Discover the best parks and green spaces in Hendon for your next outdoor adventure. From family-friendly parks with playgrounds and sports facilities to serene gardens perfect for a peaceful stroll, this list covers the top spots to relax, unwind, and enjoy nature. Whether you’re looking for a place to have a picnic, play with your kids, or simply escape the hustle and bustle, Hendon has something for everyone.
Key Takeaways
- Hendon Park is a versatile community hub with children’s play areas, tennis courts, and beautiful flower beds, ideal for families and fitness enthusiasts.
- Mill Hill Park offers a serene escape with strolling paths through diverse landscapes and hosts a community centre for local events.
- Golders Hill Park features a butterfly house, zoo, and rose garden, making it an exciting destination for families seeking both nature and relaxation.
Hendon Park
Hendon Park is truly a gem in the heart of North London. This diverse neighbourhood park caters to everyone, offering a range of amenities that ensure a delightful visit for all ages. As you step into this well-maintained park, you’ll be greeted by three excellent children’s play areas designed for kids aged 2 to 14 years, making it an ideal spot for family outings.
For those who enjoy a bit of sport, Hendon Park features a few tennis courts available to the public. These courts are perfect for a friendly match or a rigorous workout session. As you wander through the park, you’ll notice the pleasant flower beds that add a touch of colour and tranquillity to the entire park, making every visit a visual treat.
Hendon Park transcends the typical green space, serving as a community gathering spot for families, fitness enthusiasts, and those in search of tranquillity. With its well-maintained park facilities and diverse amenities, Hendon Park is thus an ideal spot for spending a pretty nice bank holiday or any day you choose to unwind.
Sunny Hill Park
Sunny Hill Park, as its name suggests, is a bright and inviting green space perfect for a variety of activities. Despite its vast size, there are limited entrances, giving it a secluded feel that makes every visit feel like a special retreat. The park is well-known for its sports facilities, including a basketball court and a multi-sports court, catering to sports enthusiasts of all kinds.
In addition to its robust sports amenities, Sunny Hill Park offers beautifully maintained gardens and a delightful cafe. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely walk or a relaxing cup of coffee, this park has got you covered. The marked walking routes make it easy to explore the park’s expanses, ensuring you don’t miss any of its charming corners.
The versatility of Sunny Hill Park distinguishes it from other green spaces. It offers:
- A cute little tea shop offering refreshing drinks
- Peaceful walking paths surrounded by green grass
- A fantastic park for creating fond memories with friends and family
- A lovely spot for enjoying a uniquely pleasant stroll or engaging in more active pursuits.
Mill Hill Park
Celebrating its 100th year of public access in 2023, Mill Hill Park is a historical and serene green space in Hendon. Spanning 14 hectares, the park features an impressive array of grass, woodland, and over 60 species of trees. Those yearning for an immersion in nature or a serene escape from the city’s hustle will find this park fantastic.
One of the park’s highlights is its pleasant strolling paths, which provide an idyllic setting for a tranquil walk or a reflective moment. The paths meander through the park’s diverse landscapes, offering visitors a chance to explore its natural beauty at a leisurely pace. For those drawn to quiet, scenic walks, this park is an excellent choice.
Adding to its community charm, Mill Hill Park also hosts a community centre where local events are held. This centre serves as a hub for social gatherings and activities, making the park not only a place for relaxation but also a focal point for community engagement. This park wonderfully blends natural beauty with a sense of community.
Golders Hill Park
Golders Hill Park, a part of the London Park group, is a true green oasis in North London, offering a delightful mix of attractions that cater to all ages. Among its many features are a butterfly house, a zoo, and a children’s playground, making it an exciting destination for families. The park’s beautifully maintained walled garden and carved stone war memorial add a touch of history and serenity to this lovely park.
Visitors can enjoy the following activities at the park:
- A game of croquet on the lawn
- Exploring the unique ‘stumpery’ – a garden feature made from tree stumps and logs that adds a whimsical touch to the park
- Relaxing with a cup of tea at the charming tea shop amidst the scenic surroundings
- Admiring the burst of colour in the rose garden area during the blooming season.
Whether you’re admiring the amazing gnarled trees or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the rose garden area, this park offers a beautiful green oasis …
Golders Hill Park truly offers something for everyone, making it a fantastic destination. Whether you’re admiring the amazing gnarled trees or enjoying a leisurely stroll through the rose garden area, this park offers a beautiful green oasis in the heart of the city. For those seeking a harmonious blend of nature, history, and relaxation, this park is an ideal choice.
St Martin’s Gardens
St Martin’s Gardens offers a picturesque escape with its stunning views of the Grand Union Canal. This lovely park is ideal for a peaceful walk, thanks to its clearly marked paths that make navigation a breeze. As you stroll through the park, you’ll often spot many canal boats waiting along the canal, adding to the tranquil and serene atmosphere.
The park’s well-maintained paths and calming canal views make it a perfect spot for a uniquely pleasant stroll. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a busy day or simply want to take in the beautiful scenery, St Martin’s Gardens provides a serene backdrop for your walk.
The picturesque views and nice park surroundings are some of the park’s highlights, making it a haven for lovers of natural beauty and quiet reflection. This delightful park allows you to savour the simple pleasures of nature, far removed from the noise and stress of everyday life, and create so many fond memories.
Pergola and Hill Gardens
For those seeking a touch of romance and history, Pergola and Hill Gardens is a must-visit destination. Originally designed by Thomas Mawson and built starting in 1905, this enchanting garden features a raised walkway adorned with wisteria and roses, creating a truly romantic ambience. The Gardens were commissioned by Lord Leverhulme, who purchased a townhouse called ‘The Hill’ on Hampstead Heath in 1904.
One of the park’s hidden gems is a nice quiet garden located with a pond, offering a peaceful spot to rest and take in the surroundings, including a few slightly sad flowers. This hidden garden, along with the pergola’s enchanting walkways, a few benches, and even a butterfly house, makes it a fantastic park for those who enjoy exploring beautiful and historical places. It was such a surprise to discover this serene oasis amidst the bustling city.
Today, the Pergola and Hill Gardens are managed by the City of London Corporation and are open to the public all year round, free of charge. Whether you’re visiting during the vibrant spring or the serene winter, this green space offers a unique and magical experience.
Brent Reservoir (Welsh Harp)
Brent Reservoir, also known as Welsh Harp, offers a countryside-like escape right within the city. Despite being located in a busy part of London, the reservoir is noted for its tranquillity, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers. The reservoir’s various outdoor activities, such as bird-watching, sailing, and fishing, make it a versatile destination for adventure seekers.
The northern side of Welsh Harp Open Space is particularly inviting, with its woods, trails, and reeds creating a picturesque setting. Several sailing and canoe clubs operate here, offering opportunities for water sports enthusiasts to enjoy the reservoir to its fullest. Adventure seekers who also love nature will find this spot great.
The reservoir, a paradise for bird-watchers and perfect for activities such as walking, dog-walking, and cycling, could benefit from improved maintenance in certain areas. Despite this, Welsh Harp remains a fantastic park for those looking to escape the city’s hustle and enjoy a day surrounded by nature.
Clitterhouse Playing Fields
Clitterhouse Playing Fields is a popular spot among sports enthusiasts, offering comprehensive sports facilities that cater to various activities. Here, you’ll find multiple football pitches, tennis courts, and designated areas for cricket and 7-a-side football games. For those eager to engage in sports and stay active, this park is a wonderful choice.
Beyond its sports amenities, Clitterhouse Playing Fields hosts local community festivals that bring people together with various activities and entertainment. These festivals are a highlight for the local community, offering a chance to enjoy the park in a lively and celebratory atmosphere.
This park is particularly popular among sports enthusiasts for its diverse range of amenities and the vibrant community spirit it fosters. Some of the amenities at Clitterhouse Playing Fields include:
- Football fields
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Cricket pitches
- Running tracks
Regardless of whether you’re engrossed in a football match or attending a local festival, Clitterhouse Playing Fields provides an engaging and dynamic green space for everyone’s enjoyment.
Childs Hill Park
Childs Hill Park, located at Granville Rd, London NW2, is a convenient and delightful green space accessible via public transportation. Though parking can be limited, the park’s accessibility makes it a great choice for visitors relying on public transit.
The park features:
- A well-equipped playground with slides, climbing frames, swings, balancing equipment, musical instruments, and a zip line, catering to children of various age groups
- The Childs Hill Bowls Club
- A public library
These amenities add to the park’s appeal, offering activities for all ages.
Nearby amenities further enhance the convenience of visiting Childs Hill Park, making it easy to plan a full day out with family and friends.
Beyond providing a great spot for play and relaxation, this lovely park also serves as a community hub, fostering connections among people.
Basing Hill Park
Developed in 1936, Basing Hill Park is a charming green space designed to serve the local community. The park features a green grass-surrounded area with scattered trees, providing a serene and open environment for visitors to enjoy.
A children’s playground adds to the park’s family-friendly atmosphere, making it a wonderful park for families with young children. The playground is well-maintained, offering a safe and fun environment for kids to play and explore.
Basing Hill Park’s development aimed to create a green space that caters to the needs of its local community, and it continues to be a sweet park where locals gather, relax, and enjoy the outdoors. This park is the perfect setting for a peaceful afternoon picnic or a leisurely stroll among the trees.
Summary
From the vibrant Hendon Park to the tranquil St Martin’s Gardens, Hendon offers a diverse array of green spaces that cater to every outdoor enthusiast. Each park has its unique charm and amenities, ensuring there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking for sports facilities, peaceful strolls, or family-friendly play areas. Considering a move to the Hendon neighbourhood of abundant natural beauty? Hendon’s parks are a fantastic way to connect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. So, pack a picnic, grab your walking shoes, and head out to discover the best parks and green spaces Hendon has to offer. Your next adventure awaits just around the corner!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best parks in Hendon for families with children?
I suggest checking out Hendon Park and Golders Hill Park for great family-friendly options, including play areas, a zoo, and a butterfly house. Enjoy your time there!
Are there any parks in Hendon with sports facilities?
Yes, both Sunny Hill Park and Clitterhouse Playing Fields have sports facilities such as basketball courts, football pitches, and tennis courts. Check them out!
Which park in Hendon is best for a peaceful walk?
St Martin’s Gardens and Mill Hill Park are great choices for a peaceful walk, offering clearly marked paths and beautiful natural surroundings. So, you can enjoy a serene stroll in either of these parks.
Are there any historical parks in Hendon?
Yes, Pergola and Hill Gardens is a historical park in Hendon, offering a romantic raised walkway and a hidden garden for visitors to explore.
Can I access Childs Hill Park via public transportation?
Yes, you can easily access Childs Hill Park by using public transportation, as parking can be limited.
