It’s a green oasis in the city and gives you a glimpse into the area’s agricultural and rural past in a stunning setting – and it’s free to exploreThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Morden Hall Park is beautiful place to visit across the year(Image: Jim Linwood)
Nestled in a verdant corner of South London lies a lesser-known National Trust park that’s free for all to explore. Morden Hall Park, described as a green oasis in the city, offers a peek into the region’s agricultural and rural history within a breathtaking setting.
Once under the ownership of Westminster Abbey and later serving as a deer park, the site’s beauty has been recognised for centuries, with the River Wandle gracefully winding its way through it. The northern end of Morden Hall Park is now a sanctuary for wildlife.
Here, you can tune your ears to the squawk of green parakeets or try to spot the flash of blue kingfishers. Mallards and herons are also common sights, while little egrets make seasonal appearances.
In line with its theme of a mini countryside retreat in the city, the adventure play area adopts a woodland theme. The zip wire, play fort and stepping stones offer a physical challenge, with ample space across the park.
Morden Hall Park – London(Image: Kati Sarab/Getty)
Morden Hall Park was once situated on an incredibly fertile patch of land, thanks to the Wandle which flows through it. As cattle grazed the area for many generations, it also served as a productive milling area that saw further growth during the Industrial Revolution.
A snuff mill and a paper mill were once operational on the site. The area itself has been a thriving centre for milling for about a millennium, later evolving into a hub for tobacco and snuff production in the 19th century.
During the Industrial Revolution, activity flourished as the mills at Morden churned out 6,000lbs of snuff each month. Millworkers described the conditions as extremely dusty, noisy and uncomfortable.
MORDEN, ENGLAND – MARCH 20: Families enjoy the first day of Spring at the National Trust’s Morden Hall Park on March 20, 2020 in Morden, United Kingdom. The National Trust, a charitable organisation that manages private parkland across the United Kingdom, said that during the COVID-19 outbreak it plans “to keep as many of our gardens and parklands open, free of charge, alongside coast and countryside, to encourage the nation to enjoy open space, while observing social distancing measures.” (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)(Image: Dan Kitwood/Getty)
However, as snuff-taking fell out of favour and cigars became more affordable, the water mills’ profitability dwindled, leading to their closure in 1922.
After decades of neglect, the National Trust breathed new life into the site. The historic Morden Hall can also be spotted within the estate, along with the National Trust’s sole garden centre.
Don’t miss the Potting Shed Café at the park’s southern end during your visit. The park also boasts a rose garden and a children’s hub. The Stableyard Café offers freshly baked cakes and savouries.
River Wandle – Morden Hall Park(Image: Phil Clark/Getty)
Dogs on short leads are welcome in the rose garden, around buildings, in the cafés, garden centre, play area and on the Wetland Boardwalk. For those keen to explore further, the Wandle Trail heads north towards Wandsworth.
Getting there
Morden Hall Park is just 500 yards from Morden Underground station on the Northern line. Alternatively, you can take the tram from Wimbledon to Phipps Bridge.
The 80, 118, 157, 164, 201, 470 and 93 buses all make stops along the perimeter of the park.
The parkland is accessible throughout the day, whilst the car park operates from 9am to 6pm. The garden centre stays open until 5pm, with the rose garden closing at 6pm.
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