Brief

Travellers set up illegal caravan camp on Muswell Hill playing fields

Drone footage shows the encampment on a north‑London suburb’s sports fields, with vehicles and litter surrounding the site.

By Felo News Desk · Published Tue, 20 Oct 2026 09:20:41 GMT

Drone footage captured a makeshift encampment of at least 12 caravans on the Muswell Hill playing fields in north London, a leafy suburb where detached homes regularly sell for around £1.5 million. The Daily Mail reported that residents first noticed the camp last Thursday, and that the site is adjacent to the Coldfall Wood nature reserve.

What happened

According to the report, travellers arrived with a convoy of cars bearing both British and Irish plates, driving across the well‑kept pitches and leaving tyre marks. The caravans were positioned a short distance from multi‑million‑pound homes, and a “big orange gas tank” was spotted on the site three days before the story broke. Litter was scattered at the edge of the woods and a patch of scorched grass indicated a makeshift fire.

What the reports add

The Daily Mail noted that the area is home to celebrities such as James McAvoy, Peter Capaldi, John Savident and former MasterChef host John Torode, underscoring the contrast between the affluent neighbourhood and the illegal encampment. It also referenced a similar incident in August 2025 when a group of travellers set up 15 caravans and horses, riding horse‑drawn carts along the pavements before being moved on after local outcry.

What was said

Retired teacher Deb Garcha told the Mail that the travellers were “often ‘inconsiderate’” and asked, “If you want to come for a few days all I ask is be considerate to all of us and take your rubbish.” The article said police were seen nearby, but it was unclear whether an eviction notice had been served.

How it came about

The site is managed by Haringey Borough Council, which the Mail believes is aware of the encampment. The report recalled a June 2018 incident at the nearby Albert Road Recreational Ground where a smaller caravan gathering was evicted after police served a 48‑hour notice. Travellers have previously argued that a nationwide shortage of official sites and stigma against nomadic communities drive them to occupy public land.

Key facts

At least 12 caravans were pitched on Muswell Hill playing fields. (dailymail.co.uk)
The encampment was first reported by residents on Thursday, 2026‑10‑15. (dailymail.co.uk)
Police were observed near the site, but no eviction notice had been confirmed. (dailymail.co.uk)
The area is managed by Haringey Borough Council, which is thought to be aware of the encampment. (dailymail.co.uk)
Retired teacher Deb Garcha criticised the travellers for being inconsiderate and leaving rubbish. (dailymail.co.uk)