Stroll on the Wild side…
“Secreet Wonderland
Lovers of waterways, Lovers of boats and birds, Lovers of unusual gardens..Meanwhile Gardens has all and more…..
When you fancy a little stroll where you can see water and sloping grassy hills together with moored narrow boats – sometimes complete with a cat, sporting flowers and immensely artistic painted titles plus bikes, and occasionally with smoke twisting sultrily out of the chimneys..when you want to see geese, ducks and moorhens on the canal and maybe venture to partake of a little feeding…try Meanwhile Gardens, West London off The Great Western Road. There’s also the Fullers pub the Union Tavern serving a delicious range of food and drinks where you can sit by the canal and watch the world go by.
As if this isn’t enough, Meanwhile Gardens has a cycling and skateboard park complete with the ‘obligatory’ graffiti style art that livens up the concrete area. Under the adjoining bridge nearby is some artwork illustrating features and place names of the area. And just a little way further on the other way, past the usually busy skateboard park, is a wildlife garden and quiet-scented courtyard.
The canal footpath is dual purpose so watch out for the very many cyclists and be careful. Other than that you can picnic on the grassy undulating areas, read or simply relax. But don’t feed the pigeons who will be there all around as it apparently temps rodents!
Meanwhile Gardens was set up back in 1976 as a community gardens. Sculptor Jamie McCullough was one of the designers. If you want a long canal path walk you can go towards Little Venice or take the other route the opposite way. While you’re there you may be lucky and have a chinwag with one or two people on the many artful narrow boats. I met a man from Poland who used to work in The City and now does carvings which he sells off his boat – spoons, crosses, jewellery – anything and everything.
Opposite the sloping banks of the gardens, and I should mention people love walking their dogs and children love to play there, you will see that an outdoor barbeqe is often in force across the road. For a small fee if you’ve forgotten your lunch you can pay a few pennies for a nice range of foods.
Includes bus routes 31 28 and 328 – very very close to Westbourne Park Tube (Hammersmith and City and Circle Line). Also close to Harrow Road (Bus 18 included).
Visit when you’re ready and ENJOY!
BARBEQUE
Penny Nair Price