Parliament Hill Kite Flying: A Family Day Out Guide

Some of the best family outings cost almost nothing. A cheap kite, a windy afternoon and a big hill, and suddenly the kids are running for an hour without a single “I’m bored”. If you live in North London, the place for this is obvious. Parliament Hill kite flying is a local tradition, and the hill is often called Kite Hill for good reason. Here is why it works so well, when to go, how to get there from Archway, and how I turn a kite trip into a sneaky workout for the whole family.

Why Parliament Hill is London’s kite hill

Parliament Hill sits in the south-east corner of Hampstead Heath and rises to 98 metres, one of the highest natural points in London. The City of London’s Parliament Hill viewpoint page describes panoramic views of St Paul’s, the Shard and Westminster, and that view is legally protected, which means nothing gets built to block it.

For kites, three things matter:

• Height. The wind is stronger and steadier on top than down in the streets.
• Open grass. The summit and upper slopes have big open areas with few trees nearby.
• Space. Plenty of room to run, back up and untangle without bumping into anyone.

The Heath and Hampstead Society has also hosted free summer kite displays on the hill with expert flyers from the Kite Society of Great Britain, where families can bring their own kites. Keep an eye on the City of London events listings if you want to see the giant ones.

When to go for Parliament Hill kite flying

• Wind: a steady breeze is ideal. If leaves and small branches are moving and flags are flying, you are in business. If it is gusty enough to rock you on your feet, small kids will struggle and kites crash a lot.
• Season: spring and autumn tend to bring the most reliable breezes. Summer evenings can be lovely but sometimes too still.
• Time: weekday after-school slots and early weekend mornings are quieter. Sunny Sunday afternoons get busy, so give other families space.
• Do not fly in thunderstorms, ever, and avoid very high winds.

Getting there from Archway

The hill is a short trip from Archway. Gospel Oak Overground is a short walk from the bottom of the hill, and Kentish Town on the Northern line is a short walk through the Heath. Buses 24, 46 and C11 stop close to the southern entrance. From Archway itself, it is a short bus or tube ride, or a decent walk via Dartmouth Park if the kids are up for it.

Kite basics for total beginners

1. Buy a simple single-line kite for under-8s. A delta or diamond shape is the easiest to launch. Two-line stunt kites are for older kids and adults.
2. Stand with your back to the wind. The kite should fly away from you, downwind.
3. Use a helper launch. One person holds the kite up about 10 to 15 steps away while the flyer holds the line. On “go”, the helper lets go and the flyer gives a gentle tug.
4. Let line out slowly as it climbs. If it dips, pull in a little.
5. Safety: keep away from trees and paths, never fly near people’s heads, and wear gloves for strong-pulling kites as the line can burn fingers.

Turning kite day into an active family outing

This is where the hill becomes your gym. Here is a simple 60-minute plan I use with my own family groups.

Warm-up: climb the hill (10 minutes)

Walk up from the bottom at a brisk pace. Everyone carries something. The kite counts.

Kite relay (15 minutes)

The flyer holds the kite for 2 minutes, then hands over. While waiting, everyone else does a mini challenge: 10 squats, 10 star jumps, or a run to a marker and back. Swap until everyone has had a go.

Hill repeats for the grown-ups (10 to 15 minutes)

While the kids fly, pick a short grassy slope near your spot. Walk or jog up for 20 to 30 seconds, walk back down. Do 6 to 8 rounds. Stay where you can see the children.

• Easier: brisk walk up, hands on knees allowed.
• Harder: jog up, or add a toddler piggyback for the last two rounds.

Chase the kite (10 minutes)

When the kite crashes, it is a race to fetch it. Children love this, and it is a brilliant interval session for you without anyone calling it exercise.

Cool down: the view (5 to 10 minutes)

Sit at the top, have a snack and play “spot the landmark”. Stretch your calves and hips while you are at it.

If you want the rest of the day planned, the playground, paddling pool and lido are at the bottom of the hill. My guide to a Hampstead Heath family day out puts it all together, and my post on Parliament Hill playground covers the play area next to the athletics track.

Where a bootcamp class fits

Kite days are a great reminder of how much fun moving can be. The trouble is, the wind does not blow on a schedule, and busy parents need something they can count on every week. That is what my classes give you: 45 minutes, done, whatever the weather. If you have had a stressful week, my SYP Release stress relief class with pads and slam balls is the indoor version of running down a hill shouting. For more ideas to keep weekends active, see my active weekends with kids in Archway guide.

FAQs

Can you fly a kite on Parliament Hill?

Yes. It is one of the most popular kite flying spots in London. Just keep away from trees, paths and other people, and avoid flying in storms or very strong winds.

What is the best kite for a child?

A simple single-line delta or diamond kite. They launch easily in light wind and are forgiving when kids pull too hard.

How high is Parliament Hill?

Parliament Hill rises to 98 metres, giving one of the best protected views of central London.

Is Parliament Hill good for exercise?

Very. The slopes are perfect for hill walking and short hill repeats, and the open grass is great for games and running with kids.

Book your first class

Fancy a weekly session that does not depend on the weather? SYP Bootcamp runs 45-minute small-group classes indoors in a church hall in Archway N19. There are never more than 10 people, it costs £15 a class, and every move has an easier and harder option. Book my £15 class or call or WhatsApp me on 07301 512215. If you are ready for a bigger change with full 1-1 support, take a look at The Transformation programme.

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.