The park and estate at Osterley

Bright yellow daffodils in the foreground with Osterley House in the back ground against a blue sky — Daffodils at Osterley | © National Trust images Hugh Mothersole

A rare survival in Greater London, Osterley Park provides a peaceful retreat with acres of parkland to enjoy. Open all year, there are many walks to take, activities to enjoy and wildlife to spot as you discover the wider estate. Over time, Osterley’s setting has softened – canals evolving into lakes, avenues to clumps of shrubbery, mills into follies, and views across the estate to the house opened up once more.

Get active at Osterley

Where the Child family once enjoyed tennis, boating and garden parties you can now find tai chi practised on the south lawn and families playing and picnicking in the parks. A number of walks are signposted to guide you through the parkland past the lakes, with chances to spot the wildlife and birds that call Osterley home.

Sparrowhawk at Souter Lighthouse and The Lease — Sparrowhawk seen in Osterley's estate | © National Trust Images / Douglas Holden

Wildlife in the park

The parkland at Osterley is an oasis for wildlife due to its mix of habitats, organic gardening methods and having vast green areas in an otherwise urban environment, giving wildlife little choice in where to feed and nest. Those with eagle eyes might spot these birds whilst exploring the estate:

Birds of prey: red kites, buzzards, kestrels and sparrowhawks are resident at Osterley. Peregrines are less commonly seen but do turn up in the park sometimes, while hobbies turn up in the summer months on occasion.
Owls: Little owls are the easiest to see – look for them in the trees lining the main drive as it gets dark. Tawny owls are more often heard than seen – listen out for their characteristic hoot.
Small bird species: beyond the large five-bar gate in the walled garden the bird feeders attract blue tits, great tits and nuthatches. Sparrowhawks can be seen here too.
Kingfishers: watch for these popular birds on either of the two lakes.
Unusual species: in the spring and autumn many migrating birds stop at Osterley to refuel and rest on their way in or out of the country.

Fishing at Osterley

Fishing is permitted to licence holders only on Osterley's Middle Lake between 15 June - 15 March during regular site opening hours, 8am – 7.30pm (or dusk if earlier). The fish species commonly caught in the lake include pike, carp and tench.

If you would like to request a fishing license application form please email osterley@nationaltrust.org.uk.

The licence fee is £75 and covers a period of 12 months from the point the license is granted, with the exception of the closed season for wildlife breeding (15 March - 15 June.) Please note that permits are not transferable, all fish landed must be returned to the water unharmed, equipment must be barbless hooks only and keep nets are not permitted. Parking charges apply, but free for National Trust members.

Barbeques, or any form of cooking in not permitted in the park as they are a fire hazard to visitors and wildlife.