The hidden gem West London park perfect for a cosy autumn walk with a coffee and a cake

-Credit: (Image: Getty)
-Credit: (Image: Getty)


As the cold begins to creep back in, autumnal walks accompanied by warm pumpkin spice latte are at the top of our weekend to-do lists.

A hidden gem of West London, Bishops Park is best known for its close proximity to Craven Cottage, the home of Fulham FC. What many don’t know, however, is the park's rich history and cultural offerings.

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Boasting a scenic riverside walk alongside the Thames, Bishops Park is just seconds away from Putney Bridge Underground station, making it the perfect destination for those planning an autumnal stroll.

Popular with runners and walkers alike, large trees overhang the embankment walkway, painting a picturesque, autumnal scene. Offering flat, gravelled paths, the park is suitable for all abilities and ages.

Fulham Palace’s Tudor courtyard and bell tower.
Fulham Palace is well worth a visit this autumn

Bishops Park looks across to Putney, offering views of the Thames Rowing Club and its sporting members practising on the water. Fulham Palace - the historic home to the Bishop of London - runs adjacent to the park.

Adding to the peaceful, laid-back atmosphere, are the numerous pubs and quaint cafés located nearby. The Tea House serves artisan coffee, delicious brunch, and numerous sweet treats. Grab a coffee and cake and take a cosy walk through the park to enjoy the autumnal sights. Across the road, The Eight Bells is a 17th-century tavern with traditional decor and classic British pub food, if you're in the mood for something heartier.

Grade II Listed park with a rich history

Bishops Park was opened in 1893, encompassing the land known as Bishop’s Walk, Meadow and West Meadow. The park was expanded in 1894 to include Pryor’s Bank and its old gardens, which were preserved, according to Friends of Bishops Park.

To this day, the park is listed Grade II on the parks and gardens register maintained by English Heritage. Beautiful stone sculptures can be found in the gardens.

Adjacent to the park is Fulham Palace - the historic home to the Bishop of London. The site has been a residence for the Bishops since AD 704, according to Fulham Palace. Bishop Stopford, the final Bishop of London to live there, left in 1973.

Built around 1495, the Tudor courtyard and Great Hall are the palace’s most iconic structures. Thousands of exotic plants can be found at Fulham Palace thanks to Bishop Compton, who received plant cutting and seeds from North America between 1683 and 1688.

Later down the timeline, a walled garden and bell tower were added. In 1893, some of the palace’s land was donated by the Bishop of London to Bishops Park for the public’s recreational use.

Parkrun, tennis, basketball and more

Relax and enjoy the view of the river -Credit:Getty
Relax and enjoy the view of the river -Credit:Getty

Bishops Park offers a wide range of facilities, from playgrounds to tennis courts and basketball goals. In the middle of the park, visitors can find an ornamental lake and an urban beach, according to the council.

Benches are dotted along the riverfront, should you need to rest your weary legs. The park hosts various events, such as a weekly parkrun every Saturday at 9am.

A member-led organisation, The Friends of Bishops Park, is committed to the preservation and protection of Bishops Park as a historic, ecological site. The group runs regular conservation events such as a Gardening Club and Litter Picking Group, which aim to maintain the park’s natural beauty.

The neighbouring Fulham Palace is open daily and free to visit. To look inside the museum and historic rooms, visitors need to book free visiting time slots. The botanic garden is open from dawn until dusk, whereas the walled garden is open daily from 10:15-16:15.

Searching for something to occupy the kids? Fulham Palace offers a wide range of activities for children, including a Young Archaeologists’ Club. The next club is scheduled to take place at 10.30am on Saturday, September 28. Tickets for the event can be bought via the website for £16.

Want to make a day of it? Fulham Palace’s ‘Apple Day’ returns at 11am on Sunday, October 6. The annual event celebrates the palace’s orchard harvest. Line dancing, baking competitions, and music are all on the cards. With something for everyone, the day is bound to be an autumnal celebration for the whole family. Tickets can be bought here, starting at £1!

Bishops Park can be found in Fulham. The nearest Tube station is Putney Bridge, which is on the District line..