Respecting the park and other park users: our regulations

We welcome picnics and gathering at Morden Hall Park, however, please note the following:

As a public park we are unable to offer any one group exclusive rights to an area of the park.

• Please check our website to ensure that there are no other events taking place in the park that might impact your gathering.
• You are welcome to host your event anywhere in the park. If you plan to host a large gathering (see note below), please avoid the Rose Gardens and areas around any buildings within the park.   
• Please help us look after this special place by taking your rubbish away with you. If you need additional bin bags, please ask a member of staff in the property office location in the Stable Yard.
• If you plan to undertake any sporting activities (ball games, etc), please avoid the Rose Gardens and areas around any buildings within the park and be respectful of other visitors to the park.
• Please be respectful of other visitors to the park and not play loud music.
• Gazebos or any other temporary structures are not permitted in the Rose Garden areas around the Stable Yard.
• Please be mindful of the weather and do not erect gazebos or any other temporary structure if there are high winds forecast.
• Barbeques, or any form of cooking in not permitted in the park as they are a fire hazard to visitors and wildlife.
• Help us keep our trees looking beautiful but avoiding tying or pinning anything to them. This includes pompoms, bunting, banners, balloons.
• Balloons, when released either accidentally or as part of your celebration are a hazard to wildlife and we ask that you refrain from brining them into the park.
• For your own safety, please do not enter the river as there is a potential risk of injury. Please see note below regarding water safety.
• Please note that if there is a risk to the health and safety of your gathering or visitors to the park overall, we may need to relocate your event or potentially close the park. 

Larger gatherings

If you are planning on hosting a gathering of 15 – 30 people, we ask that you let us know. Hosting an event larger than this is not permitted.

Please email us mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

With Morden Hall being a popular wedding venue, the park is naturally a great location for celebration photoshoots. Like any photographic location, we charged a fee if you wish to use the park for commercial purposes.

Photoshoots are limited to one per day and must be booked in advance. A non-refundable fee of £100 is payable in advance. To make or change a booking please email mordenhallpark@nationaltrust.org.uk

Please note the following terms and conditions:

• We do not accept celebration photography bookings on Bank Holidays or Bank Holiday weekends.
• It’s not possible to turn up on the day without pre-booking.
• Please give us 21 days’ notice for your booking so we have time to process everything.
• We will only confirm your booking after the forms are completed and payment has been made. This must be done in advance.
• There is no access to the power supply in the park.
• You are permitted to photograph anywhere in the park, except in the Stableyard café, Potting Shed café, Garden Centre including the plant area, Stable Yard, exhibition space and the Snuff Mill.
• As a place of cultural and historical importance, please always treat the park with due care and diligence. This includes not stepping on flower beds or climbing on trees or statues.
• Vehicles are not permitted to drive in the park. Please park in the Garden Centre car park and allow time to walk to your location.
• The following items are not permitted: props, animals such as doves or horses, wild animals, horse and carts or associated parts; rice, confetti, or bird food; music or sound-making instruments or devices; drones.
• All photographers/videographers attending a shoot must provide a valid and up-to-date copy of their photographer’s public liability insurance, including indemnity for a minimum of £2 million.
• We do not allow the use of drones for photography or videography.

Requests for commercial photography and filming (including social media content by influencers) are handled by a central team within the National Trust. Please visit the website here to find our more or email filmoffice@nationaltrust.org.uk.

For student or any other amateur photographic projects, please contact the property office

The River Wandle runs through the heart of the park and has played a key part of in its history. We look after the parts of the river to ensure it is a haven for wildlife and a place to enjoy.

Whilst the river might be inviting, it is not safe to enter, either for paddling or swimming. It is fast flowing, varies in depth and has unseen hazards that may result in serious injury or death. In addition, the water quality is unsuitable. Your cooperation in staying out of the water also helps us to protect the river wildlife and avoid damage to the banks.

Fishing is only allowed for members of the Wandle Piscators holding a current rod licence. There are specific areas where fishing with a licence is permitted (see map). No fishing is allowed anywhere in the park during closed season 15 March to 15 June included.

Download fishing map

Wandle Piscators fishing rules

1. Fish in leased areas only.

2. Membership card and valid EA rod license must be carried and shown on request.

3. To fish in any river in England and Wales you must have an active rod licence. A standard 2 rod licence costs £33 for the year and can be acquired here.

4. Failure to produce a rod licence when fishing is a criminal offence. It is the Environment Agency’s policy, working in conjunction with bailiffs, to prosecute offenders. The maximum fine is £2,500.

5. Barbless hooks only and landing mat must be used.

6. No fish to be taken from the river under any circumstances.

7. No litter to be left in swims, angler responsible for existing litter, if excessive please photograph and report to Bailiff.

8. No alcohol or drugs.

9. Members must attend at least ONE work party or event per year.

10. Juniors must attend TWO work parties or events per year to maintain free membership

11. Members must not bring the club into disrepute.

12. Environment Agency contact number to report illegal activity: 03708 506 506