Friary Park facts for kids
Friary Park is a lovely nine-hectare park located in Friern Barnet, within the London Borough of Barnet. It's a great place for families and nature lovers, offering a mix of history and modern facilities.
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A Look Back in Time: Friary Park's History
From Knights to a Public Space
Long, long ago, during the Middle Ages, the land where Friary Park now sits was home to a special group called the Knights Hospitaller. Later, from the 1500s, a large building known as Friern Barnet Manor House stood here.
The name "Friary Park" first came into use around the 1870s. Then, in 1910, the park officially opened its gates for everyone to enjoy. In 2010, local groups and friends of the park celebrated its 100th birthday with special events.
Fun Things to Do at Friary Park
Activities and Features for Everyone
Friary Park is managed by Barnet Council and offers many activities. You can find a children's playground, tennis courts, and a bowling green. There's also a pitch and putt area, a skatepark, and outdoor gym equipment. If you get hungry, there's a cafe too!
The park is also special for nature. It's known as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. This means it's a valuable place for local wildlife. Friary Park has also won a Green Flag Award, which shows it's a well-managed and welcoming green space.
The Friary House and 'Bringer of Peace' Statue
The park's cafe is inside Friary House, a building from the 1800s built in the Gothic Revival style. This style looks a bit like old castles or churches. In 2010, parts of Friary House were being set up as a base for the local police Safer Neighbourhood Team.
A very noticeable feature in the park is a statue called the 'Bringer of Peace'. This statue was put up on May 7, 1910, to remember King Edward VII, who had passed away the day before.
Nature's Corner: Trees and Streams
For nature lovers, the park has some amazing old oak trees. There's also a small stream called Blacketts Brook, which flows into Pymme's Brook.
You can enter Friary Park from Torrington Park, Friary Road, and Friern Barnet Lane. The park also has an active friends group, who help look after it and organize events.
Wildlife Near the Park: Golf Course Ponds
Home to Rare Newts
Next to Friary Park, to the north, is the North Middlesex Golf Course. Blacketts Brook flows through two ponds on this golf course before it reaches the park. These ponds are very important because they are home to Palmate newts. These newts are quite rare in London!
Because of these special newts, the ponds are considered a Site of Borough Importance for Nature Conservation, Grade II. This means they are a very important place for wildlife in the borough. However, this area is not open to the public to protect the newts and their habitat.
Gallery
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Statue of Peace
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Formal garden
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Children's playground and cafe
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Bridge over the small stream
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Woods
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Avenue
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Pond on North Middlesex Golf Course
