Things to do at Morden Hall Park

Spring at Morden Hall Park

Escape outdoors for a refreshing walk through the park with the family, enjoying the warmer days. Stop by our cafe for takeaway drinks and snacks and browse through the Garden Centre, planning your summer garden.

Walk the Wandle trail

The park sits in the middle of the 14-mile (20km) Wandle Trail which follows the route of the River Wandle from Croydon to Wandsworth. There are both walking and cycling routes which allow you to enjoy the heritage, flora and fauna of this typical chalk stream.

Download a map of the Wandle trail (PDF)

Wildlife and blossom

It’s nesting season and as you wander through the park, you’ll see all sorts of activity taking place, so grab your binoculars and come see nature at its best. Our resident birds are nesting in the park, including the herons on the island at the far end of the rose garden. The Morden peregrines have their first brood in late spring – it’s fun to watch them hunting round the park.

Our avenues become a sweep of brilliant white as the horse chestnut trees put out their flower spikes in mid to late May and the tramline looks spectacular lined with hawthorn and blackthorn blossom. Visit the mini orchard outside the Stableyard to see Merton apple variety trees in blossom, then head over to the Rose Garden, where you’ll find our spectacular Prunus ‘Tai Haku’ ‘Great White Cherry’.

Stretch you legs and walk towards north park where, as the part the National trust Blossom Project, 50 double ornamental white hawthorn were planted in December 2021 and 45 crab apple trees were planted in Bunce’s Meadow along the river towards Dean City Farm in 2022. The Malus ‘Evereste’ buds emerge as bright pink or red, before fading to light pink, and finally opening to large sweetly scented pure white flowers.

Spring at the Garden Centre

If you're looking for inspiration for your summer garden, our Garden Centre is brimming with new bulb varieties, bee friendly wildflower seeds and unusual vegetable seeds. If you’d rather just plant and water, there’s a great selection of early spring bedding plants and potted bulbs all grown peat-free. You’ll find all the tools, seed trays and organic garden care chemicals you need as well books for inspiration.

Don't forget that the proceeds from every purchase you make in the Garden Centre (and cafe and car park too) go straight back into helping us look after the park. Thank you.

The park's historical buildings

Spot all the old estate buildings that made up the Hatfeilds’ country estate. Morden Hall sits majestically in its own private garden, the white bridge tempting you to get a little bit closer.

Morden Cottage, set perfectly in Mr Hatfeild’s rose garden, boasts fond memories of many registry office weddings.

The restored Stableyard welcomes you inside to discover the exhibition centre hosting a changing programme of community exhibitions.

The River Wandle

Once powering over 100 mills, the Wandle meanders throughout the park. The restored waterwheel gives a glimpse back to the park’s industrial history. The wheel no longer turns, but behind it you can see the modern waterwheel, a hydro-electric turbine.

Enjoy the sounds of the rushing water over the weir, race your sticks under the many historic bridges or simply explore the channels that network around the park.

For a longer walk, follow the Wandle Trail to the Thames passing Merton Abbey Mills or up to its source in historic Carshalton village.

Fishing at Morden Hall Park

To allow fish to breed in peace in Morden Hall Park we enforce the traditional closed season for coarse fishing from 15 March to 15 June inclusive. You can view more information about fishing in the park here.

Watching wildlife in the wetlands

At the north end of the park discover the wetlands fed by the Wandle. Take to the boardwalk to watch and listen for a variety of wildlife visitors, from the squawk of the invading green parakeets to the blue flash of native kingfishers.

The viewing platform on the boardwalk is a great place to get close to waterfowl such as mallards, herons and seasonal visitors including the little egret.

Woodland beauty

One of the most beautiful aspects of Morden Hall Park is the sheer number of trees. Head in any direction you like to discover magnificent specimen trees and pockets of woodland.

The adventure play area

The natural play area is all about fun - with a zip wire, play fort, stepping stones, bucket swings and climbing posts. Whether your youngsters are into imaginative play or physical challenge, there’s something for them to enjoy here.

Family facilities at Morden Hall Park

Baby-changing facilities are available in the Stableyard toilets, Snuff Mill, and Potting shed café. Pathways around estate are level and accessible for pushchairs. There is a toddlers and children book section available in our second-hand bookshop.

Thank you for your support

Morden Hall Park is open to everyone throughout the year for free. The cafés and garden centre help raise money to keep the park looking splendid. Every coffee you drink and gift you buy helps look after this lovely place.