This hidden gem feels like stepping into the countryside
A hidden gem of a park in South East London featuring its own mini ‘farm’ is the perfect place for a stroll or a picnic this spring and summer. Forming part of the historic Maryon Wilson family estate, Maryon Wilson park in Charlton, South East London, includes both open grassland and wooded areas.
Within Maryon Wilson Park sits Maryon Wilson Animal Park, which is free to visit and includes chickens, ducks, turkeys, goats, pigs, horses, and even a deer enclosure.
On certain days of the week, visitors can join a free tour of Maryon Wilson Animal Park and enjoy the chance to feed, pet and interact with the animals. Free public tours take place every Wednesday, conducted by the Park Ranger Service.
To participate in the tour, simply arrive at 1pm at the deer pen. It’s advisable to turn up early as availability is restricted, with each tour accommodating just 35 people at any one time. However, if you just want to have a look at the animals, the park is generally quiet outside of tour times.
Residents and tourists alike have shared their appreciation for this ‘rare gem’ of a park and animal enclosure on Tripadvisor. One guest commented: “Attended here today with my dog. It’s completely free. It’s a rare gem that I wasn’t aware existed on my doorstep. They have a deer enclosure, horse enclosure, bird (ducks and chickens) enclosure and a goat and sheep enclosure. There’s free parking on the main road after a given time.”, reports MyLondon.
Another guest posted on TripAdvisor: “Lovely family visit to see the animals, set in a green space. On a Wednesday you can feed the animals and learn more about them.”
A third visitor remarked: “I never thought I will find a place like this in London. As we went deeper into the forest the air became fresher and the temperature was going down slowly. The colour of autumn was all around us. We didn’t hear any cat or any human voice, it felt like we were last for a second. It was a fantastic experience. Go if you want to get lost in your thoughts for a bit.”
The park, together with an adjacent section of neighbouring Maryon Park called Gilbert’s Pit, received Local Nature Reserve status in 2005. The Maryon Wilson family previously held the title of Lords of the Manor of Charlton.
Gilbert’s Pit is a significant archaeological site, showcasing one of the most complete sequences of sediments found across London. Numerous fossils have been discovered at the site, including remains of plants, sponges, molluscs, fish and reptiles.
Maryon Wilson park also earned its place in cinema history, as the setting for the 1966 cult film Blow Up. The film features David Hemmings as a fashion photographer in swinging sixties London, who believes he has ‘unwittingly captured a murder on film’ in the park.
The film, which also stars sixties icons Vanessa Redgrave and Jane Birkin, won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival in 1967.
The park also has outdoor tennis courts which can be booked by members of the public. You can book a court by visiting the Lawn Tennis Association website here.
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