Hampstead Heath (locally known as "the Heath") is a large, ancient
London park, covering . This grassy public space sits astride a sandy ridge, one of the
highest points in London, running from
Hampstead to
Highgate, which rests on a band of
London Clay. The Heath is rambling and hilly, embracing ponds, recent and ancient woodlands, a
lido, playgrounds, and a training track, and it adjoins the stately home of
Kenwood House and its grounds. The south-east part of the Heath is
Parliament Hill, from which the view over London is protected by law.