Welcome to West London’s parks 9
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Northala Fields If you haven’t already visited this exciting new park, you must give it a try. Northala Fields was developed in 2008 from old playing fields and the waste from the new Wembley Stadium and shopping centre Westfield. It features four mounds that block noise and views of traffic, and each has its own particular mix of earth and grass to support different wildlife. You can even see panoramic views of Central London from the top of one. Like fishing? There are six lakes for fishing, so you can really get away from it all for a day in the park. Northala Fields has won a number of awards for landscaping and innovation, and is a place for Ealing locals to be proud of. n Northala Fields, Kensington Road, Northolt, UB5 6UR. Walpole Park Another must-see in the green and pleasant borough of Ealing is Walpole Park, the biggest public open space in the area. The park backs onto Pitzhanger Manor and was once part of the manor house’s estate grounds. Pitzhanger Manor was the country residence of Bank of England architect Sir John Soane. Now, Walpole Park’s formal gardens are open to public use and are a lovely place for a walk or to relax on a sunny day. It’s also the venue for the popular Ealing Summer Festival, a day of performances, stalls and celebrations in the borough. n Walpole Park, Mattock Lane, Ealing, W5 5BQ. Chiswick House Gardens Head to Chiswick to see the inspiration behind New York’s Central Park and Blenheim Palace gardens. The Beautiful Chiswick House Gardens was the birthplace of the English Landscape Movement and in 2010 was restored to its full glory, making it one of West London’s biggest
Welcome to West London
HETHER you love sports or just sitting back and watching the world go by, visit one of West London’s many parks for a relaxing day out. Here’s our pick of some of the best.
Top, Ravenscourt Park and above, Walpole Park
attractions. Aside from the house, there are grand vistas, hidden pathways, and a huge range of flowers, shrubs and trees. n Chiswick House Gardens, Chiswick, W4 2RP. Ravenscourt Park Looking for some relaxation in Hammersmith and Fulham? Head to Ravenscourt Park, a 13-hectare open space. The park dates back to medieval times, when the lake was part of a moat around a manor house. Now it’s a public park and one of the best loved in the borough, with facilities for tennis, football, basketball and bowling, as well as children’s play areas. n Ravenscourt Park, Hammersmith, W6 0SL. Kensington Gardens Royal park Kensington Gardens was originally part of Hyde Park and sits just a stone’s throw from busy Kensington High Street. The setting for part of J M Barrie’s story Peter Pan, Kensington Gardens features a Peter Pan statue and a Diana Memorial Playground with a large wooden pirate ship. Make sure you don’t miss the beautiful Italian Gardens, a
Top, Northala Fields and above, Chiswick House Gardens
150-year-old ornamental water garden created by Prince Albert as a gift to Queen Victoria. n Kensington Gardens, London, W2 2UH. Little Wormwood Scrubs In 2008 Little Wormwood Scrubs was chosen as one of London’s 10 priority parks, giving it a grant to be improved. The park is a Site of Nature Conservation Importance for creatures such as grasshoppers, butterflies and ants, but it’s also well loved by locals for a place to take children to play, or to go for a run or even sunbathe. You’ll find an adventure playground alongside the One O’Clock Club and there’s a large open area of grass for games and relaxing. n Little Wormwood Scrubs, London, W10 6AD.