Northala Fields (sometimes known locally as Northolt Hills) is located in Northolt in west London, just off the A40. Since I moved to Ruislip five years ago and saw the hills while riding past on the A40, I have wanted to visit them but have never had the chance to do so until earlier this month. Northala Fields was used as playing fields until 1997 when Ealing Council purchased it and opened it up to the public in 2008. The name, "Northala", was the name of the area as recorded in the Domesday Book, now known as Northolt. The fields consists of hills, ponds that visitors can fish in, playground, and a visitor centre/cafe.
There are four hills. The hills are man-made from the rubble of the original Wembley Stadium, which was demolished in 2003, and the largest one has a pathway that winds to the top. From the top, visitors can see as far as Canary Wharf in the distance on a clear day. The hills were constructed as a noise barrier against the A40.
The playground is a popular attraction, and there is a cafe and visitor centre.
The ponds can be used for fishing in and are quite attractive on a clear day with reflections of the hills. I saw various ducks hanging out in the ponds.
Northala Fields is located a ten-minute drive for me, but it is a little over a mile from the nearest tube station. There is parking on site, but it is limited. I enjoyed Northala Fields and will endeavor to visit it again to see if I can see central London's skyline. Although the day I visited was very clear, I had a morning visit, and the fog was still lifting.
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