10 of the Best Parks to Visit in West London.
West London is a wonderful place to live and is well regarded as one of the leafiest parts of the city. Making it no surprise why Londoners are so keen to make the most of these spaces all throughout the year. Whether you’re into sport, nature, dog walking or just like to take a stroll to break up your day, the parks of West London have something for everyone. Here are the 10 must-visit parks to enhance your West London experience:
1. Cathnor Park, Hammersmith Fulham: Located to the west of Shepherds Bush Green and close to Goldhawk Road, Cathnor Park is a compact yet well-designed space with an interesting history. It was originally a bomb site, and after being left derelict for a number of years, was converted into a park, which opened to the public in 1973. It is particularly suited to children as there are several wooden play areas to explore. Parents are free to sit and relax on the tiled area as they take in their surroundings.
2. Ravenscourt Park: One of the borough's flagship parks and features a paddling pool and kids’ beach in the summer. The 13-hectare open space is well used and loved by local residents and visitors, particularly its wildlife habitats, play facilities, tennis and basketball courts, and its popular tea-house and garden centre.. The park’s history goes back to medieval times, when the lake in the centre of the park, which is fed by Stamford Brook, was part of the moat that surrounded Paddenswick (or Palingswick) Manor. It was only in 1888 that the 32 acre site was officially opened as public parkland.
King Edward III's mistress Alice Perrers lived in the manor during the 14th century. The manor house was rebuilt in 1650 and in 1747 it was sold to Thomas Corbett who named it Ravenscourt, probably derived from the raven in his coat of arms, which was itself a pun on his name as Corbeau is French for raven. In 1812 the Ravenscourt House and estate were bought by its final private owner, George Scott, a builder and philanthropist who developed nearby St Peter’s Square. Scott employed leading landscape architect Humphry Repton to lay out the estate's gardens.
3. Gunnersbury Park, Hounslow: Conveniently located between Acton, Brentford, Chiswick and Ealing, Gunnersbury Park was originally donated by the Rothschild family as a gift to the nation, eventually opening in 1926. For someone interested in history, it doesn’t fall short. There’s a palladian-style mansion in the centre of the park, plus a grade II listed house and museum. It also appeals to sports fans, thanks to the sports hub, which opened this April. It boasts state-of-the-art facilities and is particularly accommodating to tennis and cricket players. Did we mention there’s also a cafe?
4. Kew Gardens, Richmond: Chances are, you’ve probably already heard of Kew. After all, it is one of the most famous botanic gardens in the whole of the UK! Running along the Thames and dating back to the Victorian era, it now serves as a centre of horticultural research and education, sponsored by DEFRA. It is a haven for nature lovers and botanists alike, and there is a massive range of interesting and exotic plant species to explore.
5. Ealing Common, Ealing: Ealing Common has had a few different uses over the years. This impressive 48-acre space was mainly used for farming until the mid-19th century until the Victorian era when it was used for cricket games. Today, people visit the surroundings, which include chestnut-lined paths and even a hidden rose garden. Why not head down soon and see if you can find it.
6. Chelsea Physic Garden, Chelsea: If you’ve already visited Kew and are seeking a change of scene, the Physic Garden at Chelsea could be the ideal place. It was formed way back in 1673 as a way of producing medicinal plants. This legacy is continued today with 4 hectares of land devoted to 5000 medicinal and herbal plants, in addition to events, tours and workshops. If you decide to go, be sure not to miss out on seeing the range of interesting displays and collections on show, including a ‘tropical corridor’.
7. Wormwood Scrubs Park, Acton: When the words ‘Wormwood Scrubs’ are mentioned, it’s probably unlikely that the first thing coming to mind is a 67-hectare park! Nevertheless, Wormwood Scrubs Park in Acton is a multi-purpose outdoor space for the entire community to get involved in. It’s particularly great for sport but equally suited to picnics, dog walking, and even observing nature like wildflowers, bees and birdlife.
8. Kensington Gardens, Kensington: This place is a must if you like art and architecture, as you will love the seasonal collections available in the Serpentine Galleries. Equally, if you’re into history, you should definitely explore Kensington Palace, featuring exhibitions, an orangery and a shop. The Albert Memorial may also interest you, which commemorate the death of Prince Albert in 1861. For children, there’s the Princess Diana playground, while for the gardeners, there are the allotments, where a wealth of advice on growing your own fruit and veg is on hand!
9. Bishops Park, Fulham: Having stood on these grounds for over a century and a quarter, Bishops Park is a local favourite that nestles next to Fulham FC and the River Thames. If you’re into your sports, then this is a great spot for you. Basketball courts, lawn bowling, table tennis and skating are all popular here. But it’s the poolside beach that really attracts families. And after you’re all sported out, the regular farmer’s markets will give you something tasty to choose from.
10. Lille Road Recreation Ground, Fulham: A lesser-known park than some on this list but a triangular space that packs a punch. Lillie Road is popular with the locals, and every evening you can see groups making use of the space – dog walkers, runners and other fitness groups. It gives the place a real community feel. Grass and concrete spaces allow kids to play no matter what the weather. Enjoy!
Written by John Rigg
Source London Estates
