Northala Fields: Northolt’s unusual park built from old Wembley rubble

Looking at Northala Fields from above, it is easy to see why the park stands out in West London. Four green, cone-shaped hills, a network of lakes, paths and a large playground sit within 27.5 hectares of greenery beside the A40 in Northolt.

The park opened in 2008 on the site of former sports pitches once linked to Kensington and Chelsea. Ealing Council created an entirely new landscape using around 500,000 cubic metres of rubble and earth — roughly 60,000 tipper loads — from the demolition of the old Wembley Stadium and construction at White City. Instead of sending the material to landfill, it was shaped into four distinctive mounds.

The highest hill rises more than 20 metres, with a spiral path to the summit. On a clear day visitors can see the arch of the new Wembley Stadium, the towers at Canary Wharf and parts of central London. The hills also act as a natural sound barrier against noise from the A40.

The name Northala comes from the Domesday Book of 1086, an early spelling of Northolt.

It is widely regarded as one of the best free parks in the Northolt–Greenford–Southall area. There are two playgrounds: a larger wooden one with high structures, bridges and a big slide, and another nearer Dolphin Road, with equipment for younger and older children.

Six fishing ponds, a model-boating lake and wildlife ponds attract ducks, dragonflies and sometimes herons. Paths wind around the water, with benches in good spots. Broad meadows suit picnics, kites and open play, while the hills give children a climb and adults a workout with strong views.

A visitor centre between the lakes and hills houses a café and toilets.

Practical details include the address on Kensington Road, Northolt, UB5, free entry, and two paid car parks that close in the evening with the park. Northolt station on the Central line is about a 10–15 minute walk away, with buses 90, 120, 140, 282 and E10 serving Target Roundabout. Opening hours are usually from morning until dusk.

Many residents of Ealing and nearby areas still know little about the park. It tends to be less crowded than better-known green spaces closer to the centre, yet it has a clear character, an unusual history and rewarding views — a green oasis whose four hills were made from material others might have treated as waste.