Emslie Horniman's Pleasance

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Emslie Horniman’s Pleasance is the official launch pad of the Notting Hill Carnival. It has several facilities for sports. The formal Voysey Garden has been completely resorted to its original design. In the summer months, there is a kiosk in the park.

Opening times

  • 7.30am until dusk 

Closing times are displayed at all entrances. Some gates may close up to 20 minutes ahead of the advertised closing time.

Address

  • Bosworth Road, W10

Map


What3words: honey.repay.tuck (Bosworth Road entrance)

Accessible entrances

Level access to the park can be found at:

  • Bosworth Road
  • Southern Row
  • Kensal Road

Park rules

Our park rules include:

  • barbecues are not permitted in the park
  • events and professional photography need permission
  • no cycling in the park

Find further information about our Park rules.  

Facilities

  • children’s play area
  • all-weather floodlit sports area
  • changing rooms
  • several works of contemporary art
  • public toilets

Play sports

For more information visit Sports facilities in parks or to book the facilities telephone: 020 7602 2226, or email [email protected].

History of Emslie Horniman's Pleasance

There was a meeting of the London County Council on the 14 March 1911. In this meeting, a letter was read out containing an offer from politician and ex-council member Emslie J. Horniman:

“Recently I have been able to secure nearly one acre of land, which I consider suitable to lay out as a public garden, with sandpit, etc., and, having now completed the purchase, I have much pleasure in offering the same to your council, and am ready to make over the freehold, the only condition being that the land be dedicated in perpetuity to the people of London as a recreation ground. I propose to clear the land and lay out same at my own expense.”

Emslie Horniman lived in Chelsea but was inspired to create the park which today bears his name in North Kensington by Sister Ruth. She was a local nun who worked with the poor of Kensal Town. Emslie Horniman had an interest in the arts. She gave the commission to design the park to the architect Charles Voysey. This is why it is called ‘Voysey Garden’.

Nowadays the park hosts 20,000 people over the August bank holiday. It is the official launch pad of the Notting Hill Carnival.

Contact us

The Stable Yard
Holland Park
Ilchester Place
London
W8 6LU

Last updated: 12 May 2025