5.6
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Check
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
5.6A landscaped garden surrounds Avenue House, whose history includes wartime use as a hospital. The site also tells the story of Henry ‘Inky’ Stephens and the Stephens’ Ink Company.
A useful green pause in suburban London, with an arboretum, rockery, bog garden and wooded paths, alongside the story of the house and the Stephens ink-making legacy. The available evidence supports a pleasant garden visit, but not a claim that it is a major destination in its own right.
Peaceful · Historic
Find your way
Open map17 E End Road, London N3 3QE
Opening map…
Know this place a little better?
The experience
Explore the landscaped gardens and their varied features, then look into the history of Avenue House and the Stephens Collection. Check current access, facilities and opening details before setting out.
Things to do
Explore the garden’s varied landscapes
Walk among the arboretum, rockery, bog garden, park areas and wooded paths described in the supplied sources.
Not established
Find out about Avenue House and the Stephens Collection
The available account links Avenue House to Henry ‘Inky’ Stephens and describes the collection’s focus on the development of the Stephens’ writing ink and the company. Check whether the house or collection is open before planning a visit.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · 1–2 hours
Quick garden visit
- 01
Check the official visitor guidance for current access before travelling.
- 02
Explore the landscaped gardens, looking out for the arboretum, rockery, bog garden and wooded areas.
- 03
If open, visit the on-site café or check whether the house or Stephens Collection is accessible.
Half day · Half day
Gardens and local history
- 01
Begin with a walk through the gardens and note their mix of arboretum, rockery, bog garden and wooded areas.
- 02
Check in advance whether the house or Stephens Collection is open to visitors; the supplied sources describe the house’s history and the collection’s focus on the Stephens ink business.
- 03
Finish with the on-site café if it is open; confirm service before visiting.
Verified history
Avenue House is described in the supplied sources as the home associated with Henry ‘Inky’ Stephens of the Stephens’ Ink Company. One source states that the house was commandeered as a VAD hospital during the First World War and became the Central Hospital of the newly formed Royal Air Force in 1918. The Stephens Collection covers the development of the company and its writing ink. The supplied material does not establish further dates or detailed accounts of the house’s earlier history.
Hidden details
The garden is more varied than a simple lawn — Look for the arboretum, rockery, bog garden and wooded areas, all specifically noted in the supplied descriptions.
Avenue House’s wartime hospital role — The supplied museum entry says Avenue House was used as a VAD hospital during the First World War and became the Central Hospital of the newly formed RAF in 1918.
When to go
· Not established by the supplied sources.
The supplied sources describe the gardens but do not establish a best season or seasonal highlights.
Check the forecast and current visitor guidance before travelling; specific weather advice is not established by the supplied sources.
What to look for
- 01
The arboretum, rockery and bog garden
- 02
the wooded paths
- 03
and details of Avenue House’s history and the Stephens’ Ink Company.
The story
Henry ‘Inky’ Stephens and the Stephens’ Ink Company; Avenue House’s use as a VAD hospital during the First World War and as a Royal Air Force hospital in 1918.
Best time to go
Not established by the supplied sources; check current garden and event information before travelling.
No particular time of day or seasonal peak is established by the supplied sources. Check current visitor information before travelling.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · History lovers · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 8am-6pm
- Tuesday: 8am-6pm
- Wednesday: 8am-6pm
- Thursday: 8am-6pm
- Friday: 8am-6pm
- Saturday: 8am-6pm
- Sunday: 8am-6pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
The source description says the landscaped gardens have free public entry. Check the official visitor guidance for current access and any event-related restrictions before visiting.
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Parking
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Toilets
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Food & drink
An on-site café is listed in the supplied sources; check current service and opening details before visiting.
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Dogs
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Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance. Other route and facility accessibility details are not established; check before visiting.
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Cost
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Check before visiting
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Stephens House & Gardens
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
