Waterlow Park, lies along the west of Highgate Hill, N6. It occupies a south facing hillside between the crown of Highgate Hill to its north, and the grounds of Whittington Hospital to its south.
It covers 12 hectares. It is bounded by Highgate Hill, Dartmouth Park Hill, Bisham Gardens, Swains Lane, as well as Highgate Cemetery and the Whittington Hospital.The grounds extend down the hill from Highgate, bordering Bisham Gardens and Highgate High Street in the north. The park is divided into a set of open areas separated by paths lined by trees. Focal points are provided by the lakes, and in the east, an enclosed garden next to the cafeteria. Still further to the south, there are herbaceous borders, a rockery, and a visitor centre.
The park is created primarily as landscape and gardens, with comparatively little in sports and play facilities, because of the slope.Lauderdale House, which was part of the original estate, is situated in the park off Highgate Hill. It is now an arts centre.
To its south, past the visitor centre building, are more formal and informal gardens, extending to the south of the park.
Across a wide lawn from Lauderdale House, is a small lake, partially hidden by trees.A number of interesting trees and large shrubs can be found in the park.
An aviary is present in the park, also serving as an animal rescue centre.
Waterlow Park is locally important as a wildlife resource. The park is close to the two wings of Highgate Cemetery, to the west and south of it, which are much more important as wildlife refuges, but which also contribute to the extent of wildlife in the park. The most obvious feature is the large pond, with the plantings around it.There is a small playground in the south of the park.
The park is rather limited for other active recreational facilities. There are six tennis courts at the north of the park.The Waterlow Park Centre, near the aviary, provides a venue for some events, as well as educational activities and exhibitions.
Waterlow Park was part of the estate of Sir Sydney Waterlow in the late 19th century. He donated it in 1889 to the London County Council', to help in providing 'gardens for the gardenless'. It was developed further with the aid of funds also provided by Waterlow. A statue to him stands now in the park.
It suffererd from the general neglect and running down of parks that took place during the late 20th century. Many of its features have however been renewed, repaired and restored in recent years.The park is managed by the London Borough of Camden. Contact 020-7974 1693.