Hendon Park facts for kids
Hendon Park is a large park in London, about 7 kilometers (or 4.3 miles) north-west of Charing Cross. It covers an area of 12 hectares, which is about the size of 20 football fields! The park is next to the Northern line railway. This area, known as Hendon Park and Northern Line Railway Cutting, is a special place for nature. It is officially recognized as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. This means it is a valuable home for local wildlife.
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A Journey Through Time: Hendon Park's Story
From Farmland to Public Park
Hendon Park was once part of a medieval estate called the Steps Fields. The Goodyer family owned this land for many years. Later, from 1868 to 1903, the Kemp family owned it. In 1903, Hendon Council bought the land and opened it as a public park for everyone to enjoy.
In April 1965, the area of Hendon became part of the larger London Borough of Barnet. The park has several special areas. There is a Holocaust Memorial Garden, which is a peaceful place with a pond and many plants, surrounded by tall hedges.
Nature's Corner: Trees and Wildlife
The Children’s Millennium Wood was planted in the year 2000. This area has native trees and grassland. As it grows, it will become a great home for birds and other animals. The rest of the park is mostly open green space with mown grass and old, tall trees. You can see many London plane and lime trees here. On a warm summer evening, it is a good spot to watch small pipistrelle bats flying around.
One of the largest Japanese maple trees in London grows in Hendon Park. In 2008, it was named one of the Great Trees of London. Many of the original trees planted long ago are still standing. This is true even after the Great Storm of 1987, which blew down and damaged many trees.
Hendon Park During World War II
During World War II, Hendon Park played a small part in the war effort. On Sunday, July 21, 1940, a big event called "Rout the Rumour" was held here. This was a propaganda rally, which means it was designed to spread important messages. The rally included songs, music, and short plays. Its goal was to teach people that spreading gossip and rumors could hurt the war effort.
The Hendon Park cafe, where you might get a snack today, was originally built as a bomb shelter. It is a strong, single-story building made of solid brick, with a lead-lined flat roof.
Getting There: Local Transport Links
You can reach Hendon Park easily using public transport.
Bus Routes
Several bus routes pass close to the park:
- 83, 113, 143, 186, 326, 643 and 797
Underground (Tube)
- Station: Hendon Central
- Tube Line: Northern line, Edgware branch
- Distance: It's only a two-minute walk from the station to the park.
Green Flag Award
Hendon Park is a very well-kept and welcoming park. It was given the Green Flag Award in 2009-10. This award shows that the park is a high-quality green space that is well-managed and meets the needs of its visitors.
