In the first part of this two-parter (Gladstone Park, NW10 (Part 1): A history), I discussed the history of the park and its surrounds and, in particular, Dollis Hill House and the Post Office Research Station in Dollis Hill. In this part, I want to show you what the park looks like now (July 2020), with text and photos.
As I said in part 1, Gladstone Park is my local and I see it as an essential lung for this crowed part of Brent. It is cut across by a railway line, with the north side being park land, rose beds, paths and so on, and a delightful café (Stables Café, undoubtedly a hidden gem and well worth a visit).
The south side of the park (north is uphill) is made up largely of sports fields, with changing rooms and a café in the eastern corner. Kilburn Cosmos RFU – with both men’s and women’s team, together with colts – uses several of the playing fields. The north and south sides of the park are linked by a footbridge over the railway.
Entering from the southwest corner (from Dudden Hill Lane or Mulgrave Road), there is a view looking up the hill of the meadow that has been allowed to develop. This is undoubtedly a major enhancement – both, cheap in terms of local rates, and effective.
One of the things that is admirable about the park is the way that fallen trees are left to rot for insects. I remember clearing undergrowth when I was a teenager and volunteering in an oak forest in Devon for the National Trust. How things have changed!
Going up the path to the north of the park, one gets to the pond and the folly. Both are worth seeing, and there is a useful and informative board by the folly.
To the right (west) and down the hill is a sombre war memorial.
In my opinon, the best of the park is the walled flower garden at the top of the park. On approaching it, there is no way a visitor can foresee what awaits them (it is, after all a walled garden). It is a impeccable little hideaway with seats and also provides an entrance to the café – the perfect end of a pleasant little work.
