235 Cannon Hill Lane, London SW20 9DB
Cannon Hill Common
Mixed-habitat reserve
Source image
5.4
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
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Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.4An urban green space with woodland paths, a nature trail, meadow and lake. The common was not historically common land: it formed part of an estate before developer George Blay sold 21 hectares to the council for a public park in 1927.
Cannon Hill Common earns its place as a useful pocket of varied nature in south-west London: woodland paths, wildflower meadow and a lake sit alongside a nature reserve with limited opening dates. It is a neighbourhood green escape rather than a remote wilderness.
Peaceful
Find your way
Open map235 Cannon Hill Lane, London SW20 9DB
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The experience
Explore the common’s paths and nature trail, taking in its woodland, meadow and lake. The nature reserve is not open every day, so check its opening arrangements if that is a priority.
Things to do
Follow the nature trail
Walk the common’s nature trail; GoParksLondon specifically suggests it as an activity for visitors with a young person.
Walk the woodland paths
Explore the paths through the common’s woodland and combine them with a look at the meadow and lake.
Around 30–60 minutes for the AllTrails circular route
Visit the central nature reserve
The reserve is within the common but, according to GoParksLondon, opens only twice a year. Confirm the dates before making a special trip.
Read the information boards
Look for boards covering the history of the common and Cannon Hill House, as well as wildlife found on the site.
Join an organised nature walk
GoParksLondon lists bird, bat, flower, butterfly and tree walks when these are organised. Check locally for dates and availability.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 30–60 minutes
Quick escape: a loop through the common
- 01
Start at the common and follow its woodland paths.
- 02
Look out for the lake, meadow and nature-trail features as you go.
- 03
Pause at an information board to learn about the common and Cannon Hill House.
Half day · Allow a couple of hours
Make a half day of it: nature trail and lake
- 01
Walk the nature trail and woodland paths.
- 02
Take time at the lake and wildflower meadow.
- 03
Check whether the central nature reserve is open; it has two openings a year according to GoParksLondon.
- 04
If visiting when organised activities are available, consider a bird, bat, flower, butterfly or tree walk.
Verified history
Despite its name, Cannon Hill Common was not historically common land: GoParksLondon says it was part of an estate. In 1927, developer George Blay sold 21 hectares to the council for an urban park. Information boards at the site are listed as covering the common’s history and Cannon Hill House.
Hidden details
The name does not describe its land history — Despite being called a common, the site was reportedly part of an estate rather than common land. GoParksLondon dates its conversion to an urban park to 1927.
The central reserve has limited openings — The nature reserve within the common is listed as opening twice a year. Check for current dates before visiting.
When to go
· No specific time of day is supported by the supplied evidence.
The supplied sources identify a wildflower meadow and nature walks but do not establish peak dates or seasonal timings.
AllTrails notes that grassy paths and woodland tracks can become soft and damp after rain; comfortable walking shoes are sensible.
What to look for
Look for the information boards about the common and Cannon Hill House, the wildflower meadow, the fruit hedge and the lake. The central nature reserve opens only on two occasions each year, according to GoParksLondon.
The story
Urban park created from former estate land; the common was not historically common land.
Best time to go
Spring and summer for the meadow and wildlife walks; check the nature reserve’s limited opening dates before planning around it.
Choose a spring or summer visit for the wildflower meadow and wildlife walks. Check the reserve’s limited opening dates before setting out.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Wildlife lovers · Families
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: Open 24 hours
- Tuesday: Open 24 hours
- Wednesday: Open 24 hours
- Thursday: Open 24 hours
- Friday: Open 24 hours
- Saturday: Open 24 hours
- Sunday: Open 24 hours
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Public green space listed as always open. The nature reserve within the common is only open on two occasions each year; check local information before visiting it.
Check before visiting
Parking
Check before visiting; parking information is not confirmed.
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Toilets
Check before visiting.
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Food & drink
Check before visiting. A Tripadvisor review mentions a nearby Airstream café, but current availability is not confirmed.
Check before visiting
Dogs
GoParksLondon says dogs are allowed in its greenspaces. Check current signage and any local restrictions.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
GoParksLondon lists an accessible entrance; this does not confirm that all paths or areas are wheelchair accessible. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Check before visiting
Check before visiting
Water
Lake, Pond
Gallery
Place photographsKeep exploring
Around Cannon Hill Common
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
