Roundwood Park

Roundwood Park is a public park in Willesden, in the London Borough of Brent. It covers 26.5 acres, or about 10.3 hectares, and has served north-west London as a place to walk, play and relax for well over a century. It is often described as the showpiece park of Brent.

How did Roundwood Park come about?

In the 19th century the land was known as Knowles Hill, or Hunger Hill Common Field. Willesden Urban District Council bought it in 1892, and the park opened in 1895. The council set aside about 13 hectares for recreation, partly in response to public pressure after nearby Queen's Park was laid out.

Oliver Claude Robson, the local surveyor, designed the layout. Five miles of drains were laid and around 14,500 extra trees and shrubs were planted. The work was given to local unemployed labour rather than outside contractors. That effort turned the old Hunger Hill common into the park visitors know today.

Where does the name come from?

The park is named after Roundwood House, a mansion that stood beside it. The house was built around 1836, to the south of the present park. The building is no longer part of the park, but the name remains.

What is there to see?

The historic design includes several distinctive features:

• a mock-Tudor lodge,
• a children's gymnasium,
• greenhouses,
• a bandstand and flagstaff at the highest point of the park.

The park sits on a rise, and the bandstand and flagstaff mark its highest spot.

What facilities does Roundwood Park have?

On site you will find a playground, a wildlife area with an aviary, a bowling green, the Roundwood Lodge Café and public toilets. The park is open from 8am until dusk.

Wildlife

Roundwood Park is a Borough Grade II Local Wildlife Site. It forms part of the Roundwood Park and Willesden Cemeteries site.

How do I get there?

The nearest stations are Dollis Hill (Jubilee line) and Willesden Junction. The park is in Willesden, in the north-west of London.

Frequently asked questions

How big is Roundwood Park? 26.5 acres, or about 10.27 hectares.

When did the park open? In 1895. The land was bought in 1892.

Who designed it? Oliver Claude Robson, the local surveyor, who also oversaw the work carried out by local unemployed labour.

Is there a café? Yes, the Roundwood Lodge Café.

Is there an entry fee? No charges are recorded. It is a public park, open from 8am until dusk.

Is it a good place for children? It has a playground, and the historic design included a children's gymnasium. A wildlife area with an aviary is also on site.

How do I get there? Nearby stations are Dollis Hill on the Jubilee line and Willesden Junction.