What do you do with a demolished national stadium? Heap up the rubble into one of west London's most unusual parks. That's the story of Northala Fields, a remarkable open space just south of the A40 at Northolt.
The park's centrepiece is a group of four artificial hills that resemble ancient burial mounds.
Though they look neolithic, the hills were completed as recently as 2008. They might not be sites of ancestor worship, but they do have a connection to that great modern religion, football. The mounds were created with the rubble of the old Wembley Stadium, along with spoil from the construction of Westfield in Shepherd's Bush.
The tallest hill is climbed via a spiral pathway, whose ascent slowly reveals the west London landscape. The view from the top is spellbinding. The hills of Harrow and Horsenden blot the skies to the north and east, while the familiar landmarks of the City look tiny on the horizon. And there, peeking over Horsenden Hill, is the arch of the modern Wembley stadium.
While the hills are the star attraction, Northala Fields has plenty of other diversions. The nearby lakes run beginner angling courses under the name Get Hooked On Fishing. Marshland and reedbeds encourage wildlife. There's a reasonably priced cafe in the corner. Two play areas provide much-better-than-average excitement for the kids. You could spend a whole afternoon here.
Northala Fields is about a 10 minute walk from Northolt tube station. For those who drive, two small car parks are provided, with plenty of free on-street parking nearby.
