Swan Lane Open Space

Swan Lane Open Space is a park in Whetstone featuring a kidney-shaped pond surrounded by water lilies and rushes. The grounds include grassy areas with mature trees and woodland patches, along with play areas designed for different age groups and a cafe.

The park emerged in the 1930s from the reclamation of former gravel extraction sites. The pond marks the location of a drowning incident from 1925, which occurred before the land was transformed into public space.

The upper section of this space served as a filming location for Monty Python comedy sketches during the early 1970s. This connection to British comedy history adds a layer of cultural interest to visits for fans of that era.

The park is straightforward to explore, with multiple entry points scattered around the grounds for flexible access. Different sections serve different purposes, so visitors may want to spend time in various areas depending on their interests.

The grounds contain giant redwoods and a Cedar of Lebanon among its tree collection, noteworthy specimens for an urban park setting. These remarkable species reflect historical planting efforts and add botanical interest to the visit.

Location: London Borough of Barnet

GPS coordinates: 51.62470,-0.17917

Latest update: December 14, 2025 09:40