Don’t miss the second episode of BBC Antiques Roadshow, filmed at Pitzhanger, this Sunday evening on BBC One. Tune in to uncover more fascinating stories and treasures from our Manor and Gallery. Join us on screen for a glimpse into our historical charm!
Enjoy Walpole Park’s playground, café, accessible toilets, Regency-planted beds, historic and wildlife information panels, fishpond with fountains and the Serpentine Lake.
About Walpole Park
Walpole Park, located in the heart of Ealing, West London, is the beautiful background in which Pitzhanger is situated.
History of Walpole Park
Walpole Park was originally part of the extensive grounds of Pitzhanger Manor in the 18th and early 19th century. Sir John Soane commission John Haverfield to reshape the gardens, Haverfield created a picturesque garden with a curving ‘serpentine’ lane, a rustic bridge, and a plantation. Soane’s dog, Fanny loved to play in the gardens!
After Soane sold Pitzhanger in 1810, the property changed hands several times. In 1843, it was bought by Spencer Horatio Walpole, after whom the park is named.
By the mid-19th century, the Manor and its grounds were in decline. In 1900, Ealing Urban District Council purchased Pitzhanger Manor and the surrounding land. The council decided to transform the manor into a library and the grounds into a public park, officially opening Walpole Park to the public in 1901. Throughout the 20th century, the park was developed with various amenities, including playgrounds, a pond, and tennis courts.
In the early 21st century, Walpole Park underwent a significant restoration funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund. This restoration aimed to revive the park’s historic landscape, reflecting the original designs of John Soane, while also upgrading facilities for contemporary use.
Present Day
Today, Walpole Park is a cultural hub, hosting various events, festivals, and outdoor performances run by Ealing Council. The corner where Soane’s cow yards and haystacks were situated became the site of The Rickyard, Pitzhanger’s education centre, events space and kiosk café.
It remains a beloved green space for both residents and visitors, offering historical charm and modern amenities.
When the Soane family lived at Pitzhanger Manor, Walpole park was there 28-acre estate. They held many social events which included dinners, strolls on the grounds, evening parties and ‘dejeune à la fourchette’ luncheons, which often attracted one to two hundred guests. These entertainments were considered exceptionally grand for the time.
Whilst renovating Pitzhanger Manor, Sir John Soane created ‘roman ruins’ inspired by Greek and Roman architecture. Although these ruins are no longer visible, they were once a great source of amusement for guests and visitors to the Ealing Fair on the green in front of the Manor🌳.
Come along and visit Pitzhanger Manor and Walpole Park this summer holiday! Grab a coffee and enjoy some time out and about in this lovely weather 🌞.
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery 📅 Wednesday – Sunday 📍 Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail) 🎫 Access to Manor with General Admission
Ever wondered how Walpole Park in Ealing got its name? 🌳 Once Sir John Soane`s private garden at Pitzhanger Manor, it transformed over the years, changing hands until Sir Spencer Walpole sold it to the Urban District Council of Ealing. There is a plaque next to Pitzhanger commemorating this purchase!
Now, as a beloved public park since 1901, it combines Soane`s legacy with Ealing`s community spirit. 🏛️💚 Step back in time and explore the rich history and tranquil beauty of Walpole Park and Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery. Come and discover a slice of local history!
Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery 📅 Wednesday to Sunday 📍 Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail)
🌿 Transport yourself to Sir John Soane`s beguiling epoch as you stroll through Pitzhanger Manor`s back garden, now Walpole Park. 🏛️🌳 Imagine Soane himself by your side, discussing art and architecture as you would tonight! 🎨
🌙 Don`t miss today`s Pitzhanger Late! Experience our closing exhibition, `Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture,` like never before. 🎭 Delight in art, tunes, and games in our lush gardens. 🎲
🍎 Elevate the evening with complimentary cider from our exclusive SXOLLIE pop-up bar, crafted from delectable eating apples. 🍻 Prizes await game winners! 🏆
🌟 Free entry from 5 pm—arrive early to nab your cider! 🕔 See you at this enchanted fusion of art, architecture, and modern craft! 🍂🎶
Pitzhanger Late: Sculptures, Ciders & Garden Games 📅 Thursday 31 August 2023 🕡 5.00 pm – 8.00 pm 📍 Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail) 🎫 Free
🌞Summer calls for some cooling treats and refreshing bites! 🍨🥪 Visit Pitzhanger Pantry in the heart of Walpole Park — the ideal spot for a delightful day out.🌳 Now open daily 9 am – 5 pm! 🕘 Indulge in your favourite Mr Whippy ice cream🍦, or enjoy a tasteful lunch with our new menu🍽️, featuring freshly baked croissants, handmade pasta pots, simple toasties, and so much more – all curated by our family-run Roots & Berries chefs. 🍅🧀
Looking for a deal? Grab our £5 lunch offer (Americano or Bellevue Tea + a Simple Toastie) 🙌 And for the cake lovers, don`t forget to check our cake display!🍰 Perfect for parents and kiddos after playground fun. Come enjoy summer with us!🌻🌈
Pitzhanger Pantry 🕘 9 am – 5 pm daily 📍 Walpole Park, London W5 1DQ
🎉 Get set for a creative adventure at the Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery`s Summer Holiday Club! 🏰🎨
📅 August 14-18, join us daily from 10am – 3pm for a dynamic journey through art-making, featuring felt-making 🐑, botanical art 🌿, architecture & design 🏗️, mask-making 🎭, and art & nature 🍃.
👧👦 Suitable for children aged 7-11. Each day unfolds a new exploration with fantastic artists Sarah Richardson, Lucia Ferguson, Antoine Genevier, Lauren Veevers and Emily Hopkins. 🌟 Your child`s imagination will bloom in the beautiful Walpole Park, crafting artwork to take home and making new friends! 🧑🎨👯
📍 Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery, Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail)
To sign up, tap the link in our bio! 🎟️ Let`s create, explore and inspire together this summer! ☀️🎈
Come and explore Walpole Park 🌳 – the heart of the Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery experience! Back in the day, this 28-acre estate was brought to life by Sir John Soane and John Haverfield, son of a famous landscape designer at Kew 🌱. They created a stunning garden and a curvy lake, surrounded by tall cedar trees and a quirky old bridge decorated with classic urns 🏞️. It`s the perfect spot for some downtime!
1900 the park became a public space when Sir Spencer Walpole sold it to Ealing District Council. It`s a natural extension of the Pitzhanger Manor`s historical charm 🏰.
Got any plans this weekend or on Bank Holiday Monday? Why not join us? 😊 Bask in the summer sun and soak up the vibes – just as Sir John Soane did back in his time ☀️🍃.
Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery 📅 Open Bank Holidays, Wednesday to Sunday 📍 Ealing Green, London W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail) 🎫 FREE every Thursday 5pm–8pm
☕️🎨 Discover the unique coffee experiences at Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery! 🏛️ Not only do our cafes offer great food and drinks, but they are also located in historical sites that are part of Pitzhanger`s rich heritage. 🏰
Soane`s Kitchen is in John Soane`s original walled kitchen garden, serving delicious coffee and pastries from the independent speciality coffee shop, My Little Cup. 🌿 Pitzhanger Pantry is located in Walpole Park beside our education space, The Rickyard, which was Soane`s cow yards and haystacks. Come visit us and take a step back in time while enjoying freshly brewed coffee!
Soane`s Kitchen 🕘 9 am – 3 pm daily 📍 Ealing Green, London W5 5BE
Pitzhanger Pantry 🕘 9 am – 3 pm daily 📍 Walpole Park, London W5 1DQ
Step into the past and admire the architectural beauty of Sir John Soane`s Conservatory at Pitzhanger Manor. Soane designed the Conservatory to impress guests with its dramatic and practical space. The glass extension served as a shelter during rain and a sun-soaked oasis in fine weather.
During the `Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture` exhibition, come and take a seat in the Conservatory and immerse yourself in the picturesque setting. Enjoy the stunning view of Caro`s Forum sculpture in Walpole Park while browsing our collection of books about the artist. 🌿🪴📚 Don`t miss the chance to experience this unique fusion of art and architecture!
Anthony Caro: The Inspiration of Architecture 📅 Wednesday – Sunday until 10 September 2023 📍 Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, Ealing Green, W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail) 🎫 £9.90 / Free every Thursday from 5 pm
In collaboration with @anthonycarocentre With support from @HenryMooreFDN
Visit Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery and Walpole Park in Ealing this weekend and immerse yourself in the fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms 🌸, a symbol of renewal and hope in Japanese culture.
Did you know that Walpole Park was once part of Soane`s estate? 🌳 Wander through the picturesque grounds and experience Soane`s architectural design firsthand.
Join us for a beautiful `hanami` (花見) experience and indulge in the tranquillity of the park`s natural surroundings. And be sure to stop by Soane`s Kitchen in the walled garden for a delicious bite! 🍰 Visit our website for more information.
Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery 📅 Open Wednesday to Sunday 📍 Ealing Green, W5 5EQ 🚇 Ealing Broadway Station (Elizabeth, Central, District, National Rail)