This post provides information about things to see and do on Primrose Hill in London.
We’ll also include details about the history of this location, how to get there and nearby attractions.
For a long time, this area of London was largely undeveloped land with trees and wildlife, and it was even used as hunting grounds by notable monarchs in England.
Some say this area was named after its origins, as there were apparently a lot of primroses naturally growing here.
Of course, that name might not be as fitting today, as there aren’t as many primroses anymore.
Alternatively, it’s also possible that Primrose Hill was named after Archibald Primrose, the 5th Earl of Rosebery.
Just as this part of London remained unchanged and undeveloped for many years before businesses and homes were built around the area, it has also kept much of its original charm from the 19th and 20th century.
If you want to get a sense for what London was like before modern times, a lot of the original architecture on Primrose Hill remains intact, which makes it feel like you’re walking back in time.
It’s thanks to this and other elements of the neighbourhood that this is a very desirable place to live.
As a matter of fact, a lot of celebrities live in this part of London, and you might even see a few as you walk around!
And, in this video, Sinead, a tour guide with us, Tours by Foot London, takes you on a walk from Primrose Hill in Regents Park through the neighborhood, also named Primrose Hill.
The tour begins from the top of Primrose Hill on the northern end of Regents Park overlooking Regents Canal.
From there, Sinead brings you through the beautiful winding roads of the neighborhood that bears the same name.
You will visit the picturesque Chalcot Square Gardens before exploring the rest of the neighborhood.
The tour ends at Chalk Farm Station where Sinead will show you where to access the area.
Highlights of Primrose Hill
Aside from all the great architecture in the neighbourhood, Primrose Hill itself has a lot of interesting sights to see - and it’s a great place to see other landmarks in London.
Aside from that, you’ll also find Shakespeare’s Tree at the summit of Primrose Hill.
This tree was planted in 1864 to celebrate the 300th anniversary of Shakespeare’s birth, and re-planted in 1964 for the 400th anniversary.
A lot of people come here to see if they can’t catch a glimpse of some celebrities who live in the area, but you might also want to check out some of the houses where famous people once lived.
Each of the following locations is marked with a blue English Heritage plaque to denote its historical importance:
- Sylvia Plath and Ted Hughs | 3 Chalcot Square and 23 Fitzroy Road
- Friedrich Engels | 22 Regent’s Park Road
- Roger Fenton | 2 Albert Terrace
- William Butler Yeats | 23 Fitzroy Road
- Dylan Thomas | 54 Delancey Street
Have a Picnic With a View
Primrose Hill has stunning views over the city and is an excellent place for a picnic.
There are 6 different viewpoints which are around 60 metres above sea level, and the trees on this hill are kept low enough to ensure your view will be relatively unobstructed.
On a clear day, you can see sites like the London Eye, the Shard, and other notable attractions in the city centre.
Truth be told, this is one of the best places to get a look at the city skyline of London, and it’s entirely free!
With local shops and supermarkets near by, it's easy to pick yourself up some tasty treats to enjoy on the hill.
Buy a Book in an Independent Shop
Primrose Hill Books is a charming independent book store with rows and rows of books just waiting for you to find.
Here for more than 30 years, the family-owned shop is a true north London treasure and definitely one worth visiting.
Enjoy a Snack and a Coffee at a Cosy Cafe
Primrose Hill is full of charming little cafe's - many of which have outdoor seating on the charming neighbourhood streets throughout the area.
Our favourites are The Little One Coffee Shop, Greenberry Cafe, and Primrose Bakery for some of the best cakes in the city.
Visit a Classic London Pub
Primrose Hill has its' fair share of trendy and modern restaurants - but there are some classic local pubs to uncover as well.
Consider Sunday lunch at The Princess of Wales, a drink in the beer garden at The Pembroke Castle, or a classic meal at The Queen's.
Dine on a Floating Restaurant
This is one almost all Londoners know: A floating Chinese restaurant.
Floating on Regent's Canal at the bottom of Primrose Hill, Feng Shang Princess serves up delicious Chinese food, as well as delicious cocktails, on board a huge multi-level boat.
The lights at night give the boat a magical quality and is a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
How to Get to Primrose Hill
This neighbourhood is located just north of Regent’s Park and the London Zoo. You can get here by car, tube, train, or bus.
The nearest tube station is Chalk Farm, which is roughly 8 minutes away from Primrose Hill.
Alternatively, you can take the bus here using routes 1, 13, 18, 27, 30, 31, 74, 82, 113, 139, 159, 189, 274, C11 and C2.
Although you can take the train, the nearest National Rail train station is in Kentish Town, which is a 21 minute walk from this part of the city.
If you’re going to be following our Little Venice to Camden walking tour, you might want to consider visiting Primrose Hill afterward, as it’s just a short 10 minute walk from the location where that tour ends.
