Parks

 

London is reputed to have more green spaces than any other city in the world and West London in particular is famous for its lovely parks and tree lined streets. There are four parks within walking distance from the house and a host of other large parks within driving distance.

Within walking distance:

Lammas Park: entrance on Northfields avenue about three streets up from Northfields tube station. This park has a play park for young children.

Walpole Park: Another beautiful green park. LIterally accross the road from Lammas Park. A great way to Ealing Broadway Centre from Northfields Avenue is to walk across Lammas park, cross over Culmington Road to Walpole Park and walk across Walpole park to Central Ealing. A lovely summers walk. This park has a playpark for young children an animal centre, you can view Pitshanger mannor for free and in August, you can see bands in Ealing jazz festival (a fee applies for this).

Elthorne Park: Probably, the easiest park to get to from the house.  It is on Boston Road, come out of the house, turn left, right into Leighton Road, which becomes Elthorne Park Road. Walk to the end (5 or 6 minutes) and you will see the park. There is a dilapidated band stand and a children's playpark here.

 

 

Parks worth travelling to:

 

Richmond Park

 

Richmond park is the largest Royal Park in London, covering 2500 acres. Its history goes back to Edward I (1272 - 2307) when the area was known as the manor of Sheen. Charles 1 enclosed the area  in 1637. This was not a pupular decision, but he did still allow the pedestrians to have right of way. The walls round the park remain today.

There are 6500 dear roaming the park and the site is a designated as a national nature reserve (NNR), a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) and a special area of conservation (SAC).

There is an itinerary of guided walks throughout the year and four eating places, a play park for children and plenty of other activities which would enable you to spend a busy day there.

For further details go to  Richmond Park Website   

 

Pitshanger Park

 

Pitshanger park is really close....about 1.5 miles or 2km. The area is often nicknamed "Pitshanger Village. It comprises of Pitshanger Lane, which is a parade of about  half a mile of shops - all independently owned (no big high street names here). Lots of cafes, restaurants, pubs, delicatessen, childrens shoe shop, gift shops and more. You will just have to go and have a look. The pavements are wide and feel nice and safe...it is a real young family area, you will see lots of small children on Pitshanger Lane.

The park is on Meadvale Road, which runs parallel to Pitshanger Lane, so just take one of the side streets off it such as Selby Road or Barnfield Road. The park is well attended, the childrens play area is always busy on a nice day.

For more information on Pitshanger Lane and surrounding area go to:  Wikipedia

 

 

Gunnersbury Park

 

 

Again, pretty close to the house. About 2 miles straight down Northfields Avenue. Gunnersbury is a very nice park that was once housed a mansion which was lived in by princess Amelia, daughter of King George II in the late eighteenth century. Later famous owners were the Rothschilds.

The Rothschild family sold the 190 acres of land and houses to Ealing and Acton Council and Middlesex county council  in 1925 and it has been a public park ever since.

On this site, there is a small museum, playpark, cafe, pitch and putt golf, small mansion, large mansion, orangery etc.

For more info: Gunnersbury Park Website

 

 

Other Parks:

We cannot dwell on parks forever, but here are a few more in West London (didn't we tell you that there were a lot of parks in London?).

Ravenscourt Park: - Beautiful West London Park in Chiswick/Hammersmith area, so not too far. wikipedia

Acton Park: Not far at all. Hosts regular travelling circus's and fairgrounds. Acton parks

Hampstead Heath: Had to mention this as it is Londons largest open space and everyone has heard of it. Lots going on see website: HampsteadHeath.net

Syon Park:  Syon Park and house...still owned by the Duke of Northumberland. Loads of grounds, cafe, garden centre, Soft play area for children etc. Syon Park Website