Hammersmith Park

Hammersmith Park is a public park in west London, in the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. Despite its name, it lies in Shepherd's Bush rather than Hammersmith proper. Its main draw is a Japanese garden, regarded as one of the oldest traditional gardens of its kind in a public space in Britain. Locals often call it "the BBC Park" because of its proximity to the broadcaster's former sites.

Why visit Hammersmith Park?

It is a calm patch of green in a densely built part of the capital. The park mixes quiet corners with sports facilities, so it works for a short stroll as well as a longer outing with children. For anyone curious about garden history, it also shows how a trace of a world fair has survived in everyday city life.

What is the story behind the Japanese garden?

The park occupies part of the former White City Exhibition Grounds, an early twentieth-century show site. The Japanese garden grows out of the one created for the Japan-British Exhibition of 1910. It later fell into disrepair and was restored in 2010, thanks to donations from Japanese businesses in the UK and support from the local council. The wider park was laid out in the 1950s: tennis courts and a playground arrived in 1954, and the rest opened in September 1955.

What can you see and do here?

• The Japanese garden - a pond, rockery, bamboo and willows evoke a traditional eastern garden.
• Shaded lawns and woodland - good for a picnic or a rest.
• Nature trail and bug hotel - a small extra for families and nature lovers.
• Children's play area - gated and made for younger visitors.
• Tennis courts, basketball hoops and football pitches - the pitches are run by Powerleague.

Who looks after the park?

The garden is maintained by local volunteers working together: the Friends of Hammersmith Park, the Nippon Club and a contractor employed by the council. Each year they trim the willow and bamboo, clear algae from the pond and add new planting to the rockery. Community events, including gatherings in the garden with the local Japanese community, are held there too.

How do you get to Hammersmith Park?

The park is on South Africa Road, Shepherd's Bush, W12 7HQ. The nearest Tube stations are Wood Lane (Circle and Hammersmith & City lines) and White City (Central line), both a short walk away.

Frequently asked questions

Is Hammersmith Park in Hammersmith? No. Although the name suggests otherwise, it is in Shepherd's Bush, within the same borough.

Does the park have a Japanese garden? Yes. It is the park's best-known feature and was restored in 2010.

Is it good for children? Yes. There is a gated play area, a nature trail and sports pitches.

Is entry free? It is a public park. Only some sports facilities, such as pitches run by a commercial operator, may charge.

Why is it called "the BBC Park"? It is an informal local nickname linked to the nearby broadcasting sites.