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Waterlow Park was bequeathed to the public by Sir Sidney Waterlow in 1889 as a ‘garden for the gardenless’.  It consists of about 20 acres, situated just south of Highgate Village, in North London. The Park is bordered on two sides by Highgate Cemetery, world famous for its mausoleums, gravestones and the tomb of Karl Marx.

Within the Park is the historic Lauderdale House, which has a café, arts and exhibition centre, and formal terraced gardens. Waterlow Park has three ponds, tree lined walkways, mature shrub beds and herbaceous borders, ornamental bedding, expanses of lawn, 6 tennis courts an infant playground and a play area.


Waterlow Park supports a number of important ecological habitats and a rich variety of wildlife. In the summer it hosts outdoor theatre and music performances. 

In 2005 Camden undertook a large improvement and restoration programme supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. The project included the creation of the Waterlow Park Centre, which offers environmental educational sessions for local schools and colleges, information about Camden parks, local history and events. It also provides a venue for functions and conferences.

The Friends of Waterlow Park, who look after this website, take an active role in the management of the Park. Feel free to join us.

Waterlow Park has been immortalised in a song by Ian Hunter of Mott the Hoople, who recorded it on their album "Wildlife" in 1971.