The pleasing and atmospheric village of Hampstead is a truly atmospheric village and its hillside location affords breathtaking views across London’s skyline.

The village has a genuine 19th century feel about it and remains relatively unchanged since Hogarth, Coleridge, Carlyle and Dickens came here. Picturesque lanes and pretty Georgian cottages abound, as do historic old pubs where the ancient ceremony of “Swearing on the Horns” is still carried out.

It also boasts London’s largest private residence after Buckingham Palace, which recently became the setting for the BBC’s Fame Academy. You’ll hear of the publican who saved the life of the newly ascended Queen Victoria and see the paltry way in which he was rewarded for his services to the nation. You’ll hear of the ironic twist of justice that led to the unfortunate demise of Sir Francis Bacon, and see the old pond around which the village grew up.

Baroness Burdett Coutts, John Betjeman, Oilver Cromwell, Nell Gwyn, Dick Whittington, Yehudi Menuhin, George Michael, Annie Lennox, and Sting are just a few of the names that will be dropped into the commentary as you twist and turn through the streets of this wonderful village.

At the end of the tour you can, if you desire, pay a visit to Highgate Cemetery, a vast Victorian necropolis, where an array of illustrious names lie buried.