I meandered along the River Wandle yesterday, which winds its way through Morden Hall Park in South London. Comprising much of the original grounds of the late 18th century Morden Hall (which is currently vacant), Morden Hall Park comprises carefully tended parkland, wetlands, wild-flower meadows and a delightful rose garden.
Several of the charming cottages on the estate are still in use as offices for the National Trust who run the park, there’s a ‘snuff’ mill with its water-wheel still intact, and the stable block has been tastefully restored to act as a cafe, shop and visitor centre. Displays in the main space provide details of the history of Morden Hall and of the Garth family, who ruled over the local area as the ‘Lords of the Manor’ for over four centuries.
Morden Hall Park is holding special celebrations for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee on 4 June, which will be themed around Wallace and Grommit so it will be particularly suitable for children – there will also party games and all of the celebrations will be televised on big screens in the rose garden.
Morden Hall Park is just a few minutes walk from Morden tube station, which is the southern terminus of the Northern Line. Deen City Farm is just to the north, so you can easily fit both in on a visit. More photos of my walk around the park can be found here.
About Pete Stean
