Myddelton House Gardens

Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield is a charming four-acre garden with genuine historical significance — it was the home of renowned plantsman E. A. Bowles, who spent much of the early twentieth century developing its distinctive planting.

Today managed by the Lee Valley Regional Park Authority, the gardens retain much of their original character while offering a peaceful and accessible family day out.

The garden layout features a conservatory, a lake, alpine beds, woodland walks, and the famous 'lunatic asylum' area where Bowles collected plants with unusual or distorted forms — a curiosity that appeals to children's sense of the strange and unexpected. The grounds are compact enough to explore fully without excessive walking, making it manageable for families with young children or those who prefer a gentler pace.

The resident cat — a well-established feature of the gardens — inevitably becomes a focal point for children, who tend to follow it around with great enthusiasm. The tea room provides a welcoming rest stop with homemade cakes and light lunches that families consistently rate highly.

Myddelton House is well-suited to strollers on the main paths, though some grass areas and the wilder naturalistic sections may be more challenging. The garden is at its best in spring when bulbs and early colour fill the borders, and again in summer when the rose garden and herbaceous planting peak.

For North London families looking for a calm, unhurried alternative to the busier garden attractions, Myddelton House delivers genuine charm without crowds.