Waterlow Park Playground
🏟 Playground & park · Highgate, Camden
Waterlow Park Playground
A 26-acre historic Highgate hillside park with children's play areas, spring-fed ponds and the cafe at Lauderdale House.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 Open from early morning to dusk; gates locked at dusk, times posted at each gate · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
🗺️ Show map ▾
Address: Swains Lane, Highgate, London, N6 6PJ
Plus Code: 9C3XHV94+93
About Waterlow Park Playground
Waterlow Park is a 26-acre historic park on a Highgate hillside, given to the public in 1889 by Sir Sydney Waterlow as a garden for the gardenless. It is managed by the London Borough of Camden and is free to enter. Families will find children's play areas for both younger and older children towards the southern end of the park. The wider grounds are a pleasure to explore, with three ponds fed by natural springs, sweeping lawns, mature planting and views across the City of London. A restored kitchen garden and community orchard host volunteer gardening sessions run by the Friends of Waterlow Park. At the park's edge stands Lauderdale House, a building dating from around 1580 that now operates as a cafe and events and exhibitions venue, with formal gardens alongside. Tennis courts can be booked through Camden, and the Park Centre provides toilets including an accessible facility. The park opens from early morning to dusk and is locked at nightfall; exact times vary by season and are posted on noticeboards at each of the seven gates.
⭐ What makes this place special
- 26-acre historic hillside park gifted to the public in 1889
- Play areas for younger and older children at the south end
- Three natural ponds and City of London views
- Cafe and events at historic Lauderdale House
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Toilets on site
- Café / refreshments
- Accessibility: True
🧒 Ages & play
- Ages: Younger and older children
- Playground for younger children
- Playground for older children
📍 Nearby places to play
- Whittington Park Playground · approx 0.8 miles · Upper Holloway
- Talacre Gardens Playground · approx 1.5 miles · Kentish Town
- Cantelowes Gardens Playground · approx 1.6 miles · Camden Town
Explore more:
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Waterlow Park free?
Yes. The park was gifted to the public in 1889 and is managed by Camden; entry is free.
Is there a playground?
Yes. There are play areas for younger and older children towards the southern end of the park.
Are there toilets and a cafe?
Yes. There are toilets, including an accessible one, in the Park Centre, and a cafe at Lauderdale House.
What are the opening hours?
The park opens from early morning to dusk and is locked when dark; seasonal times are posted at each gate.
Is Waterlow Park good for a family day out in Highgate?
Yes — alongside the play areas there are three spring-fed ponds, sweeping lawns, a café at Lauderdale House and views across the City of London.
Are there accessible toilets at Waterlow Park?
Yes — the Park Centre has toilets including an accessible facility.