Hampstead Heath-Goodison Fountain, London NW3 7JR

## Overview The Goodison Fountain is a natural iron-rich spring located on Hampstead Heath in north London, near the famous Kenwood House estate. Nestled among the rolling green expanses of one of London's most beloved open spaces, this public drinking spring has been used by locals for many years. The water is notably high in iron — visitors can both smell and see the mineral content — giving it a distinctly metallic character that is characteristic of chalybeate (iron-bearing) springs historically found across the Heath. Hampstead Heath has a long association with natural spring water. The area's springs have fed the Heath's famous chain of ponds for centuries, and iron-rich waters like those at the Goodison Fountain were once prized for their supposed health-giving properties. At least one regular visitor has reported drinking this water since 2005, though due to the high mineral and metal content, the water may not be suitable for drinking without treatment. Visitors should be aware that no official water quality certification is available for this spring. ## Directions **By Public Transport:** - **Overground:** Hampstead Heath station is approximately a 25-minute walk from the spring. - **Tube:** Hampstead station (Northern Line) is roughly a 30-minute walk. - **Bus:** The 24 bus is a convenient option — it stops about 35 metres from the intersection of Oxford Street and Tottenham Court Road (Stop A), from where you can continue north. **On Foot from the Heath:** 1. Use the postcode for **Kenwood House, Hampstead Lane, London NW3 7JR** as your navigation reference. 2. Head towards the chain of ponds on Hampstead Heath — there are seven ponds in total, and these serve as your main landmark. 3. The spring is located directly above (uphill from) the ponds. Make your way to the **northeast corner** of the pond area. 4. Follow the hedge lined with trees heading either **south or downhill**. 5. Just before you reach the asphalt path, look for a **well-like structure made of clay** surrounding the spring. Water flows from a metal tube set into the structure. **GPS Coordinates:** 51.569597, -0.162554 ## What to Expect The Goodison Fountain is a modest but charming spring outlet, built into a clay well-like structure with water flowing from a tube. The iron content of the water is immediately apparent — you can see an orange-rust tint and detect a metallic smell. This is typical of chalybeate springs and is a natural feature of the local geology. The area immediately downhill from the spring is lush and green, nourished by the mineral-rich water that also feeds the Heath's bathing ponds. The surrounding landscape is classic Hampstead Heath — ancient woodland, open meadows, and winding paths that make for a wonderful walk before or after visiting the spring. Some visitors collect small quantities of the spring water and blend it with filtered water at home (one regular user reports mixing it at a ratio of roughly 1:15 with filtered water). During summer months, the spring area is especially pleasant, and at least one local has been known to attach a hose to the tap for a refreshing cool-down after a walk across the Heath. The Heath is also excellent for wild foraging, with a variety of edible plants growing in the rich, spring-fed soil nearby. Whether you come for the water, the walk, or simply to enjoy one of London's hidden natural features, the Goodison Fountain is a rewarding destination on any visit to Hampstead Heath.