London Hampstead, Highgate, And Golders Green

THE IVEAGH BEQUEST. The impressive Iveagh collection in Kenwood House was bequeathed to the nation by the Earl of Iveagh, who purchased the estate in 1922. Everything on the estate is a work of art, from the ponds and paths to the rooms in the house, especially the library. A free booklet guides you through highlights including The Guitar Player—one of 35 known Vermeers in the world—Rembrandt’s compelling self-portraits, and a beautiful Botticelli. Georgian society portraits by Reynolds, Gainsborough, Hogarth, and Romney fill the walls with faces of people who look as though they might have called Kenwood home. Meanwhile, even if you can’t get into the house, the surrounding grounds are breathtaking. (Kenwood House. Road access from Hampstead Ln. Walk or take Bus #210 from North End Way or Spaniards Rd. or from Archway or Golders Green. ☎020 8348 1286. Wheelchair-accessible. Open daily 11:30am-4pm. Free.)

Galleries

While Hampstead is a tiny town, a handful of worthwhile galleries lie along Heath Street. The Catto Gallery, 100 Heath St. (☎ 020 7435 6660; www.catto.co.uk), One of London’s leading contemporary ...more