A nine-hectare expanse of green. That’s Lyttelton Playing Fields. A haven for cricket and football matches. It’s more than just a park though. It’s a piece of Hampstead Garden Suburb history.
Lyttelton Playing Fields nestles within the London Borough of Barnet. It’s considered one of Barnet’s premier parks. Imagine children laughing on its playground. Picture families enjoying picnics on its vast grassy area. That’s the heart of Lyttelton Playing Fields.
But its history runs deeper than a simple recreational space. A small section of old woodland remains. It’s a relic from a time long past. This woodland appeared on Rocque’s map of 1754. It was known as Watery Wood on an 1864 Ordnance Survey map. A nearby hedgerow along the southern edge marked the boundary of the Bishop of London’s Hornsey Park Estate. Even a small ‘Children’s Millennium Wood’ exists in the northwest corner. It’s a testament to the park’s evolution.
More recently Lyttelton Playing Fields underwent renovations. This was thanks to an active friends group. They secured Lottery funding in 2011. The park now boasts tennis courts. There are multisport basketball and football courts too. A private bowls club also calls Lyttelton Playing Fields home. Two cricket squares cater to local enthusiasts.
The park’s accessibility adds to its appeal. It’s easily reached from Kingsley Way Lyttelton Road Norrice Lea and Linden Lea. Lyttelton Playing Fields is a vital community hub. It provides space for recreation and relaxation. It offers a connection to the past. Its blend of modern facilities and historical remnants makes Lyttelton Playing Fields unique. This green space is more than a park. It is a testament to community effort and a valued part of London’s landscape.