Free Stuff To Do Near Shepherd's Bush - Bishop's Park

Bishop's Park - kid heaven

Bishop's Park is one of West London's well-kept secrets, tucked away in a sleepy corner of Fulham - and one of the loveliest parks in and around our neighbourhood.  It is also one of the best-designed parks for children I have ever come across.  The playground is excellent, full of swings and climbing frames, and it even has a special spraying fountain for kids to play in when the weather is nice. It's pretty much a perfect place to take children in London, especially since it sits just next door to the river Thames, and fabulous Fulham Palace.

What is Bishop's Park?
Bishops Park is a park in Fulham, south-west London. According to Wikipedia, it was "opened in 1893, on land given by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners", and is "listed Grade II on the register of parks and gardens of special historic interest maintained by English Heritage."

There's even a lake, with ducks

Where is Bishop's Park?
The park runs along the north bank of a bend in the River Thames. It is adjacent to Fulham Palace, and also Fulham Football club, which makes it a rather bad choice on match days, especially if you're looking for a parking space.

Lots of stuff for kids

How do you get there?
By 74, 220, or 430 bus down Fulham Palace road, then a five minute walk down Bishop's Park Road or Bishop's Park Ave. If you have a car,  drive down Fulham Palace road and turn right onto Bishop's Park Ave and park in the many Pay-and-Display bays.  Bring plenty of change, except on Sundays when it's free. Watch out for Fulham Match Days - the whole area becomes a zoo and is best avoided by car - unless you're a Fulham FC fan of course.

Bishop's Park, courtesy of Google Maps

What's inside?
The park contains tennis courts and bowling greens, a lake full of ducks and other waterfowl, and a children's playground. with another small park area fronting Fulham Palace Road.  It's almost always busy, full of families and children, mums, dads and buggies.

Farmer's Market in Bishop's Park

When is the best time to visit?
Parking in Bishop's Avenue is free in the Pay-and-Display bays on Sundays. Also, from 10am until 2pm on Sundays there is a farmer's market, selling lots of yummy organic stuff. So on a sunny day you can even buy a picnic.

Why is it called Bishop's Park?
The park is built on land formerly owned by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, Lords of the Manor of Fulham.  The park is just next door to Fulham Palace, formerly the country residence of the Bishops of London, and a fabulous place to visit in its own right.

How did the Council get hold of it?
The land was given to the Fulham District Board of Works on condition that it was maintained for public recreation, and was opened to the public in 1900.

Why does it look so nice today?
It's all thanks to funds from the National Lottery.  After a successful lottery funding bid in February 2011, the park underwent a major restoration project with almost the entire site being altered and modernised.

Who takes care of the park?
The friends of Bishop's Park, of course.

The Bush Telegraph offers a personal view on life in Shepherd's Bush. Read about the Campaign to Save Hammersmith Park, find out about our new Farmer's Market, see what's on at The Bush Theatre, find out the latest news on the future of Shepherd's Bush Market, and the Council's plans to upgrade the Goldhawk Road and the Uxbridge Road. If you would like to contribute a story about our neighbourhood, email us at shepherdsbushblog@gmail.com.