Oakwood Park, Enfield

Oakwood Park is a 64-acre public park in Oakwood, in the London Borough of Enfield, at the northern edge of the capital. It opened in 1929 and is known for its tree avenues and a rare Victorian-era ice well hidden among the greenery.

What is Oakwood Park known for?

The park is best known for three features. The first is a commemorative avenue of poplar trees. The second is an avenue of scarlet oaks, planted by successive mayors, which gives the park a strong autumn show when the leaves turn deep red. The third is the ice well, a brick-lined underground chamber of the kind once used to store ice before refrigeration existed.

How did the park get its name and shape?

The land was once part of Enfield Chase, the medieval royal hunting ground that covered much of north London. In 1870 Samuel Sugden bought the estate here and renamed the farmhouse Oak Lodge. The park was largely laid out on the grounds of this estate and takes its name from it. Sugden also built the ice well, which survives today as a small piece of local industrial and domestic history.

What can you do in the park?

Oakwood Park works as a neighbourhood green space for a wide range of visits:

• Walk or jog along the tree-lined avenues, especially pleasant in autumn.
• Let children use the playground.
• Play tennis on the park's courts or use the multi-use games area.
• Try the pitch and putt course, which opened in 1964.
• Stop at the café for a drink or a snack.
• Toilets are available on site.

The former model-yacht pond is being turned into a wildlife area, so the park is also a good place to notice birds and pond life.

When is the park open?

The park opens at 8 am Monday to Saturday and 8.30 am on Sundays, and closes at dusk. Seasonal times can change, so check the Enfield Council website before a visit.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Oakwood Park? It covers 64 acres.

When did it open? The park opened in 1929.

Who was Samuel Sugden? He was the owner of the Oak Lodge estate, on which the park was largely built. He built the ice well that can still be seen in the park.

Is there somewhere to eat or drink? Yes, the park has a café.

Are there facilities for children and sport? Yes. There is a playground, tennis courts, a multi-use games area and a pitch and putt course.

What is the best season to visit? Autumn is especially good, when the scarlet oak avenue changes colour, though the poplar avenue and open lawns make the park enjoyable all year round.