Friary Park

Friary Park is a nine-hectare formal Edwardian park in Friern Barnet, in the London Borough of Barnet in the north of the city. It is a calm green space with a cafe, a playground and plenty of room to stroll, well away from the usual tourist routes of central London.

What is Friary Park?

The park covers roughly 9 hectares (22 acres) and opened to the public in 1910. It was created on the grounds of Friary House. Its layout is formal in character: tidy paths, gardens around the former house and the kind of recreation facilities typical of an early twentieth-century municipal park.

What is the history of the site?

The land has a far longer past than the park itself. In the Middle Ages it belonged to the Knights Hospitaller, and from the sixteenth century it was home to Friern Barnet Manor House. The present house dates from around 1871, when it was built for Edmund William Richardson. Middlesex County Council later acquired the estate and laid it out as a public park, with the opening taking place in 1910.

What can you do here?

The park offers something for most ages:

• a children's playground and picnic areas,
• tennis courts and a football pitch,
• a bowling green and a pitch and putt course,
• a skatepark,
• a basketball hoop and an outdoor gym,
• a cafe in the former house, which also hosts local community groups,
• public toilets on site.

Is there anything for nature lovers?

Yes. Friary Park is classed as a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. It has old oak trees, three redwoods and a small stream running through it. Next door is North Middlesex Golf Course, which contains the North Middlesex Golf Course Ponds nature reserve. The reserve is not open to the public, but the surrounding greenery gives the area a distinctly natural feel.

Who is it for?

Friary Park suits families with children, people who enjoy outdoor sport and visitors curious about everyday life in north London. It is not a must-see attraction, but a well-kept neighbourhood park with an interesting past. It pairs easily with a walk around Friern Barnet.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry free? Yes. It is a public park, open to everyone since 1910.

Is there a cafe? Yes, in the former house. Opening hours can change, so check its current status before you go.

Can I play tennis or bowls? The park has tennis courts, a bowling green and a pitch and putt course. Check Barnet Council's website for booking arrangements.

Is it good for children? Yes. There is a playground, picnic areas, a stream and a skatepark for older kids.

Can I visit the nature reserve by the golf course? No. North Middlesex Golf Course Ponds is closed to the public, but the park beside it is open.

How do I get there? The park is in Friern Barnet, north London. Local public transport is the easiest option; search for the park's name in your navigation app.