Close Attractions

Myddelton House Gardens is a hidden treasure in Enfield, offering visitors a blend of horticultural beauty, history, and tranquillity. The gardens were created by renowned plantsman Edward Augustus Bowles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and his influence is still felt today in the rare plants, unusual garden features, and striking seasonal displays.

The eight-acre site is arranged into different sections, each with its own personality. You’ll find rock gardens, vibrant borders, a carp pond, and a collection of quirky curiosities such as old stonework, sculptures, and even pieces of architectural salvage Bowles brought back from his travels. The glasshouse range showcases exotic species, while the herbaceous borders change character throughout the seasons, ensuring there’s always something new to see.

Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks along winding paths, sit by the ponds, or take in the carefully curated planting schemes. Wildlife is abundant too, with birds and insects thriving in the natural habitats Bowles encouraged. The gardens are not only a feast for the eyes but also a place to reflect and unwind, making them a favourite for locals seeking calm as well as tourists interested in garden design.

Complemented by a small museum, café, and gift shop, Myddelton House Gardens is a delightful half-day visit. Whether you’re a keen gardener, photographer, or simply someone who enjoys the outdoors, it offers inspiration and serenity in equal measure.

Capel Manor Gardens spans 30 acres and offers a rich mix of themed gardens, landscapes, and horticultural displays. Managed by Capel Manor College, it is both a public attraction and an educational resource, showcasing the work of students while delighting visitors with creativity and variety.

The gardens are divided into different zones, each offering its own atmosphere and design. Visitors can explore formal walled gardens, colourful flower beds, woodland walks, Japanese gardens, water features, and even a small zoo that adds an unexpected twist. Each garden reflects different styles, from traditional English planting to modern, experimental landscaping, providing inspiration to keen gardeners and homeowners.

Children particularly enjoy the family-friendly features such as the maze, animal enclosures, and interactive displays, while adults are drawn to the tranquillity and the opportunity to pick up ideas for their own gardens. Seasonal events, plant sales, and demonstrations also make Capel Manor a lively attraction throughout the year.

What makes Capel Manor special is the combination of beauty and learning. Because it is linked to a horticultural college, visitors benefit from seeing cutting-edge designs and sustainable gardening practices in action. The gardens are a wonderful place for a family day out, a romantic stroll, or even a day of inspiration for professional landscapers.

Trent Country Park is a vast 413-acre green oasis on the northern edge of Enfield, perfect for escaping city life. Once part of a royal hunting ground, the park today is a popular destination for walking, cycling, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. Its mix of woodland, open meadows, lakes, and historic features makes it both beautiful and varied.

The park is dotted with walking and cycling trails, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace. Wooded areas provide shady routes in summer, while open lawns and fields are ideal for family games and picnics. Wildlife is abundant, with birds, deer, and smaller mammals often spotted, and the lakes attract ducks, swans, and herons.

A highlight is the historic mansion at the heart of the park, with landscaped grounds and tree-lined avenues that remind visitors of its aristocratic past. In recent years, attractions such as Go Ape have added adventure activities, including treetop rope courses and zip wires, making it popular with thrill-seekers as well as nature lovers.

For those wanting a quiet day, there are plenty of spots to relax with a book, take photographs, or simply enjoy the seasonal changes. Families appreciate the playground, café, and ample space for children to run free. Whether you want a gentle stroll, an energetic cycle, or an outdoor adventure, Trent Country Park offers a full day of enjoyment.

Forty Hall is one of Enfield’s most important historic landmarks, a beautifully preserved Jacobean manor house surrounded by gardens, parkland, and farmland. Built in the 1620s, the house is Grade I listed and offers visitors a fascinating insight into centuries of history, architecture, and local life.

Inside, the rooms are furnished with period décor and exhibitions that tell the stories of the families who lived there, as well as broader themes such as Enfield’s development and the area’s connections to Tudor royalty. The estate grounds are equally impressive, with formal gardens, a walled garden, fishing ponds, and wide meadows that are perfect for long walks.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the site is its connection to the lost Tudor palace of Elsyng, which once stood within the estate. Archaeological remains and information boards give visitors a sense of its former grandeur. Today, the estate blends heritage with nature, offering both cultural interest and outdoor leisure.

The estate also includes Forty Hall Farm, home to rare-breed animals, orchards, and educational projects. Families love visiting the farm, while couples and individuals enjoy the peaceful walks and the seasonal events held on site. A café and gift shop make it a rounded day out.

Forty Hall & Estate is ideal for those who enjoy history, heritage architecture, and scenic landscapes, all just a short journey from central London.

The Whitewebbs Museum of Transport is a must-visit for enthusiasts of classic vehicles and engineering. Housed in a Victorian pumping station built in 1898, the museum combines industrial heritage with a large and varied transport collection, making it one of Enfield’s most unusual attractions.

Inside, visitors will find a fascinating range of exhibits including classic cars, motorcycles, bicycles, fire engines, and commercial vehicles. There are also displays of transport memorabilia, tools, and model railways that bring the history of travel and technology to life. The museum is spread across several floors and outbuildings, with each section focusing on different aspects of transport history.

The building itself is part of the attraction. Visitors can explore areas of the original waterworks infrastructure, learning about the site’s past role in supplying water to the community. The volunteers who run the museum are passionate about preserving history and are always on hand to share their knowledge, giving the museum a welcoming and personal feel.

Because it’s smaller and less crowded than larger museums in central London, visitors often find Whitewebbs more intimate and hands-on. It’s particularly popular with families, school groups, and anyone with an interest in engineering or vintage vehicles. With its mix of heritage, technology, and personal stories, the museum is a hidden gem that offers a unique day out in Enfield.

Pickett’s Lock, located within the Lee Valley area of Enfield, is a gateway to some of the most scenic and peaceful walks in the borough. Part of the River Lee Navigation, the lock and its surrounding towpaths are popular with walkers, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts looking to escape the urban bustle.

The area combines the charm of industrial heritage with natural beauty. As you walk along the towpaths, you’ll pass canal locks, historic cottages, and remnants of Enfield’s industrial past, all set against the backdrop of flowing water and greenery. The route connects to the wider Lee Valley Regional Park, giving visitors the chance to explore miles of linked pathways and discover wildlife along the riverbanks.

The setting is especially appealing for those who enjoy outdoor pursuits. Cycling routes, birdwatching opportunities, and riverside picnics make it a versatile day out. Anglers also value the stretch for its fishing potential, while families often enjoy simple walks spotting ducks and swans.

Pickett’s Lock is also associated with the Lee Valley Leisure Complex nearby, which offers sports facilities, a cinema, and indoor activities. This means visitors can combine a relaxing walk with a more active or social part of the day.

For anyone who loves the outdoors, Pickett’s Lock and the surrounding Lee Valley is an ideal place to enjoy nature, heritage, and recreation all in one location.