Kenwood House

Hampstead’s most impressive sight is this magnificent neoclassical mansion, which stands at the northern end of the heath in a glorious sweep of perfectly landscaped gardens leading down to a picturesque lake, around which classical concerts take place during the summer months. The house was remodelled by Robert Adam in the 18th century, and rescued from developers by Lord Iveagh Guinness, who donated it and the wonderful collection of art it contains to the nation in 1927. The Iveagh Bequest contains paintings by such greats as Gainsborough, Reynolds, Turner, Hals, Vermeer and Van Dyck and is one of the finest small collections in Britain. Robert Adam’s Great Stairs and the library, one of 14 rooms open to the public, are especially fine. The Suffolk Collection occupies the 1st floor. It includes Jacobean portraits by William Larkin and royal Stuart portraits by Van Dyck and Lely. There are guided tours of the house (adult/concession £2/1) daily at 2.30pm. The Brew House Café has excellent grub, from light snacks to full meals (mains around £7.50), and plenty of room on the lovely garden terrace.