class. The timetable is sent when you book. Book your £15 class here, or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you live on the Heath side of Archway and want 1-1 sessions later, here is my page as a personal trainer in Tufnell Park.
About the author
Artem Olekhnovych is a personal trainer in Archway and the founder of SYP Fitness and SYP Bootcamp. He has coached clients in Archway, Highgate and across North London for over 10 years, and runs small-group bootcamp classes for busy mums and dads. Read reviews from his 1-1 clients.
