Park of the week

129. Bush Hill Gardens

This tiny park, in Enfield, shouldn’t be mixed up with Bush Hill Park (that’s post number 31). I found Bush Hill Gardens by driving past it on our way back from another park in the area, and we stopped to have a look. It’s a small public garden laid out on land purchased by Enfield Council in 1925 and opened to the public in 1928. The delay was probably caused by an unsuccessful attempt to get the landscaping work carried out by local unemployed people, for which grants were available. 

Much of the area was once part of the Old Park Estate, a Royal property. The park has lawns with benches, rose beds and it’s all bordered by a path with a set of rustic steps in the middle. It’d take about five minutes to walk all around. Trees and shrubs are planted round the edges. Near the entrances on Bush Hill Road there’s a rock garden and there’s also a pond (overgrown when we visited) and a small stream with a bridge.

A noticeboard inside sets out activities subject to a fine of £20, if done in the park. These include beating a carpet, leading cattle to pasture, erecting a pole of any size, and letting your greyhound off its lead. It’s an old notice but do be careful as the regulations may still be in force.

There is no café. Despite the original Ladies' and Gentlemen's entrance gates set into the railings (padlocked shut in any case), the toilets were demolished many years ago.

Judith Field

Bush Hill Gardens, Bush Hill Road, Winchmore Hill, EN1 2HA