Barra Hall Park

Is this grand manor house really a former town hall? Welcome to Barra Hall Park. This 27-acre park is full of history and surprises. Barra Hall Park was created in December 1923. The Hayes Urban District Council purchased the hall and its grounds to serve as a town hall. It was officially opened in February 1924. The park offered a playground, tennis courts and even a paddling pool. Actress Jessie Matthews inaugurated the facilities. Barra Hall itself has seen many transformations over the years. It was originally known as Grove House. In the late 1700s it was the residence of Alderman Harvey Combe. He went on to become Lord Mayor of London in 1799. The house changed hands several times before being purchased by Robert Reid in 1871. Reid, an auctioneer claiming descent from the Reids of Barra, enlarged and remodeled the building. He renamed it Barra Hall in 1875. During World War I, Barra Hall even housed army cavalry. After its time as a town hall, Barra Hall had another transformation. In 2005, it reopened as a Sure Start children’s centre. The park’s history doesn’t stop there. Did you know that scenes from the movie “Bend It Like Beckham” were filmed right here in Barra Hall Park? And the hall itself was used for parts of the film “Chocolat”. Today, Barra Hall Park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Hayes. It offers a blend of history, entertainment and natural beauty. It’s the perfect place to relax, stroll and maybe even imagine yourself on a movie set.