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Parks #12 in North Kensington

Gunnersbury Park

4.6 · 5,928 reviews
Serene, historic, and sprawling.
Gunnersbury Park, Popes Ln, London W3 8LQ, United Kingdom
Interesting facts
1

The estate was purchased in 1835 by Nathan Mayer Rothschild, who expanded the landholdings to encompass over 200 acres.

2

The park features an 'Italianate' garden design that was highly fashionable among wealthy 19th-century landowners.

3

The Gothic-style Temple, constructed in the 18th century, remains one of the oldest structures on the property.

4

The park includes a rare example of a 19th-century bathhouse, restored during recent site-wide renovations.

5

The museum collection houses over 40,000 objects related to the local history of Ealing and Hounslow.

6

The sprawling parkland is built upon the site of a 17th-century mansion once belonging to Princess Amelia, daughter of King George II.

Overview

Gunnersbury Park is a 72-hectare green space situated on the historic Gunnersbury Estate between Brentford and Acton. The park is anchored by the Grade II* listed Gunnersbury Park House, which currently operates as a local history museum. Its grounds contain a mix of restored 19th-century formal gardens, a boating lake, and extensive woodland areas. The landscape design features multiple follies, including a Gothic ruin and a temple. It serves as a community hub with active sports facilities, including tennis courts and a leisure center. The estate was formerly owned by the Rothschild family, who significantly influenced the garden's layout in the 19th century. Extensive restoration projects have revived the Orangery and the ornamental pond system. It functions as a public park managed by the Gunnersbury Park Community Interest Company.

Photo spot

The view of the neoclassical Gunnersbury Park House reflected in the ornamental boating lake.

Insider tips

Check the museum's exhibition calendar before visiting, as some heritage rooms rotate displays.

Explore the secondary pathways around the boating lake to find quieter, less-trafficked views of the follies.

Utilize the designated picnic areas located near the formal gardens to avoid trampling delicate flowerbeds.

What to avoid

Attempting to walk through the entire park in one hour; the estate is significantly larger than it appears on maps.

Good to know

Museum galleries may be closed on certain weekdays for maintenance or private events.

Etiquette

Maintain pathways and keep dogs on leads in designated formal garden areas.

Plan your visit
Typical visit
3-4 hours
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings in spring or early autumn to enjoy the gardens during lower footfall.
Address
Gunnersbury Park, Popes Ln, London W3 8LQ, United Kingdom
51.497, -0.291
Get directions
Details
Garden FeaturesFormal Italianate gardens, Gothic follies, and ornamental lake.
Heritage FacilitiesGrade II* listed Gunnersbury Park House and Museum.

Frequently asked

Plan for about 3-4 hours to see the highlights.

The best time to visit is Weekday mornings in spring or early autumn to enjoy the gardens during lower footfall..

The view of the neoclassical Gunnersbury Park House reflected in the ornamental boating lake.

Close by you'll find Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Walpole Park, Gunnersbury Park Museum.