One of the avenues
The walled garden
One of the avenues
The walled garden
Gladstone Park consists of about 40 hectares of land in Dollis Hill (Willesden), north London. It lies between Dollish Hill Lane and Kendal Road, NW2. It is named after William Gladstone, the former Prime Minister, who lived at times in Dollis Hill House, in the park. It was opened to the public in 1901.
The park has an attractive undulating and rolling landscape, and it is divided by paths crossing it, many of which are themselves scenic avenues of plane trees.
At the top of a hill in the north of Gladstone Park, there is Dollis Hill House, a 200 year old house, with some adjacent formal gardens. The house has suffered arson attacks and is awaiting renovation. However, parts of the outbuildings of the house are still in use, and house the cafe and parks offices.The formal gardens include a walled garden. This is a prime show garden based mainly on seasonal flowering displays. This garden has been a recent prize winner as best public garden in London. Eleswhere in the formal gardens around the house, there is a pond and more flower beds. There are some good views here from the high points of the park, looking out over central London.
There are wildlife areas and conservation grassland that have been developed toward the west of the park. There is also some young woodland.Unfortunately the park also is bisected by a railway line, which ruins the scenic effects somewhat.
There is a playground in the centre of the park.
Beside the house there is a cafe, and an art gallery, with exhibitions of modern art.Other facilities include tennis courts, and bowling green, and a youth centre. There are many field sports areas, especially on the plot to the south of the rail line.
The grounds were purchased in 1899 from the Finch family. Originally intended to be named Dollis Hill Park, it was later named Gladstone Park to commemorate the former Whig prime minister. In his later years he had spent much of his time as a guest of the then owner in Dollis Hill House.
Dollis Hill House was seriously damaged by arson at the end of the 20th century. It now sits surrounded by hoardings, dominating the centre of the park. No decision has been taken yet as to its future.The park is managed by the London Borough of Brent. Contact 020 8937 5619.