This neighbourhood is in the north west London Borough of Camden, at the very south of Hampstead Heath, and is known locally as Gospel Oak. The area offers a wide selection of good state schools, Victorian terraces, modernist estates, and Edwardian mansion blocks, making it an excellent place to raise a family. While it is not a prime shopping location, its quaint village atmosphere offers a number of charming and independent shops dotted around the area. The neighbourhood has a wealth of nature-based activities and ways for children, and adults, to play in the fresh air and enjoy their downtime.

The history of Gospel Oak can be traced as far back as AD 986 when it was documented in the history of Hampstead by Ethelred the Unready to the Abbot of Westminster. The area’s name comes from the local oak tree, which parishioners used to gather under to hear gospel readings, when the area was still rural. There are reports that the founder of Methodism, John Wesley, preached from under that oak. The oak vanished sometime in the 1800s and was last recorded on a map of the area in 1801.

The famous poet, John Betjeman, was born locally. Betjeman began his career as a journalist and ended it as one of the most popular British Poets Laureate and a much-loved figure on British television in the late 20th century. He was also a founding member of the Victorian Society and a passionate defender of Victorian architecture.

Tate Britain has a painting by Jan Siberechts showing the view from Parliament Hill in 1696.

Theft is the highest reported crime in this neighbourhood. However, the occurrence of theft and all other crimes are much lower than in the rest of London. Some people feel that it is a bit too far outside of central London, as the main transportation option is the Overground. But, the underground tube stations are close by and there are also bus routes into central London.

In 2019, improvements and extensions to Parliament Hill School’s buildings were completed. These include a sports hall, science labs and general teaching classrooms as well as the refurbishment of the existing dining hall building. In addition, the neighbouring William Ellis School benefited from a new two-storey addition, housing drama and music facilities. In 2022, a proposal by private developer Folgate Estates was submitted for the Murphy’s Yard project near Gospel Oak Station. The proposal was for 825 homes and up to 95,000sqm of employment and other non-residential space on the site, but it was highly criticised for its scale, the height of the towers that would constitute it, as well as its impact on views and local character. The proposal received nearly 1500 objections and the developer eventually withdrew the application. As London continues to grow, this area should continue to see development and more improvements.