History

Spikes Bridge Park was originally part of Hayes Gate Farm which was one of the many farms  growing hay to feed the horses in London which at that time were the main means of transport. 

 

The Farm was purchased by Southall Urban District Council in 1929 with a view to development.  The land was very marshy so before any work could continue it was necessary to  drain the site and an impressive 12 miles of land drains were used to do this. The Park opened as the Municipal Sports Ground 1937 with facilities for bowls, cricket and tennis;

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Today

The Park in Southall today has an impressive range of both formal and inform sports facilities for the whole family.

The sports facilities are managed by London Tigers, an award winning charity that empowers disadvantaged communities through sports.

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Sports 

There really is something for everyone including football pitches, basketball courts, tennis court, cricket nets and pitches and a running track.  A new Sports Pavilion was built c. ten years ago and was developed by Ealing Council, Southall Community Alliance and London Tigers.

More recent developments include a free state of the art outdoor exercise equipment see https://www.tgogc.com/news-article/southall-lead-the-way-in-a-social-movement

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For Children

There is a very impressive enclosed playground for children plus a number of other pieces of play equipment in the Park.  There are also swathes of green to run and play across the park.

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Additionally

Spikes Bridge Park leads directly on to the Grand Union Canal which runs along the west side towards Paddington.  The pond in the southwest corner of the Park adds a valuable space for birds, pond life and wetland plants.   In 2019 the Park became part of the Southall Orchard Project with fruit and nut trees planted for the benefit of the Community.  These included Apple, Plum, Pear, Cherry, Apricot, and Hazelnut Trees planted with help from children from Lady Margaret Primary School and Durdan's Park Primary school and lots of volunteers.

 

Drone View

For a drone view of the park see: https://youtu.be/uy60Z_25sM4?feature=shared

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Ealing Council has developed a Health Walk incorporating Spikes Bridge Park Canal and Willow Tree Park

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A more challenging walk adding a canal towpath loop to the nature reserve and marina. Paths may be muddy after wet weather. Not suitable for wheelchairs.

• Start: Spikes Bridge Park

• Distance: Three miles

• Time: Allow 1 hour 45 minutes

• Transport: Bus E5 105 95

• Parking: Carlyle Avenue

• Facilities: The Civil Engineer, Ruislip Road
  Directions
  From the park take the path past the play centre to the canal. Turn right along the towpath, passing Cranleigh Woods on the right and Willow Tree Marina on the left. At the bridge continue along the towpath. After the factory, and just after you pass under a footbridge, leave the canal by steps on the right. Turn right on Ruislip Road to the traffic lights. Cross at the crossing and go down Broadmead Road. Turn left at wooden fences onto a path with houses on the right. At a t-junction, turn left into Willow Tree Park. At a crossroads take the path straight ahead, which curves round to a bridge across the canal. At the bottom turn left and return to Spikes Bridge Park along towpath.

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How to get here:

West Avenue (off Carlyle Avenue), Spikes Bridge Road, Cranleigh Gardens and off the canal towpath.

Transport: Train: Southall (Thames Trains), Bus: 95, 105, 120, E5, 207, SL8

https://citymapper.com/london?lang=en

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