London is known for its many parks. Big favorites among the visitors remain the better known parks, such as St James’s Park, Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. But in addition to these big Royal Parks you also have many beautiful smaller green spaces in the city, where you easily can escape from the hustle from the town. For example Ravenscourt Park, the most visited park in the London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, very close from our house in Chiswick. That’s why we visit this park regularly. Just like last week. And even though autumn has already arrived, the weather can still feel unexpectedly summery. Perfect for an afternoon of fun in the park.
Ravenscourt Park is an accessible and well-organized park with numerous family-friendly facilities. The 13-hectare park has its origins in 1888, designed by JJ Sexby on the land around Ravenscourt House. The origin of the park lies in the medieval manor and estate of Palingswick, which was first established in the 12th century. In 1650 the mansion was rebuilt and sold in 1747 to Thomas Corbett, who gave it the name ‘Ravenscourt‘.
In 1812, the house with adjoining estate was bought by George Scott, who employed the landscape architect Humphry Repton to design the gardens. After the death of George, the estate transformed into a true wilderness through years of neglect. In 1887 the estate was bought by the Metropolitan Board of Works (later the London County Council), which established a public park in 1888. Unfortunately, during the Second World War the house was hit by a bombing, which meant it had to be demolished. The stables remained unharmed and offers now space to the cafe of the park.
Ravenscourt park combines attractive green spaces with a range of facilities, not very suprising that they won the Green Flag Award. A hidden jewel in the park is definitely the walled garden in the corner of the park. Originally the vegetable garden of the house, it is arranged in a traditional Victorian symmetrical design with rose beds, arches and exotic flowers such as gunnera, poppies and irises. The garden is a beautiful, quiet place, with paths and wooden benches. Many locals like to enjoy the peace and silence and use this place to have a seat or read a book.
Because of the child-friendly facilities, the park is very popular among families with children. There are four separate adventure playgrounds with appliances custom designed for different ages. For example, on the side of King Street you have a playground for children under 5. On the other side of the park you’ll find a larger play area with climbing objects suitable for 5 to 13 year olds. My three year old daughter likes to play in both of the areas, like many kids do.
In addition to large green fields where you can settle down easily with a picnic rug, you can also use one of the many sports facilities. Such as a tennis court, football and basketball field and even an outdoor bowling ground. A big favorite in the summer months is the paddling pool with the adjacent sandpit.
Ravenscourt park even offers space for various events that take place during the year, such as a fun fair, an open-air cinema and Christmas market. You can also regularly participate in one of the many workshops in the Community garden, near the café.
For more information about Ravenscourt Park and its facilities please refer to the website of the park, which you can find below.
Attraction Information
Venue Type
Outdoor
Suitable for ages
All ages
Facilities
Parking space – cafe – toilets available – playground – paddling pool – venue hiring – gardens – picnics allowed – sport facilities
Address & Contact
16 Ravenscourt Avenue, London, Greater London, W6 0SL, England
For more information about Ravenscourt Park, click here
Opening Times
During the year daylight access to the park, at the playgrounds there are some seasonal restrictions
Pricing
Free to the public