Belsize Park is an affluent and charming residential area in the London Borough of Camden, located between Hampstead and Camden Town. Known for its leafy streets, elegant architecture, and relaxed village-like atmosphere, it's a popular area for families and professionals. The residential streets are lined with Georgian and Victorian villas and mews houses. The name is derived from French bel assis meaning 'well situated'.
- Underground line: Northern Line
- Main mnemonic object: Giant bell
- Main mnemonic loco: Belltower (choose a church)
- Main mnemonic female: Helena Bonham-Carter
- Main mnemonic male: Jude Law
- Peg 1: Belsize park tube station
- Peg 2: New Orleans (Bourbon Street house)
- Peg 3: Shrevepoint (Sleeve + pints/points)
- Peg 4: Plaquemines (Mine plaque)
- Peg 5: Caddo (Caddy + O)
- Peg 6: Rapides (Rapid + December)
- Peg 7: Pelican
Famous residents
- Helena Bonham-Carter
- Jude Law
Architecture and Housing:
Belsize Park is renowned for its mix of Victorian and Edwardian houses, many of which have been converted into luxury flats, as well as modern and contemporary apartment buildings.
The area is characterized by beautiful, wide, tree-lined streets and has a quieter feel compared to bustling nearby neighborhoods like Camden.
Village Atmosphere and Local Amenities:
Belsize Park has a strong community vibe, with many boutique shops, cafés, and independent stores along Haverstock Hill and Belsize Village.
The area offers various pubs, eateries, and markets, creating a vibrant yet relaxed social scene.
Parks and Green Spaces:
Hampstead Heath and Primrose Hill are both nearby, providing residents with extensive outdoor spaces for walking, sports, and picnics.
Belsize Park itself has smaller green areas and quiet streets, adding to its appeal as a tranquil, suburban-like enclave within the city.
Cultural Connections:
Known for its connection to the arts, Belsize Park has been home to various notable figures, including writers, artists, and actors.
It is also near Hampstead Theatre and Everyman Cinema, which showcase independent films, plays, and other performances.
Transport:
Belsize Park Underground Station on the Northern Line offers direct access to central London, making it easy for residents to commute.
Nearby Swiss Cottage and Chalk Farm stations provide additional transport options, connecting residents to different parts of the city.
Squares and gardens
- Primrose gardens
- Montague Street garden
- Bloomsbury Square garden
- Bedford Square gardens
- Malet Street gardens
- Crabtree fields
- Whitield gardens
- Fitzroy Square garden
- The Warren Park
- Gordon Square
- Woburn Square
- Tavistoc Square
Underground stations:
King's Cross/St. Pancras
Euston
Mornington Crescent
Academic and Literary Legacy: Bloomsbury is home to University College London (UCL) and several other academic institutions, attracting a scholarly community. The district was famously associated with the Bloomsbury Group, a circle of influential writers, intellectuals, and artists in the early 20th century, including Virginia Woolf, E.M. Forster, and John Maynard Keynes.
Museums and Libraries: The area is home to the British Museum, one of the world’s most famous museums, housing an extensive collection of art and artifacts. The Wellcome Collection and the Charles Dickens Museum are also located here, appealing to history and literature enthusiasts.
Green Spaces: Bloomsbury features several garden squares, such as Russell Square, Bedford Square, and Bloomsbury Square, offering quiet spots to relax amidst the bustling city. These squares are notable for their Georgian architecture and serene landscaping.
Bookstores and Cultural Sites: Known for its literary roots, Bloomsbury boasts a variety of independent bookstores, including Skoob Books and Gays the Word (one of the UK's oldest LGBTQ+ bookstores). Tavistock Square and Gordon Square have notable associations with the Bloomsbury Group and other historic movements.
Architectural Heritage: Bloomsbury’s architecture reflects its historical prestige, with Georgian terraces and Victorian buildings dominating the area. The grand and elegant facades contribute to its refined, scholarly ambiance.
Mnemonic pegs
London, the capital of the United Kingdom, is one of the world’s most influential cities, renowned for its rich history, culture, economy, and global significance. Founded by the Romans as Londinium around AD 43, London has evolved into a metropolis with a population exceeding 8 million and encompasses a blend of historical and modern attractions.
Historical Landmarks: London boasts iconic sites, including Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower of London, Westminster Abbey, and St. Paul's Cathedral, each marking significant moments in British history.
Cultural Hub: The city is home to world-class museums and galleries, such as the British Museum, National Gallery, and Tate Modern. London's West End is famous for its theatres, attracting millions to shows and performances yearly.
Green Spaces: London's parks like Hyde Park, Green Park, and Richmond Park offer respite within the bustling cityscape, providing locals and tourists with beautiful recreational areas.
Economic Powerhouse: London’s City of London and Canary Wharf are major financial districts, hosting banks, stock exchanges, and corporations, making it a global finance leader.
Education and Innovation: The city houses prominent universities, including University College London (UCL), Imperial College London, King’s College London, and the London School of Economics (LSE), known for academic excellence and research.
Boroughs
1 - City of London (not officially a borough of London)
2 - City of Westminister
3 - Kensington and Chelsea
4 - Hammersmith and Fulham
5 - Wandsworth
6 - Lambeth
7 - Southwark
8 - Tower Hamlets
9 - Hackney
10 - Islington
11 - Camden
12 - Brent
13 - Ealing
14 - Hounslow
15 - Richmond upon Thames
16 - Kingston upon Thames
17 - Merton
18 - Sutton
19 - Croydon
20 - Bromley
21 - Lewisham
22 - Greenwich
23 - Bexley
24 - Havering
25 - Barking and Dagenham
26 - Redbridge
27 - Newham
28 - Waltham Forest
29 - Haringey
32 - Enfield
33 - Barnet
32 - Harrow
33 - Hillingdon
Kensington and Chelsea
- Albertopolis
- Bayswater
- Belgravia
- Brompton
- Chelsea
- Chelsea Harbor
- Earl's Court
- Holland Park
- Kensal Green
- Kensngton
- Knightsbridge
- Ladbroke Grove
- North Kensington
- Notting Hill
- South ensington
- West Brompton
- West Kensington
- World's End
Links
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/London
Copyright (C) S. Midttun, 2024