The History Of Primrose Hill In 1 Minute

For a spectacular view like no other where you can simply sit down and enjoy a picnic or two, or fly a kite, then Primrose Hill is where you need to be. Located near Regent’s Park and the ZSL London Zoo, the only thing separating this hill from the rest of the green parks here is Prince Albert Road. But, what makes it so special?
Once appropriated by Henry VIII for the great chase, this grassy hill has always maintained a lively reputation and spectacular views across London. In 1841, the park was purchased from Eton College, before an Act of Parliament in 1842 secured the parkland as public open space. Originally, Primrose Hill was purchased to extend the available parkland to the poorer people living in North London, offering greater space for open air recreation of sorts. Over the years, duels were fought, prize-fights took place, football was played, picnics were made and kites were flown.

At almost 63 metres above the sea level, Primrose Hill is one of London’s six protected viewpoints. Encouraging an uninterrupted view of London, the management behind this protected hill has ensured trees are kept low and nothing is planted or built in close-sight. At the top of the hill, a York stone edging is placed, with a William Blake inscription, reading:
‘I have conversed with the spiritual sun. I saw him on Primrose Hill’.
At the slope of the hill, an oak tree was planted in 1864, named ‘Shakespeare’s Tree’, marking the 300th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth. Large crowds of workmen came from across London to watch the planting ceremony of this tree. Despite the tree being looked after, in 1964, a replacement tree was re-planted.

Today, you will find many tourists and locals alike, all enjoying the incredible views of London, whilst playing one of their many pastimes over a picnic.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.