Rifles, cash machines and country houses
Enfield's industrial history is unexpectedly global. The Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock gave its name to the Lee-Enfield rifle, and in June 1967 the world's first cash machine was installed at a Barclays branch in Enfield Town. A plaque still marks the spot.
The borough also has fine historic houses and gardens. Forty Hall, built in the 1630s, sits in a large estate with a working farm, and Myddelton House Gardens were created by the plantsman E. A. Bowles. Trent Park, a former country estate, offers woodland and open parkland on the edge of the green belt.
Places worth knowing
- Forty Hall and Estate – Jacobean house, lake and farm.
- Myddelton House Gardens – plant collections and a historic garden.
- Trent Park – woodland, open fields and walking trails.
- Lee Valley Regional Park – reservoirs, cycling routes and wildlife.
Getting in and out
The Piccadilly line serves the south-west of the borough at Southgate, Arnos Grove and Oakwood. Enfield Town, Edmonton Green and Ponders End are on the London Overground and Greater Anglia routes into Liverpool Street, and Great Northern trains run from Enfield Chase. The A10 and A406 North Circular are the main roads, with the M25 along the northern boundary.
Airport transfers from Enfield
Stansted is usually the most convenient airport, via the A10 and M25 or the M11. Luton is reached via the M25 and M1. Heathrow is a longer journey via the M25, and the best route depends on traffic at the time.
See our Stansted Airport transfers and Luton Airport transfers pages.
Pickup tips for this borough
Addresses near Forty Hall, Trent Park and the Ridgeway can include long private drives or estate roads. Please give clear access notes. For airport runs from the north of the borough, the M25 junction at Enfield is close, so an early start often avoids the worst of the morning traffic.
Frequently asked questions
Was the first cash machine really in Enfield?
Yes. The first cash machine was installed at the Barclays branch in Enfield Town in June 1967.
Which airport is closest to Enfield?
Stansted is usually the most convenient, with Luton as an alternative via the M25 and M1.
Is Forty Hall worth visiting?
Yes. The house, lake and farm make a relaxed half-day out, especially for families. Check opening days before you go.