Hampstead Heath

Hampstead Heath, in north London, is Britain's most storied gay cruising spot. It's been one for a long time — since the 19th century, in fact, when being gay could still land you in jail. West Heath, a short walk north from Hampstead tube station up Heath Street, is where it all happens. The Heath gets busy during the day, but it really picks up around dusk. A thick patch of woods helps give the crowd some privacy; there's even a sessile oak, known to regulars as the Fuck Tree, that's become a bit of a landmark. You’ll see all sorts of people here: young and old, different backgrounds, regulars mixing with first-timers. In 2025, some anti-cruising posters popped up across the Heath. They got a lot of press, and the community pushed back hard. The area is still very much in use. To find it, get off at Hampstead tube station, walk north towards the Heath, and look for where the old Jack Straw's Castle pub used to be (it's apartments now). That’s the main entrance to West Heath.