Saturday 16th May 2026 | 11:00 – 15:30
Led by David Hersey and Dean Ashton
In May, we head south to Morden Hall Park, a National Trust site and a rare stretch of open landscape along the River Wandle. Set within suburban South London, the park offers a mix of formal gardens, waterways, bridges and working heritage buildings — a quieter, greener contrast to our central London locations.
Morden itself developed from a rural village into a suburban hub with the arrival of the Northern line in the 1920s. The park retains much of its earlier character, with traces of its past as an estate shaped by industry along the Wandle — once one of the most important rivers in England for milling and textile production.
Today, Morden Hall Park remains a working green space, where historic structures, managed gardens and the flowing Wandle create a layered landscape with clear viewpoints and varied sketching opportunities.
Key Times and Meeting Points for the Day
Saturday 16th May 2026
11:00 am – Meet at the information point (details below)
1:00 pm – First throwdown
3:30 pm – Final throwdown and group photo
Let’s Meet Here
Morden Hall Park
Morden Hall Road, Morden, SM4 5JD
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Meeting point:
As you enter from the main park entrance, walk straight ahead for around 10 yards and look right for the information point sign.
About the Location
Morden Hall Park sits along the River Wandle, which runs through the site in a series of channels, bridges and crossings. Historically, this river powered a number of mills — including snuff mills — which formed part of the estate’s working life in the 18th and 19th centuries.
The park combines managed landscapes and semi-wild areas, with open lawns, tree-lined paths, wetlands and garden sections. It is not a single open space but a sequence of connected areas, which makes it well suited to moving around during the day.
Despite its suburban setting, it has a contained, almost self-sufficient feel — a green corridor shaped by water.
What to Sketch
- The River Wandle — flowing water, small bridges and crossings
- Snuff Mill and associated buildings
- Footbridges and pathways connecting different parts of the park
- Rose garden and formal planting areas
- Tree-lined avenues and open lawns
- Wetland areas and reed beds
- Views across the park framed by mature trees
- Café courtyard and visitor areas for people and activity
Rain Cover Options
- Covered areas around the Snuff Mill buildings
- Café seating areas
- Tree cover along main paths
Practical Information
Transport
Tube:
- Morden (Northern Line) – approx. 10–15 minute walk along Aberconway Road, or Wimbledon (District Line), then tram to Phipps Bridge or bus to Kenley Road.
Tram:
- Tramlink to Phipps Bridge – approx. 5–10 minute walk
Train:
- Morden South – approx. 5–10 minute walk to Stableyard.
Buses:
Routes serving Morden include 45, 80, 93, 118, 157, 164, 201, 293, 470. Most stop near Morden town centre or along Morden Hall Road, with a short walk to the park entrance. The K5 route terminates at Morden Station.
Toilets
- Toilets are located in the Stableyard, Snuff Mill, Garden Centre and Potting Shed Café.
Food & Drink
- National Trust Potting Shed (open till 5 PM) and Stableyard café (open till 4PM) on site
- Additional options in Morden town centre (short walk)
