Osterley Park: Nine Acre and the lakes

A 2.5 km circuit around Osterley Park, following the National Trust’s multiuse trail across Nine Acre, beside Middle Lake and back past the house and Garden Lake. Allow about an hour at a relaxed pace with pauses for the lake views and birds; the walking itself is shorter. The open parkland and Georgian house make this a useful gentle walk in west London.

Start inside the main car park off Jersey Road, near the cycle skills area. Follow the winding path north through Nine Acre, keeping right at the fork. At the chicane turn left onto Osterley Lane, the shared bridleway beside Middle Lake. Keep right at the next fork, then use the dropped kerb and pedestrian gate where the surface changes. Continue past the farmland and turn right towards the house and Stables Courtyard. Follow the causeway around the left-hand side of Garden Lake to return to the car park.

The route uses hard surfaces, with gravel, tarmac, gates, a chicane and a gentle slope. Give way to horses and watch for cyclists, particularly beside the skills area. Keep dogs on a lead along this route and leave space for waterbirds. Stay back from the unfenced lake edges. Motorway traffic is audible along the northern section; the walk stays inside the park and does not cross the motorway.

Parkland entry is free. Parking is paid, with National Trust members needing to register for free parking through the current parking system. The Stables Café and toilets are beside the courtyard near the end of the circuit. The house and formal gardens require separate admission. Check the National Trust’s opening times and the gate notice before setting off, as park and facility hours vary.

Route and visitor information checked against the National Trust’s Osterley Park multiuse trail and current estate information: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/london/osterley-park-and-house/osterley-park-and-house-multiuse-trail