London’s best local parks
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By Time Out editors
Posted: Fri Aug 29 2008
Clissold | Springfield | Battersea | Ravenscourt | Gladstone | Brockwell Finsbury | Victoria
Gladstone Park Gladstone Park, NW2
Gladstone Park, the recipient of a Green Flag Award, occupies 35 hectares (97 acres) of well-maintained, rising grassland with a beautiful avenue of trees, a quaint duck pond, a pretty walled garden, a lovely café and a smattering of wood carvings. A footbridge straddles a little-used freight railway that cuts through the park’s centre.Getting in 10/10
Gladstone Park is bordered by Kendall and Anson Roads to the south and Dollis Hill Lane to the north. Parking is relatively easy on Kendall Road but you may find it easier to take the tube to Dollis Hill and walk the short distance to the park. Because there are no gates, the park is open 24/7 and is dimly lit at night. Cycling is permitted. Feature continuesAdvertisementHistory 7/10
The park was named in 1907 after Sir William Gladstone (prime minister on three occasions between 1868 and 1894), who used the currently dilapidated mansion, Dollis Hill House, as a country retreat, presumably because it was well within striking distance of Parliament. The view in the early 1900s was so impressive that author Mark Twain, on a one-off visit to the house, is reported to have said: ‘I have never seen any place that was so satisfactorily situated, with its noble trees and stretch of country; and all within a biscuit’s throw of the metropolis of the world.’ In 1907, the park was bought by Brent Council, which maintains it to this day.
Park life 8/10
The sports pitches are supplemented by a decent-sized changing room/lavatory facility, plus a café operated by the same people who run the delightful Karmarama Café at the top of the park. Karmarama is situated, along with a small gallery, in The Stables near the big house. If peace and quiet is your thing, head to the nearby Walled Garden, a sheltered area filled with stunning flowers and shrubs.Also at the top of the park is an under-used bowling green, ten tennis courts and a kids’ playground, while south of the railway track near the changing rooms is Gladstone Youth and Community Centre.Fun stuff 7/10
The fabulous Gladstonbury Festival takes place every June. Bands play on several stages throughout the day and there are dozens of stalls selling locally made items. Sideshows include a children’s funfair, open-mic slots, a tranquil ColourDome and the increasingly popular Woofstock Dog Show, an alternative to Crufts.
Landmarks 5/10
The remains of Grade II-listed Dollis Hill House are the only eyesore in the park. The house was frequented by Sir William Gladstone during the late 1800s, served as a hospital during World War I and was later a restaurant, before being burned down in two arson attacks in the 1990s. Since then, it has remained a mere shell of unsightly scaffolding and metal sheeting while the council decides what to do. It’s a sore point with locals, who would love to see it restored. There’s also Dudding Hill Junction, a picturesque wooden junction house that doesn’t appear to have changed in a century. Lastly, The Stables dates back to 1820 and is home to Brent’s only dedicated contemporary art gallery. Derek Adams
Total: 37/50
Gladstone Park, Anson Rd/Dollis Hill Lane, NW2 (www.gladstonepark.co.uk/www.gpcc.ik.com). Dollis Hill tube. Open 24 hours.
Clissold | Springfield | Battersea | Ravenscourt | Gladstone | Brockwell Finsbury | Victoria- Add your comment to this feature
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14 comments
Springfield Park is one of many parks, woods, waterways and open spaces linked by the Capital Ring - one of the Mayor's 7no. Strategic Walking routes that cover 350mls of London's suburbs and centre see http://www.walklondon.org.uk. Look out for their Autumn Amble led walks end Sept. - and again in Jan and May
No Crystal Palace Park? WTF?!
As part of the £8.9 million restoration grant from Hackney Council and Lottery funds. Hopefully the football Goalposts will be fixed, and the basketball hoops sorted.
Actually why dosn't the Council ask the community what they would like to see improved in the park?
Is this too far fetched. An outdoor Sculture on the form of a type of rock looking surface that doubles as an outdoor freeclimbing rock for children and adults to climb around. It has movable climbing holds. Oh and outdoor ping pong tables like the one in London Fields?
Your thoughts.
Can anyone tell me the circumference of Clissold?
The squatters in the house on the edge of Clissold park were doing no harm, it added some colour and variety to the palce.
I really have no idea wat you are trying to say. I won't use sarcasm again as it's clearly been lost into oblivion...
you are very right opinion Mr. Mark I agree with your comments becuase in all the conjested atmospher its caused the pure groom health for the human being thats why i love vic part and also you said right thing, but whilst trends die, quality lives on. its so nice of you
Thanks for that Shami, we get a really good idea of your opinion from that post.
Technically not a park, but Hampstead Heath has to be the nicest outdoor space in London. Okay not as 'trendy' as Vic park, but whilst trends die, quality lives on.
no like the victoira park and i hope it wil win and you Sophie dont has perfect information and i love this park toooooooooo much as you think about it
I loooooveeeeee Vicky Park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
very nice magazine which keep in touch with the culture of the london city its os beautifful for me
Vic Park wins.
Yes!!!!!
What about Waterlow Park, Highgate?
Hi - re the Parks, specifically Battersea Park's description.
I'm sure "Getting In" to Battersea Park is better than 4/10, more like 8/10, and being almost flat it's very accessible. Public transport - not just the trains from Waterloo and Victoria (and Surrey and Middlesex) plus the London Bridge route and the 137 bus but several other buses pass the park or along Battersea Park Rd from the 452 from Kensal Green and Kensington, the 344 from Liverpool St, and there's the 156 from Wimbledon. Even the 360 bus (South Kensington to Elephant & Castle) stops just over Chelsea Bridge so the visitor gets a short walk across Chelsea Bridge with fabulous river views with the Power Station, or you can catch one of the 3 buses that cross the bridge, including the 44 (Tooting-Victoria).
As far as fun goes - it's a wonderful place to learn to rollerblade especially near the Pagoda (lessons and group skating) and what about the bike hire place which hires out all sorts of bikes for all ages?
Lastly, Battersea Park's famous annual November firework display is brilliant and excellent value.