Haunted Hampstead Walk Hampstead feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle of London. Walking the winding streets and charming alleys of Hampstead Village feels like no time has passed since famous gothic writers walked the same streets. Hampstead has inspired ghost stories, gothic tales, and even has its own haunted pub. As you go wander further from the high street and into the heath London fades into the background and you can enjoy the rambling tree lined paths scattered with crisp fallen leaves and wide meadows with sweeping vistas of the vast park. This mini walking tour begins with a handful of gothic literary sites and ends with a myriad of options of places to stop for treats or a full meal. The Spooky Literary History portion will take approximately 30 minutes. From there you have options of either exploring Hampstead Heath, or heading to SJW for Halloween fun. Spooky Literary History Daphne du Maurier [14 Cannon Place]· Daphne du Maurier lived in Hampstead as a child. She was a gothic writer who wrote one of the most classic horror short stories of all time, The Birds. In this story, swarms of birds begin to relentlessly attack humans. · Her other highly acclaimed gothic classic is Rebecca. A suspense thriller about a woman who marries a widower but can’t get over the sense that his late wife is haunting the estate. · Daphne du Maurier was made a Dame Commander of the British Empire in 1969 for her literary achievements. Robert Louis Stevenson [7 Mount Vernon]· Robert Louis Stevenson spent years living in Hampstead and described it as “the most delightful place for air and scenery in London.”· His classic gothic novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, has been adapted into many films, and the main character helped perpetuate the role that Mad Scientists play in the horror genre. · In the book, Dr Jekyll creates a potion that turns him into the wicked Mr. Hyde. · This book was an instant success and has remained popular since its publication in 1886. Bram Stoker’s Dracula [St. John-at-Hampstead Parish Church, Church Row] · Bram Stoker used the graveyard at the Hampstead Parish Church as one of the settings in his acclaimed gothic novel Dracula. · It is not hard to imagine vampires walking through this graveyard with its overgrown corners and weathered tombs. · The myth of vampires had been around for hundreds of years, but Bram Stoker brought the myth into the present day and many of the legends about vampires can find a seed in Stoker’s depictions of them. · Although vampires are pure myth, from 1590-1700 over 500 women executed for practicing witchcraft. H. G. Wells [17 Church Row] · H.G. well lived in this house from 1909-1912. He is considered one of the pioneers in the sci-fi genre. His novels feature elements of time travel, alien invasions, and mad scientists. · His gothic novel The Invisible Man has become an iconic horror character. The main character in the book renders himself invisible through a scientific procedure but is unable to reverse the process. As he tries to research a cure, he becomes violent and irresponsible. Makes you wonder, is invisibility really the best superpower to have?After you finish the spooky literary history of Hampstead you have a few options for the next part of the walking tour. Option 1: Head towards Hampstead Heath and enjoy the woodlands. The autumnal foliage and large trees are the perfect backdrop for a crisp fall day. Rumors have it the heath is haunted, so keep your eyes out for ghosts. Head to Parliament Hill to see a lovely view of London, walk past the ponds, or up to Kenwood House. · See how many different coloured leaves you can collect.· Find a stick that would make a good wand.· If you could make a spell what would you have it do? Option 2: Walk towards SJW. There are lots of spooky things in this area. · Pick a festive pumpkin from Panzers and pop inside to stock up on some American Halloween candy. · Warm up with a hot cocoa from Rococo or Leonidas. Be sure to get some chocolates to snack on later as well. · Stroll through the old cemetery at St. John’s Wood Church Gardens. It is estimated over 50,000 people were buried here from the time in opened in 1814 until it was closed in 1855. Spooky Eats Hampstead Gails [64 Hampstead High St]- Stop in for finger biscuits or gingerbread skeletons. Venchi [65 Hampstead High St ]- If you can’t go trick or treating the chocolate pick and mix here will leave you with plenty of sweet treats to enjoy. Oddonos [8 Flask Walk]- To give you the chills, but the good king caused by eating ice cream on a cold day.The Holly Bush [22 Holly Mount]- A delicious local pub, but be careful, the rumor is that it’s haunted by a ghost, and if she takes your order your food will never arrive. Other good local pubs to stop by for a meal are The Flaks, and The Wells. St. John’s Wood Gails [5 Circus Rd] Stop in for finger biscuits or gingerbread skeletons. Panzers [13-19 Circus Rd] for pumpkins and Halloween candy.Rococo [27 St John's Wood High St] for hot chocolate and chocolates.Leonidas[132 St John's Wood High St] for hot chocolate and chocolates. A Little History of Halloween Halloween is said to have its roots in an ancient Celtic celebration in Ireland and Scotland called Samhain. Samhain marked the end of summer. People at the time were frightened of evil spirits. They would dress up in costumes and make noise in the streets in order to make the spirits go away. When the Catholic Church came to the Celtic land, it brought with it the celebration of All Saints Day on November 1st. This day was also called All Hallows Day and the night before was called All Hallows Eve. Many of the traditions from the two holidays became merged together. Over time, All Hollows Eve was shortened to Halloween and additional traditions like trick-or-treating and carving Jack-o-lanterns became a part of the holiday. (https://www.ducksters.com/holidays/halloween.php)
