Primrose Hill is a beautiful urban village North of London, bordered by Camden and St John’s Wood. With its village-like feel, the beautiful neighbourhood is a perfect peaceful getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city and offers much to explore. Its namesake is the natural hill that sits in the centre of its Grade II listed park, offering panoramic views across the capital as one of London’s six protected viewpoints. Primrose Hill itself was given its name during Elizabethan times when the once wolf-infested hillside gave way to meadows and beautiful spring flowers. The park has a rich and varied history, and like Regent’s Park, was once commandeered as part of a great chase by Henry VIII. Primrose Hill was purchased from Eton College in 1841 and became a public open space in 1842, secured under an Act of Parliament.
What to do in Primrose Hill?
Primrose Hill has been home to many famous names over the years and seven English Heritage blue plaques are displayed around the neighbourhood in memory of some of its past famous residents, including poet and novelist, Sylvia Plath, historian and broadcaster, AJP Taylor, and painter, William Roberts. The area was especially popular during the 1990s with celebrities from music, television, film, and fashion – a group that became known as ‘The Primrose Hill Set’. Today, Primrose Hill remains home to many famous faces and wealthy families, with majestic Victorian terraces and picturesque pastel Regency townhouses adorning its streets. Our guide to Primrose Hill details some of our favourite spots and places to explore while you are here.
Primrose Hill Park
We can’t start a guide of things to do around Primrose Hill and not mention its beautiful park and namesake. One of eight Royal Parks in London, Primrose Hill Park is located in the northwestern part of Regent’s Park. The views from the summit of the hill certainly justify the climb, and at nearly 63 metres above sea level, you can enjoy unrivalled views of the London skyline. Residents and visitors alike flock to the peak to catch beautiful sunrises and sunsets, and the hill is known to be especially busy around Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve as an ideal location to watch the fireworks across the capital. The park is also home to some significant historical and cultural landmarks, including a York stone edging with a William Blake inscription, and ‘Shakespeare’s Tree’ planted in 1864 to mark the 300th anniversary of the playwright’s birth – and later replaced in 1964. Primrose Hill Park also provides an enjoyable day out for families, with a children’s playground, outdoor gym for callisthenics, and a cosy cafe serving hot and cold drinks and snacks.
Cowshed Spa
The small day spa on Regent’s Park Road provides a haven of relaxation and calm, with a range of luxurious treatments on offer. Melt into one of its signature plush leather armchairs for a relaxing manicure or pedicure or treat yourself to a massage or facial from one of its seven tranquil treatment rooms for a more private pampering experience. The indulgent treatments will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, ready to explore all the other delights Primrose Hill has to offer – after, of course, stocking up on your favourite Cowshed skincare and fragrance products from the spa shop.
Regent’s Park Road shopping
Step out of the spa and find yourself in Primrose Hill’s prime shopping location, a mixture of independent boutiques, vintage stores, a florist, bakeries and cafes. Regent’s Park Road is home to Primrose Hill Books, a family-owned and run independent bookstore and one of London’s best. The beautiful Victorian terrace shop sells new, signed and second-hand copies, and holds regular events with established authors. Other must-visit shops include Tann Rokka, one of London’s most fashionable lifestyle stores offering vintage homewares, lighting and unusual gifts, and award-winning florist, Fitzroy Flowers, selling beautiful hand-tied bouquets, plants, cards and gifts.
Dine
If all that shopping has worked up an appetite, you’re in the right place. For a small urban village, Primrose Hill has no shortage of desirable dining destinations. If you’re after a casual quick bite to eat, be sure to check out Greenberry – a bright cosy cafe with eclectic decor and a huge range of delicious dishes across its brunch and A La Carte menus. ARVO is another brilliant brunch spot, serving coffee, cocktails and all manner of delicious breakfast staples atop golden sourdough. Or, if you’re seeking a more formal dining experience, Greek restaurant Lemonia comes highly recommended with its freshly prepared Greek favourites, attracting patrons far and wide. Perhaps the best Primrose Hill has to offer is Michael Nadra, a contemporary bar and brasserie named after its founder and chef. Nadra’s delicious dishes are inspired by classical French culinary training and a range of global influences, and everything is made using fresh ingredients and prepared to order, down to the complementary artisan bread and homemade ice cream. The beautifully lit Grade II listed ‘Horse Tunnel’ at the heart of the restaurant provides an elegant space to host an intimate dinner or small private party.
Drink
To top off a busy day, why not head for a well-deserved tipple. Glamorous gastropub, Princess of Wales, is set across three floors and its cute courtyard is decorated with its very own Banksy. A favourite with locals and visitors, the pub offers a range of craft ales, wines from around the world, and a great cocktail menu. The Queen’s pub is another popular watering hole with locals and visitors throughout the year, where you can enjoy an extensive wine list and a varied selection of real ales, or a lovingly prepared cocktail or two while overlooking Primrose Hill.
With so many opportunities to eat, drink and explore, the idyllic Primrose Hill is well worth a visit if you’re looking to escape the city for a day. Its beautiful pastel buildings and quaint village-feel can transport you out of the city entirely, while being just a 10-minute walk from bustling Camden.
