Welcome to

Harrow Recreation Ground

Green Flag Award

Key Information

 

Welcome to Harrow Recreation Ground
Green Flag Park Winner

“The Rec” is the oldest park in the Borough, created through public subscription by Victorians, who may have foreseen London’s housing spreading outwards with the coming of the railways and Metroland.

The park was opened in 1885 and extended as far as Cunningham Park in 1889.

The Bowls Club was formed in 1902 and there was once a croquet lawn, putting green, ladies’ bowling green, and shooting range.

The locally listed wrought iron gates at the Pinner Road entrance were installed to commemorate King George V’s coronation in 1911.

The giant redwood tree in the southwest corner was planted in memory of Prisoners of War who died in captivity in the Far East 1941-45.

In 2022 an oak tree was planted near the café to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II.

Park Facilities

Just a stone’s throw from Harrow town centre, our park provides an excellent mix of facilities including:

  • leisure

  • healthy exercise

  • children’s play

  • sports

  • places to enjoy nature

We are also proud of our Victorian shelters, the groves of mature trees, the tranquil Ahimsa Peace Garden with picnic area and the friendly Park Café.

Harrow Recreation Ground Users Association (HRUA)

We are a voluntary group of park users who organise around 10 free events in ‘The Rec’ each year, open to all.

We act when needed as a support and lobbying group on behalf of park users, and we aim to work in partnership with other park groups and clubs, alongside Harrow Council, to make sure that the facilities in the park can be enjoyed by all.

You can join us as a member for just £5 per year per household, to help support our work and keep the events programme free. 

Also, if you are an group or team that is based in our park or regularly uses its facilities, you can join our Organisation Members section, to discuss matters of mutual interest and support each other.

Have some free time and looking to make new friends? 

Why not join our friendly volunteers group to help with any of the following or other activities as they come along.

Support includes:

  • gardening

  • keeping the park clean and tidy

  • helping to set up and run our community events.

Events and Activities

HRUA organises around 10 events per year, centred around music, fun and appreciation of nature, and there are regular community gardening and litter-picking sessions that you can join.

Our park partners organise weekly fitness and social sessions, most of which are free – such as the popular Tai Chi for Heath, parkrun, and Fitness Boot Camp.  You can also join in one of Harrow Council’s Health Walks that are based in our park.

For news and up to date information you should visit the park’s website at harrowrec.org.uk, join our Facebook group (“Friends of Harrow Rec”: the FB Group, not the “Page”), or follow us on Instagram (@harrowrecreationground)

Calendar Block
This is an example. Double-click here and select a page to create a calendar of your own content. Learn more

Click on each park link below for more information

Icon of a location pin, a four-directional arrow control, and a clock.

Name: Harrow Recreation Ground

Location: Hindes Road, Harrow.

Entrances also from:

Pinner Road

Roxborough Road

Cunningham Park

Beresford Road

Harrow Cemetery

(click here for the full list)

Postcode: HA1 1RR (Hindes Road)

What3Words: — normal.flying.zealous

Type of Site: Park and Recreation ground with Café

Open to Public: Yes

Opening Times: Daylight hours

Special Conditions:

Disabled car park spaces available HA1 1PB

Public Transport

Bus: H14, H18, H19

Short walks from:

Harrow on the Hill (Metropolitan Line and Chiltern Rail)

Harrow and Wealdstone (London North Western and Southern Railway). Overground (Lioness Line) and Tube (Bakerloo Line),

West Harrow

Tube (Metropolitan Line).