London Borough of Enfield Tourist Information

Location:

The London Borough of Enfield is the northernmost borough in Greater London. It is situated to the north of Haringey and to the east of The London Borough of Barnet and is part of Outer London.

Facts and Figures:

The London Borough of Enfield has a population of 287,000 residents in an area of 82km.

Enfield has several claims to fame. It is well-known for its artillery and weapons manufacture. The famous 303 Lee Enfield rifle was produced in the borough, as its name suggests, and was the standard issue for the British Army until 1957.

Other former factories in Enfield produced the world's first solid state circuitry colour TVs by Ferguson and the very first dishwasher at the former Hotpoint plant. The Barclays Bank in Enfield was chosen to have the world's first cash machine installed in 1967.

In the past, Enfield was home to some great names in literature and poetry including Thomas Hardy and John Keats.

Description:

Enfield's history goes back to Roman times as it stood on the famous road known as Ermine Street which linked London with Lincoln and York. The town of Enfield was mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. At that time it would have been a small town, a day's journey from the capital, but London's rapid growth has swallowed it up as a northern suburb.

Enfield Chase was once a royal deer park, although little of its original forest now remains. It was a former hunting ground for the kings of England and has a rich history.

For shopping, Edmonton Green is one of the largest shopping centres in the borough. The more residential western part of the borough is served by the Southgate, Palmer's Green and Cockfosters shopping centres.

The London Borough of Enfield includes three campuses of Middlesex University, including Cat Hill and Trent Park, and it consequently has a large student population.

Borough Attractions:

Pymmes Park is one of Enfield borough's best known attractions. It was built as a private estate in the 16th century and still has its historic walled garden. It was bought by the local council in 1906 and is now a public park.

Visitors can explore the history of the borough at Forty Hall Museum which is set in a magnificent estate. The museum has mainly household objects, glassware and porcelain. The Tudor Palace of Elsyng once stood in the grounds, but today only the 16th century Dower House remains.

Enfield Borough has two further museums: the Museum of Domestic Design and Architecture and the Whitewebbs Museum of Transport.

Gardeners will particularly enjoy a visit to Enfield as it is renowned for its public gardens. Capel Manor has over 30 acres of beautiful gardens including a maze and several themed gardens. It has a horticultural college attached. The nearby Myddelton House Gardens were the home of botanist E.A.Bowles, a life member of the Royal Horticultural Society.

If you prefer more outdoor pursuits, Trent County Park is ideal for walking, cycling and fishing in its rural countryside setting.

Getting There:

As well as the direct rail line to London from Enfield Town with the Northern and Eastern Railway, the borough is well served by the London Underground.

The Piccadilly line has stations at Arnos Grove, Southgate, Oakwood and Cockfosters. There are also numerous bus services throughout the borough.