sign in sign up
<<
Home , Belsize Park, Belsize Wood, Camden Town, Chalk Farm, Cumberland Market, Hampstead

A Guide to Camden’s Parks and Open Spaces Contents , West , and 2 , Hampstead, and Kentish 7 , Somers Town, , and 12 Useful contacts and how to get involved 21 Alphabetical list of parks, addresses, features and travel details 27 Index 32 1

Introduction Camden Council manages nearly 70 parks and open spaces. They range from small neighbourhood playgrounds to grand city squares, historic graveyards to allotments. These oases dotted throughout the Borough, complement the bigger and somewhat better known areas that the Council does not manage, such as , Primrose Hill and Regents Park. In recent years Camden has spent a good deal of money improving its parks and open spaces. In addition, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, over £5 million has been spent on restoring five historic parks (, , St George’s Gardens, St Pancras’ Gardens and ). We have increased the numbers of gardeners and attendants in parks – please let them know what you think of our service, you can identify them by their uniforms. In addition we have Parks Officers on duty every day of the year, backed up by a mobile security patrol. As well as managing public parks, the Parks and Open Spaces Service looks after the Borough’s trees, runs the allotment service and manages a number of large grounds maintenance contracts for other Council departments. We also lead on the Camden Biodiversity Action Plan. We would like you to think of this Guide as a welcoming invitation to Camden’s parks and open spaces. There is information about most of them with a complete alphabetical list at the back, as well as contact details for our services and other useful organisations. Kilburn, , Swiss Cottage and Primrose Hill 3 4

Antrim Gardens 1 currently a waiting time of 10 years for Antrim Gardens, next to one of the a plot at this site Council’s allotment sites, is more than Spedan Close play area is set in a just an attractive quiet sun trap within wooded enclosure and provides a which to relax. As well as a children’s valuable play facility for the local playground it also contains two community. It caters for children from architectural curiosities, both 4-12 years old. presented to the Gardens in 1945 – one a decorative well-head made from Broadhurst Copse 4 stonework from the original House of The name of this site is misleading. Commons and the other a sundial If there was a copse on this site it has constructed from a baluster of the old long since been replaced by a small Waterloo Bridge. Antrim , the main feature of which is allotments are a small-enclosed site a playground. with 27 plots and a communal shed. There is currently a waiting time of 10 years to get a plot at this site. Open Space and Adelaide Road Hampstead Cemetery 5 Fortune Green is a much-valued large Nature Reserve 2 open space with a village green feel. Situated along a railway embankment It consists mostly of lawns and on Adelaide Road, NW3. This sunny specimen trees and is adjacent to the site next to Blashford Tower has Fortune Green Play Centre (managed a summer meadow, pond, areas by the Council’s Play Service) and the of scrub and a small woodland. tranquil Hampstead Cemetery. There is Regular conservation workdays a playground for young children. In the for volunteers take place on the summer it plays host to the popular last Sunday of the month; contact Jester Festival. the Nature Conservation Section. Tel 020 7974 8818. Hampstead Cemetery covers 26 acres and has a main drive and public Branch Hill and footpath running through it from Spedan Close 3 Fortune Green to . The Branch Hill Allotments are tucked cemetery has no new grave spaces away on Branch Hill, NW3 close to available, but there is an area for Hampstead village and have 26 plots cremated remains to the north of the and a communal shed. There is cemetery. The and Camden Cemetery Service manages the 5

cemetery (see contacts section at summer. There is also a large hard the end of this guide). Hampstead surface multi-use games area in one Cemetery was opened in 1876. There corner and a dog exercise area. On the are two Gothic-style chapels, which other side of the lawn, near to the new are listed buildings, and an entry lodge park attendants hut are children’s made of Kentish Rag and Bath stone. playgrounds where there is a unique There has been some major work to children’s water play feature. The park these buildings under a scheme is staffed permanently by both a supported by the Heritage Lottery gardener and an attendant. Fund, as well as road improvements and new landscaping. Hampstead Maygrove Peace Park 8 Cemetery today has an excellent Opened in 1984, the Peace Park is an collection of memorial art, reflecting unusual site with landscaped rolling the cosmopolitan nature of the area’s hillocks and shrub covered previous inhabitants. The site is also embankments. The gardens are well important for nature conservation known for the large number of plaques and biodiversity. and other features which promote world peace. A Japanese style pagoda Iverson Road entrance leads through to a “peace Open Space 6 walk”. Maygrove Peace Park also has Iverson Road Open Space provides a playground and a floodlit multi-use two facilities; a hard surface multi-use games area; it is next to the Sidings sports area containing a five-a-side Community Centre. pitch and two basketball courts and a Primrose Gardens 9 children’s playground. Primrose Gardens contains lawns, Kilburn Grange 7 shrubs and roses and lends an elegant Kilburn Grange is a large park situated charm to the period houses which behind the busy Kilburn High Road. It surround it. Its small size and narrow was opened to the public in 1913, the shape mean that it is generally quiet land having previously been part of the and peaceful. It has a small central Grange estate from which it takes its paved seating area. name. The park is divided into a series Quex Road of areas. At one end are tennis courts and a play project. Next is the Open Space 10 secluded rose garden; the main central Quex Road Open Space is a small area is a large open lawn which is neighbourhood playground adjacent to used for fairs and other events in the Saint Mary’s CE School Kilburn. 6

Sumatra Road the site allowing visitors to experience Open Space 11 the woodland at close hand without This small open space, created just causing it damage. The site is open for after the Second World War, includes a a visit or to volunteer and take part in small hard surface five-a-side pitch conservation work every Thursday and a playground for younger children. morning and the second Sunday of the A shrub lined walk leads into the site month. Extra children’s and community from the road and a specimen rose events are also held on a regular basis; hedge lines the street frontage. contact the Nature Conservation Section Tel 020 974 8818. Behind Swiss Cottage , Jenny Wood Nature Open Space 12 Reserve has a pond, a small meadow The open space forms the centrepiece area and woodland. of the Swiss Cottage civic site redevelopment which includes the Westcroft Estate refurbished library, sports centre, Allotments 14 community centre and theatre. The An unusual allotment site situated open space will include a water feature within Westcroft housing estate close with angled jets to be lit in the evening. to Cricklewood (NW2). Many of the The park will be landscaped with plots have their own shed. Waiting shrubs and trees (mainly cherries for times for plots at this site are available spring colour and maples for autumn on request. Contact the Allotments colour). The lawn areas will be banked Officer 020 7974 8819. in a series of terraces. There will be a 15 toddlers’ play area and an all weather Green West End Green was originally the five-a-side football pitch. The open green of the ancient hamlet of West space will be re-opened in the Winter End. It is situated right by the shops of 2005/06. and bus stops. As well as lawn areas Westbere Copse and mature plane trees, West End Nature Reserve 13 Green has a large decorative stone drinking fountain, dating from 1897. This small woodland made up primarily There is also an oak tree which was of native tree species (ash, oak, lime) planted to commemorate the is an important habitat for nesting bats coronation of King Edward VII. and birds. A boardwalk runs through Gospel Oak, Hampstead, Highgate and 8 9

Falkland Place gardens on the west side of Highgate Open Space 16 Road allow greater access and This site, away from busy roads, offer seating. primarily provides facilities for local children. There are playgrounds Highgate New Town suitable for all ages as well as some Open Space 20 open space. Although Highgate New Town has much open space surrounding it, there Fitzroy Park Allotments 17 is little at its centre. This small site Our largest allotment site with 86 provides a playarea for local children plots. The site overlooks Hampstead and in partnership with the local Heath. There is currently a waiting time community, a major improvement of 10 years for a plot at this site. project is planned during 2005. Hampstead Green 18 Leighton Crescent Hampstead Green is not generally Gardens 21 open for public access. Instead it is Leighton Crescent Gardens has thick cultivated as a spring wild flower shrub borders and a hard surface meadow and in spring is a blaze of multi-use games area at its centre. colour with daffodils. This attractive site can be easily viewed from paths Lismore Circus 22 which run around most of its Although originally laid out as a circular perimeter. Hampstead Green is a small garden in the 19th century, Lismore haven for wildlife, particularly insects, Circus has been absorbed into the in this busy built up area. extensive redevelopment of the Gospel Oak area in recent decades as a Highgate Enclosures and valued open space. Retaining its Grove Terrace Squares 19 circular shape, Lismore Circus is This series of small gardens run bisected by a path and seating and is alongside Highgate Road. They open and lit at night. provide shade and have attractive floral displays in summer. The fine 18th century houses of Grove Terrace provide an appropriately impressive backdrop on the eastern side. The 10

Montpelier Gardens 23 on the third Sunday of the month. This is a hidden garden, accessible via Extra children’s and community events passageways and not seen from the are also held on a regular basis; road. As a result its small lawn and contact the Nature Conservation large shrub beds have an even more Section Tel. 020 7974 8818. tranquil feel. On one side of the Gardens is a large playground. Entry is Talacre Gardens 26 from Brecknock Road, Montpelier This large open space between Chalk Grove and Leighton Grove. Farm to the west and Kentish Town to the east was redesigned in 2003 Pond Square Gardens 24 following the development of Talacre Situated at the highest point of the Community Sports Centre. Separate Borough in historic Highgate Village, areas provide an all weather pitch; a Pond Square is a triangular area children’s playground; a planted studded with fine trees. The Square seating area; a wide expanse of grass, was the site of two ponds, both of pathways and benches and an area which were drained in 1886 to create outside of the park for dog exercising. the open space. The Gardens provide an ideal space for community activities and events at Russell Nurseries and all times of the year. Wood 25 This large mature woodland site Waterlow Park 27 (situated between tube Waterlow Park is the largest park run station and Lawn Road NW3) is by Camden and was bequeathed to a haven for local wildlife and plant the public by Sir Sidney Waterlow in species. It is adjacent to a housing 1889 as a “garden for the gardenless”. estate and accessible to public. Set on a hillside with panoramic views The woodland is known for its large over , the Park includes the specimen oak trees. Alongside historic Lauderdale House and its Russell Nurseries is the formal terraced gardens. Waterlow has Nature Reserve – a lovely small ponds on three levels, tree lined woodland. Whilst visiting the site you walkways, mature shrub beds and can admire the architecture of the herbaceous borders, ornamental listed building next door. The bedding, expanses of lawn, six tennis nature reserve is open for visits or to courts and a small playground for volunteer and take part in conservation younger children. work every Wednesday morning and 11

The Park is home to much wildlife, including foxes and bats. It also has an aviary which is used as an injured animal recovery centre. Many educational and entertaining events are organised by the Council. The Park is staffed permanently by two gardeners and an attendant. The Council has undertaken a large improvement and restoration programme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This has seen the creation of a Waterlow Park Centre, restoration of the terraced gardens and surrounding historic walls, and the creation of timber boardwalks and viewing platforms at two of the ponds. Waterlow Park Centre The Centre is available for both public and private use, including: > Environmental educational sessions for local schools and colleges > Information about Camden parks and open spaces including local history and events and exhibitions > Functions and conferences. The building has a capacity of 200 people. For more information please contact: Waterlow Park Centre Manager Tel 020 7974 8810 Fax 020 7974 1543 Email [email protected] Camden Town, Somers Town, Bloomsbury, Holborn and Fitzrovia 13 14

Alf Barrett Playground 28 and a hornbeam fence were This playground offers a range of play introduced along with new paths, park equipment including items for children furniture and landscape improvements. with disabilities. There is a wide slide, with easy access and a roundabout that wheelchairs can be pushed Gardens 31 aboard and secured. Brunswick Square was constructed as part of the recreation grounds of the Argyle Square Gardens 29 Foundling Hospital, an orphanage The Gardens were laid out by the founded by the distinguished seaman Victorians and are still almost Captain Thomas Coram in 1739. The completely surrounded by original square on the other side of what is houses. A climbing frame suitable for now Coram’s Fields, Mecklenburgh young children is situated at one end Square also formed part of the of the Square and a multi-use fenced grounds. Today Brunswick Square is sports pitch at the other. The Square open to the public as a garden. Near has an open feel but still retains its the centre of the garden is the finest original perimeter plane trees. The park example of a London Plane tree to be attendant for the area is based here. found anywhere in Camden. Brunswick was recently renovated with new railings, paths, park furniture, tree Square Gardens 30 and landscape improvements. Laid out in 17th century as the piazza to the Earl of Southampton’s mansion, Camden Gardens 32 Bloomsbury Square has outlived the This park, more than any other in the building it was intended to grace and Borough, demonstrates the pressure now stands as a companion piece to of the urban environment on green Russell Square. of eminent space. As well as being surrounded on Whig politicians face each other along all sides by busy roads, this small Bedford Place which connects them. garden actually has a raised railway Bloomsbury Square was redeveloped bridge running right through the middle in the 1960s when an underground car of it. A little green oasis between park was constructed beneath it. Camden and Kentish . A recent refurbishment aimed to reflect elements of Humphrey Repton’s 1806 layout, restore the views and link to the nearby Russell Square. New railings 15

Camden Square Clarence Square Gardens, Gardens 33 Munster Square Gardens This traditional Victorian square has an and Hampstead Road excellent stock of mature trees as well Open Space 36 as spring bulbs. Following public These green spaces predate the consultation the Square offers a large Regent’s Park Estate, which has grown dog free area. At one end of the up around them. They now provide Square is the Camden Square Play valuable public open space in this Centre which is run by the Council. densely populated area. The Gardens Gardens 34 are generally of modest design, This large green space beside Camden incorporating lawn areas, shrub beds Road has a multitude of uses. As well and some trees. as quiet areas and shrub beds there is College Gardens 37 a children’s playground, a multi-use College Gardens is a small triangular sports pitch and a skatepark for open space at the north end junction skateboarding, roller skating/blading of Royal College Street and St Pancras and BMX riding. Cantelowes Gardens Way. is the only park in Camden where the focus has been directed so specifically Crabtree Fields 38 at young people. Following extensive Crabtree Fields is a small park nestling community consultation a major in the back streets of Fitzrovia. As well refurbishment of Cantelowes Gardens as a playground and shrub beds, the and the skatepark is planned. park has an attractive pergola walk Chalcot Square covered in climbing plants. Gardens 35 39 This attractive and quiet little square Cumberland Market has gone complements the imposing terraces through a number of changes since of Primrose Hill. Flowering cherry its original market days. The site trees surround a paved seating area currently includes a floodlit hard- in the middle of the Gardens. The surface sports pitch and a playground. Square is a focal point for parents The sports pitch is regularly used by with young children. local young people. Working with local organisations, funding has been secured to improve the layout and landscaping of Cumberland Market. 16

This will mainly concentrate on Harrington Square improving the cobbled surface of the Gardens 43 western side and planting an avenue Since 1928, when nearby gardens of trees along the central walk way. were lost to the construction of House, Harrington Elm Village Open Space 40 Square has been the only large public This small local garden has a more garden in this part of the Borough. The expansive feel due to a split level Square has lawns and large trees but design. It has a number of attractive is particularly noted for its flower shrub beds, seating areas and a displays – one reason for its great children’s playground which has been popularity at summer lunchtimes. recently refurbished. Euston Square Gardens Judd Street Open Space 44 (East and West) 41 This small green includes children’s The benches, lawns and shrub beds of swings and a dog exercise area. Euston Square provide a pleasant The site was created in the early environment for travellers using Euston 1950s with the construction of the Station. The square is divided in two Cromer housing estate and is actually by a bus lane which passes between built on the site of an 18th century stone lodges from the original entrance bowling green. to Euston Station. Given its location this park probably has more visitors Lincoln’s Inn Fields 45 than any other in Camden! This square is the largest in London Goldington Crescent and the oldest in Camden – there has been public open space here Gardens 42 since at least the 12th century. In the The lawns and mature trees of subsequent centuries it was used this oval shaped garden set off the for duelling, jousting and occasional attractive 19th century terraced public executions. It was laid out crescent along its edge. Opposite formally in the 17th century and is and St enclosed in 1735 under an Act Pancras Gardens. of Parliament. The chequered past is little in evidence today as people lounge on the lawns and benches at lunchtimes while the more energetic play tennis or netball. 17

The Fields were used as a camp by Queen Square Gardens 49 the Royal Canadian Air Force during Away from the busy traffic routes the Second World War – a fact marked through Bloomsbury is peaceful Queen by one of the many monuments to be Square. The square is packed with found in the square. Lincoln’s Inn features – lawns, rose beds, flowers, Fields is staffed by both a gardener shrubs, trees, statues and monuments. and an attendant. The square is much used, especially in the summer. Oakley Square Gardens 46 Oakley Square Gardens is a Red Lion Square typical 19th century square; it was Gardens 50 relandscaped in 1953 to celebrate Red Lion Square is the hidden jewel of the Coronation of Elizabeth II and has Holborn. It was laid out in 1698 and changed little since. A network of took its name from a famous local inn, paths weave between new shrub With traffic mostly passing by at just beds, a fine collection of mature trees one end it is very quiet and secluded. and two large circular rose beds. The Square also has some statuary, Polygon Road including a bust of the philosopher Bertrand Russell. Open Space 47 This open space in the heart of Regent Square Gardens 51 Somers Town has quiet seating area, a Regent Square is another typical 19th recreational grass area and a popular century residential square consisting playground. It is adjacent to the of lawns, shrub beds, paths and and popular ‘Plot 10’ play project. mature trees. Purchese Street Rochester Terrace Open Space 48 Gardens 52 This open space provides valuable Rochester Terrace Gardens is a typical recreation facilities for the local residential square with lawns, mature community. There is a small trees and large play facility making it playground, a hard surface games valued locally. area for older children and a segregated dog exercise area. The main path through Purchese Street Open Space is lit at night. 18

Russell Square Gardens 53 St George’s Gardens 55 This large square is situated just St George’s Gardens is a real oasis. behind the . It was The many large plane trees create completed in 1806 to a design by shade and imposing ivy clad tombs Humphrey Repton for the 5th Duke and gravestones are found throughout of Bedford, whose still stands the Gardens. There is also a striking in Gardens today. stone obelisk and classical statuary. Historically, St George’s Gardens is The Council was supported by the important, as it was the first burial Heritage Lottery Fund to restore and ground in London not to be sited next refurbish the gardens. This award to its church. The Gardens comprise winning refurbishment included the sites of two former burial grounds, removing some of the cosmetic those of St George the Martyr alterations made in the 1960s and (Holborn) and St George’s Bloomsbury installing a new central plaza and (Camden). St George’s Gardens has water feature. Russell Square has a recently undergone a restoration café which is open all year and the project supported by the Heritage expansive lawns and vibrant floral Lottery Fund. The renovated Chapel displays make it a poular lunchtime of Ease now provides a meeting place spot. Russell Square now benefits for local groups as well as a store for from the attentions of a permanent the gardener who works here and at gardener. St Andrew’s Gardens. St Andrew’s Gardens 54 St George’s Terrace St Andrew’s Gardens was opened to the public in 1885, having previously Open Space 56 been a burial ground. Many tombs This small open space is a pleasing and gravestones can still be seen in contrast to Primrose Hill park which the Gardens and they lend an air of is just across the road. Instead of tranquility to the open lawns, flower sweeping lawns and occasional trees, beds and mature trees. St George’s Terrace Open Space is a collection of trees, shrubs and lawns adding character to the period terrace which overlooks it. 19

St Giles’ Churchyard 57 public garden managed by the This historic graveyard has a number Council. There are many interesting of memorials and tombstones and features: the extravagent Burdett- was also the site of two “plague pits” Coutts memorial sundial which has during the Death. It is tucked recently been restored; nearby, “the away in the corner of English Bach”, Johann Christian, and is a quiet, pleasant spot in which youngest son of J.S. Bach was buried to pause in the shadow of St Giles-in- in 1782; the famous memorial to the-Fields and the mature trees that Sir John Soane’s wife, the design of surround it. which inspired the classic “K2” red telephone box; behind the church is St James’ Gardens 58 a tree which has grown over and These large gardens just west of among gravestones, which were Euston Station were once a burial propped up against it when the ground and still have many tombs and Gardens were laid out – stone and gravestones. St James’ Gardens has wood are now fused together. The a fenced hard surface sports pitch and site has recently been improved and a playground. The gardens have a restored this project was supported calm, secluded air. by the Heritage Lottery Fund. St Martin’s Gardens 59 This former burial ground has gently Gardens 61 undulating lawns and a perimeter lined Tavistock Square is leafy, shaded and with dozens of original gravestones. less busy than nearby Russell Square. The most obvious element of the The Gardens include fine mature trees gardens is the large children’s and shrubs around the border with playground which has been a feature lawns and flower beds in the centre. for many years. A number of memorial features can be St Pancras’ Gardens 60 found in Tavistock Square, some which St Pancras’ Gardens surrounding St promote peace. There is the central Pancras Old Church one of the oldest statue of Mahatma Gandhi, a tree sites of Christian worship in Europe, planted to commemorate the victims was opened in 1891. The gardens of the Hiroshima bombing and a replaced the original churchyard and Conscientious Objectors’ memorial incorporated the burial ground of St stone. In one corner is an impressive Giles-in-the-Fields, Covent Garden, the stone bench which commemorates original churchyard of which is also a Dame Lousia Aldrich-Blake, one of the first women surgeons. 20

The Warren 62 The Warren is an extremely well used open space. The recently resurfaced and floodlit sports pitch is available for bookings and is often used for training sessions by the local group, Fitzrovia Youth in Action (see contacts at end of this guide). There is also a playground and a seating area. Whitfield Gardens 63 This paved open space next to the American Church on Court Road is designed for people to rest and sit back form the frantic tempo of the busy shops. Recently, the site has been improved and new artwork has been developed with local groups and the charity Groundwork Camden and Islington. Formerly, it was the burial ground for Whitfield’s Tabernacle and, before that, the site of a large pond called The Little Sea. Wicklow Street Open Space 64 Two facilities are provided at Wicklow Street. The first is a hard surface multi- use sports pitch and the second, a small playground. The play equipment has been upgraded in recent years. 21

Useful contacts and The building has a capacity of how to get involved 200 people. For more information For more information or to report a please contact: problem in a park please contact Waterlow Park Centre Manager Parks and Open Spaces Tel 020 7974 8810 Fax 020 7974 1543 Crowndale Centre Email [email protected] 218 Eversholt Street London NW1 1BD Sports pitches in parks Tel 020 7974 1693 To book a park sports court (line staffed 8am-11pm every day) please contact Fax 020 7974 1543 Email [email protected] Argyle Square Website www.camden.gov.uk (football/basketball) Tel 07717 516 353 Latest news and parks information can be found on the Camden website. Kilburn Grange For events please log on to (tennis courts and football/basketball) www.camden.gov.uk/whatson Tel 07717 516 352 We also publish a listing of park Lincoln’s Inn Fields events in the quarterly newsletter (tennis and netball) At your Leisure available from all Tel 07717 516 251 Camden receptions, libraries and St James’ Gardens sports centres. (football/ basketball) Tel 07717 300 093 Waterlow Park Centre Waterlow Park The Centre is available for both public (tennis courts) and private use, including: Tel 07717 300 137 > Environmental educational sessions Attendants are available to take for local schools and colleges bookings from 10 minutes to the hour > Information about Camden parks until 10 minutes past the hour (during and open spaces including local daylight hours, every day). history and events and exhibitions > Functions and conferences. 22

The Warren Nature Conservation To book the sports pitch and Biodiversity please contact Principal Nature Conservation Officer Fitzrovia Youth in Action Parks and Open Spaces Basement London Borough of Camden 66-68 Warren Street (address as above) London W1T 5NZ Tel 020 7974 8816 Tel 020 7388 7399 Fax 020 7272 3588 Fax 020 7388 7399 Email [email protected] Talacre Community Sports Centre Dalby Street Allotments London NW5 3AF Allotments Officer Tel 020 7974 8765 Parks and Open Spaces Fax 020 7974 8751 London Borough of Camden Website www.camden.gov.uk/sport (address as above) Community sports facility with a Tel 020 7974 8816 gymnastics training centre, a sports Fax 020 7272 3588 hall with four badminton courts, an Email [email protected] indoor soft play area for young children and an outdoor artificial turf pitch suitable for football and hockey. Friends of Parks and Gardens groups, Trees community gardens and gardening clubs Camden Tree Section Parks and Open Spaces Camden Information Services London Borough of Camden London Borough of Camden (address as above) Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street Tel 020 7974 1591 London NW1 1BD Fax 020 7974 1543 Email [email protected] Tel 020 7974 1656 Fax 020 7974 1566 Email [email protected] Website http://cindex.camden.gov.uk 23

Cemeteries Parks and open Islington and Camden spaces managed by Cemetery Service other organisations High Road East Hampstead Heath London N2 9AG Superintendent of Hampstead Heath Tel 020 8883 1231 Heathfield House Fax 020 8365 2178 432 Archway Road London N6 4JH Islington Council manages St Pancras and Hampstead Cemeteries. Camden Tel 020 8348 9908 does not have a crematorium. Fax 020 8348 1677 However, the Islington and Website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ Cemetery and Crematorium service is openspaces also based at High Road, East Kenwood Finchley (Tel 020 8883 1230). The Ivy Bequest Kenwood Other Camden services Hampstead Lane London NW3 7JR Customer Service Centre Tel 020 7973 3893 London Borough of Camden Fax 020 7973 3890 3-5 Cressy Road Email andrew.ginner@english- London NW3 2ND heritage.org.uk Tel 020 7974 5974 Website www.english-heritage.org.uk Fax 020 7974 3153 Email [email protected] Parliament Hill Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm. The Manager Camden Direct Information Service The Staff Yard with information on Camden Council, Highgate Road organisations and services in Camden. London NW5 1QR Tel 020 7485 4491 Email hampstead.heath@ corpoflondon.gov.uk Website www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/ openspaces 24

Regent’s Park or Primrose Hill Kentish Town City Farm Kentish Town City Farm Park Information Office 1 Cressfield Close The Storeyard London NW5 4BN Inner Circle Tel 020 7916 5421 Regents Park Fax 020 7916 5420 London NW1 4NR Email [email protected] Tel 020 7486 7905 Website http://www.aapi.co.uk/ Fax 020 7224 1895 cityfarm/ home.htm Website www.royalparks.gov.uk Mill Lane Open Space and Action Group Highgate Cemetery Situated in Mill Lane NW6 close to Swain’s Lane West . The site London N6 6PJ is owned by the Council’s Education Department, it has a large wildlife pond (please include an SAE) and a children’s play area. An action Tel 020 8340 1834 group helps manage the site and hold Website www.highgate- regular conservation workdays for cemetery.org.uk volunteers and local events. Open in daylight hours. Access to the pond Coram’s Fields Children’s Playground is restricted. Coram’s Fields Tel 020 7435 5443 93 Guilford Street London WC1N 1DN Greville Place Tel 020 7837 6138 On Greville Place NW6, close to Fax 020 7833 2393 Kilburn Park Tube. This small site is the garden of a coach house Natural Park once occupied by . Now managed as a nature reserve it has Camley Street Natural Park many interesting trees and a small 12 Camley Street pond. Open the first Sunday of the London NW1 0PW month for visits and conservation Tel 020 7833 2311 workdays. Email [email protected] Tel 020 7261 0447 25

Mortimer Terrace Nature Reserve including gardening classes for adults with learning difficulties. Floodlit sports A small nature reserve situated just pitch for hire (marked for netball and off Mortimer Terrace, NW5. Between five-a-side football). Gordon House and the Silverlink () railway. Open on the Sidings Community Centre first Sunday of the month for events and volunteer conservation work. Sidings Community Centre 150 Brassey Road Tel 020 7267 2310 off Maygrove Road London NW6 2BA Phoenix Garden Tel 020 7625 6260 Entrance in St Giles’ Passage, Fax 020 7625 6260 off New Compton Street, WC2 Email [email protected] c/o 21 Stacey Street London WC2H 8DG Open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm and some evening and weekend activities. Tel 020 7379 3187 Community centre with playgroup, Open in daylight hours. Gardener on crèche, sports hall, youth club, under- site Tuesday-Thursday. fives soft room and manages the Maygrove Peace Park football pitch. Community organic garden with small woodland, pond and bog Castlehaven Community Centre garden, flower and herb beds, bird feeding station and nest boxes. Castlehaven Community Centre 33 Hawley Road Calthorpe Project London NW1 8RU Calthorpe Project Tel 020 7485 3386 258-274 Grays Inn Road Fax 020 7267 5762 London WC1X 8LH Website www.castlehaven.org.uk Tel 020 7837 8019 Office open Monday-Friday Fax 020 7713 0321 10am-5.30pm Programme of events and courses Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm, including Over 60s’ day trips and Sat 11am-5pm holidays, Over 60s’ Tai Chi and dance Organic community garden for classes, Under-Fours’ Playtime, after local people to tend. Programme of school club, sports pitches for hire. activities for children and adults, 26

Useful organisations Groundwork Camden and Islington Groundwork Camden and Islington CABE space 12 Baron Street CABE space London N1 9LL The Tower Building Tel 020 7278 1514 11 York Road Fax 020 7278 1515 London SE1 7NX Email camden-islington@ Tel 020 7960 2400 groundwork.org.uk Fax 020 7960 2444 Website www.groundwork.org.uk/ Email [email protected] camden-islington Website www.cabespace.org.uk Environmental regeneration charity CABE Space works with local working on local projects such authorities and other bodies as landscaping and installing responsible for public space to help children’s play areas, increasing them provide a better service. the recreational use and security of public open spaces. London Parks and Green Spaces Forum The overall aim of the London Parks and Green Spaces Forum is: “to promote a network of accessible quality green space, as a major contribution towards a healthier and more sustainable world city.” London Parks and Green Space Forum PP19b City Hall The Queen’s Walk London SE1 2AA Tel 0118 946 9060 Fax 0118 946 9061 Email [email protected] Website www.green- space.org.uk/Network/lpgsf.htm Nature Conservation and Biodiversity Nature conservation is an important We offer a more formal programme element of how Camden’s extensive for schools at Waterlow Park and the range of parks, open spaces and three nature reserve sites we manage nature reserves are managed. To where the next generation can learn ensure this happens effectively we about valuing nature and the have a Nature Conservation (and environment around them. Allotments) section within the We also lead on the Camden Parks Service. Biodiversity Action Plan, a five year We work to increase and improve plan of action for wildlife and its the habitats for wildlife across the habitats across the Borough. This Borough through park management, plan was developed by a partnership improvement works and involvement of over 21 landowners and local in planning applications and proposed community groups coming together developments. The service also to prioritise action for the Borough. offers regular opportunities for local Copies of the Action Plan can be people and children to take part in found on the website both practical conservation work and (www.camden.gov.uk) or by contacting through a programme of wildlife events Nature Conservation Section across our parks and open spaces. 28

Alphabetical list of parks, addresses, features and travel details

Site 1234567891011Travel details Adelaide Road B C11 31 Nature Reserve U Swiss Cottage Adelaide Road NW3 R Alf Barrett Playground B 59 68 91 168 Old Gloucester Street U Holborn/Russell Square WC1 R No local station Antrim Gardens and B 168 C11 Allotments U Belsize Park Antrim Grove NW3 R Gospel Oak Argyle Square Gardens B 10 30 46 73 91 214 WC1 U King’s Cross St Pancras R King’s Cross Bloomsbury Square B 68 91 168 188 U Holborn Gardens WC1 R No local station Branch Hill and B 268 210 U Hampstead Spedan Close NW3 R Hampstead Heath Broadhurst Copse B 328 139 C11 U Broadhurst Gardens NW6 R West Hampstead Brunswick Square B 68 91 168 188 U Russell Square Gardens WC1 R No local station Camden Gardens B 134 214 C2 29 253 Camden Street NW1 U Camden Town R Camden Road Camden Square B 29 253 274 U Camden Town Gardens NW1 R Camden Road Cantelowes Gardens B 29 253 U Camden Town Camden Road NW1 R Camden Road Chalcot Square B 274 U Chalk Farm Gardens NW1 R Camden Road Clarence Gardens B C2 24 27 29 134 U Great Regents Park Estate NW1 Portland Street R Euston College Gardens B 46 29 134 214 253 C2 Royal College Street NW1 U Camden Town R Camden Road

Key 1 Locked at night 2 Playground 3 Tennis 4 Sports pitch 5 Public toilets 6 Café 7 Local attendant 8 Dog exercise area 9 Floral bedding displays 10 Conservation area 11 Historic site Key B Bus U Underground R Rail 29

Site 1234567891011Travel details Crabtree Fields B 10 24 29 73 134 Colville Place W1 U Goodge Street R No local station Cumberland Market B C2 24 27 29 134 U Great Regents Park Estate NW1 Portland Street R Euston Elm Village Open Space B 46 274 U Camden Town Barker Drive NW1 R Camden Road Euston Square Gardens B 10 18 30 68 73 91 168 188 253 (East and West) U Euston NW1 R Euston Falkland Place Open B 134 214 C2 U Kentish Town Space NW5 R Kentish Town Fortune Green Open B 328 C11 Space Fortune Green U West Hampstead Road NW6 R West Hampstead Goldington Crescent B 46 214 U Mornington Crescent Gardens NW1 R King’s Cross Hampstead Green B 168 268 C11 24 46 U Belsize Park Rosslyn Hill NW3 R Hampstead Heath Hampstead Road B 24 27 29 134 Open Space NW1 U Euston R Euston Harrington Square B 24 27 29 134 253 168 Gardens NW1 U Mornington Crescent R Euston Highgate Enclosures and B 214 C2 C11 Grove Terrace Squares U Kentish Town Highgate Road NW5 R Kentish Town Highgate New Town B C11 Open Space U Archway Raydon Street N19 R No local station Iverson Road Open B 16 32 189 316 Space NW6 U Archway R Judd Street Open B 10 30 73 91 46 214 U King’s Space WC1 Cross St Pancras R King’s Cross Kilburn Grange B 16 32 189 316 328 U Kilburn Messina Avenue NW6 R Brondesbury Leighton Crescent B 134 214 C2 Gardens U Kentish Town Leighton Grove NW5 R Kentish Town Lincoln’s Inn Fields B 68 91 168 188 WC2 U Holborn R No local station 30

Site 1234567891011Travel details Lismore Circus B C11 U Belsize Park Lamble Street NW5 R Gospel Oak Maygrove Peace Park B 16 32 189 316 U Kilburn Maygrove Road NW6 R West Hampstead Montpelier Gardens B 10 134 U Kentish Town Brecknock Road NW5 R Kentish Town Munster Square B C2 24 27 29 134 Laxton Place NW1 U Great Portland Street R Euston Oakley Square B 168 214 253 24 27 29 46 134 Gardens NW1 U Mornington Crescent R Euston Polygon Road Open B 168 253 46 214 Space Chalton Street NW1 U Euston R Euston Pond Square N6 B 143 210 271 U Archway R No local station Primrose Gardens NW3 B 168 C11 268 U Belsize Park R Gospel Oak Purchese Street B 46 214 Open Space NW1 U King’s Cross St Pancras R King’s Cross Queen Square B 68 91 168 188 Gardens WC1 U Russell Square R Euston Quex Road B 328 189 16 32 316 U Kilburn Park Open Space NW6 R Kilburn High Road Red Lion B 68 91 168 188 Square Gardens WC2 U Holborn R No local station Regent Square B 46 10 30 73 91 214 Gardens WC1 U King’s Cross St Pancras R King’s Cross Rochester Terrace B 29 253 U Camden Town Gardens NW1 R Camden Road Russell Nurseries and B 168 268 C11 24 46 Belsize Wood Nature U Belsize Park Reserve Lawn Road NW3 R Hampstead Heath Russell Square B 68 91 168 188 Gardens WC1 U Russell Square R Euston St Andrew’s Gardens B 46 U Russell Square Grays Inn Road WC1 R King’s Cross St George’s Gardens B 68 91 168 188 Heathcote Street WC1 U Russell Square R King’s Cross 31

Site 1234567891011Travel details St George’s Terrace B 274 U Chalk Farm Open Space NW1 R Camden Road St Giles’ Churchyard B 10 24 29 73 134 St Giles’ High Street WC2 U R No local station St James’ Gardens B 24 27 29 134 30 73 Cardington Street NW1 U Euston R Euston St Martin’s Gardens B 46 24 27 29 134 168 214 253 Camden Street NW1 U Camden Town R Camden Road St Pancras’ Gardens B 46 214 Pancras Road NW1 U Mornington Crescent R King’s Cross Sumatra Road B C11 328 139 Open Space NW6 U West Hampstead R West Hampstead Swiss Cottage B 328 139 C11 Open Space U Swiss Cottage 88 Avenue Road NW8 R West Hampstead Talacre Open Space B 46 24 134 214 C2 Talacre Road NW5 U Chalk Farm R Kentish Town West Tavistock Square B 68 91 168 188 Gardens WC1 U Russell Square R Euston The Warren B 10 24 29 73 134 Whitfield Place W1 U Warren Street R Euston Waterlow Park B 143 210 271 Hill N19 U Archway R No local station Westbere Copse B C11 Nature Reserve U Kilburn Westbere Road NW2 R Cricklewood West End Green B 328 139 C11 West End Lane NW6 U West Hampstead R West Hampstead Whitfield Gardens B 10 24 29 73 134 Tottenham Court Road W1 U Goodge Street R No local station Wicklow Street B 46 Open Space WC1 U King’s Cross St Pancras R King’s Cross 32

Index Adelaide Road Nature Reserve...... 4 Leighton Crescent Gardens...... 9 Alf Barrett Playground ...... 14 Lincoln’s Inn Fields ...... 16 Antrim Gardens ...... 4 Lismore Circus...... 9 Argyle Square Gardens ...... 14 Maygrove Peace Park ...... 5 Bloomsbury Square Gardens ...... 14 Montpelier Gardens ...... 10 Branch Hill and Spedan Close ...... 4 Oakley Square Gardens...... 17 Broadhurst Copse...... 4 Brunswick Square Gardens...... 14 Polygon Road Open Space...... 17 Pond Square Gardens ...... 10 Camden Gardens ...... 14 Primrose Gardens ...... 5 Camden Square Gardens ...... 15 Purchese Street Open Space ...... 17 Cantelowes Gardens ...... 15 Chalcot Square Gardens ...... 15 Queen Square Gardens ...... 17 Clarence Square Gardens, Quex Road Open Space ...... 5 Munster Square Gardens and Red Lion Square Gardens ...... 17 Hampstead Road Open Space ...... 15 Regent Square Gardens ...... 17 College Gardens ...... 15 Rochester Terrace Gardens...... 17 Crabtree Fields ...... 15 Russell Nurseries and Cumberland Market ...... 15 Belsize Wood...... 10 Elm Village Open Space ...... 16 Russell Square Gardens ...... 18 Euston Square Gardens...... 16 St Andrew’s Gardens ...... 18 Falkland Place Open Space ...... 9 St George’s Gardens ...... 18 Fitzroy Park Allotments ...... 9 St George’s Terrace Open Space...... 18 Fortune Green Open Space and St Giles’ Churchyard ...... 19 Hampstead Cemetery...... 4 St James’ Gardens ...... 19 St Martin’s Gardens ...... 19 Goldington Crescent Gardens ...... 16 St Pancras’ Gardens ...... 19 Hampstead Green...... 9 Sumatra Road Open Space ...... 6 Harrington Square Gardens ...... 16 Swiss Cottage Open Space ...... 6 Highgate Enclosures and Grove Talacre Garens...... 10 Terrace Squares...... 9 Tavistock Square Gardens...... 19 Highgate New Town Open Space ...... 9 The Warren...... 20 Iverson Road Open Space...... 5 Waterlow Park ...... 10 Judd Street Open Space...... 16 Waterlow Park Centre ...... 11 Westbere Copse Nature Reserve ...... 6 Kilburn Grance...... 5 Westcroft Estate Allotments ...... 6 West End Green ...... 6 Whitfield Gardens ...... 20 Wicklow Street Open Space ...... 20

If you would like A Guide to Camden’s Parks and Open Spaces in large print or braille, audiotape or in another language, please contact 020 7974 8815

Albanian Nese ju keto informata ju nevojiten ne gjuhen tuaj, me germa te medha apo ne audio kasete ju lutem na tregoni. Arabic

Bengali

Chinese

French Si vous voulez ces renseignements dans votre langue, en gros caractères ou sur cassette, vous êtes priés de nous le faire savoir. Somali Haddii aad u baahantahay macluumaadkan oo ku qoran luqaddaada oo ku daabacan far waawayn, ama ku duuban cajelad fadlan na soo ogaysii. Spanish Si usted necesita esta información en su idioma, en letras grandes o en un casette, por favor avísenos.

Parks and Open Spaces London Borough of Camden Crowndale Centre 218 Eversholt Street London NW1 1BD Tel: 020 7974 1693 Fax: 020 7974 1543 Email: [email protected] www.camden.gov.uk Photos: page 12 (bottom right) Fitzrovia Youth in Action; page 27 Joanne O’Brien Published April 2005 Printed on environmentally friendly paper Designed by Precise