Visiting
the Park
Welcome to Cannizaro Park!
Cannizaro is a much loved and popular Grade II* listed park just off West Side on Wimbledon Common, within the London Borough of Merton. The park has a long history, including a period as part of the Duke of Cannizaro’s Estate and its transition to a public park when Merton Borough Council adopted it in 1949. Its Grade II* status is due to the historic landscape features and the superb trees and shrubs, which are attractive to both horticulturalists and gardeners as well as those who come for a walk, a picnic, or simply to enjoy the peace and quiet in the many secluded areas of the park.
The Friends of Cannizaro Park is a registered charity that works with Merton Council to maintain and enhance the park’s landscape and with park visitors through park events and information about the park through communication channels, including this website. If you would like to know more about the Friends, our aims, opportunities for volunteering, events, and how to support us, you’ll find this in the relevant sections of our website.
The main entrance to Cannizaro Park is on West Side Common, London SW19 4UE.
Opening Hours
| All year | |
|---|---|
| Monday-Friday | 08:00 AM – Dusk |
| Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays | 09:00 AM – Dusk |
| The toilets are open | |
|---|---|
| In Winter | 10:30 AM – 03:00 PM |
| From Easter Till Mid October | 09:30 AM – 05:00 PM |
Getting to the Park
Public Transport
Wimbledon Station (London Underground and British Rail) is a 20-minute walk away. There are usually taxis in the rank outside the station. The 93 bus stops just outside Wimbledon Village on the edge of the common, from where Cannizaro Park is a 10 minute walk across the common.
Parking
Car parking is very limited – although there are some pay and display bays on The Causeway. Those with disabled blue badges can use these bays free of charge.
Monday to Friday:
Before 2:00 PM: Free parking
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM: Permit holders or “VQ” payment bays only (pay-be-phone or app), max stay 2 hours.
Saturday & Sunday: Free parking all day
Cycling
There are a small number of bike stands inside the main gates. Cycling is not permitted within the park.
Tree trail maps have been produced and are available to download. These include a Champions’ Trail, a Veterans’ Trail and Seasonal Trails.
Map
Park Regulations
- Pick up your dog’s poop and and bag it, place it in bins provided
- Keep your dog on the lead until after you reach the Aviary
- Please use the public toilets that are clearly signposted in the Park
- Keep dogs under control at all times: max 4 dogs per person
- Take litter home or put it in the bins provided and do not leave bags beside full bins
- Park your bikes in the rack provided inside the Park gates, or walk them along the paths
- No cycling or skating in the park
- Do not use drones in the park
- Do not light fires or barbecues or heat food with cooking equipment
- No carving or graffiti allowed
Especially in late Spring – please be aware of the Oak Processionary Moth when you visit the park. This insect is very destructive to our native oak trees – causing defoliation when there are high numbers of caterpillars. It is spreading fast in South-West London (you can see the damage done to leaves everywhere) and the caterpillars have hairs that carry a toxin which can be a threat to human health, causing skin rashes, eye irritation and respiratory problems when in contact with them. They can also affect pets.
May is the time of year to be most alert – when the caterpillars of this Moth are on the move. If you come across the caterpillars or their webbed nests, please do not touch them and keep children and pets away.
Report any sightings by email to: [email protected].