Events of recent years have demonstrated to all of us how important it is to commune with nature and the outside world as often as we get the opportunity. For a city such as London however, the houses and apartments that many call home are often restricted to the amount of external spaces and garden environments that they can offer.
This has been the case for much of the last two centuries and has encouraged a long-standing interest in the design and creation of public green spaces. These range from the huge Royal Parks that dominate much of the South West London landscape to the smaller and more intimate parks that work in tandem with local communities to provide this essential and life-affirming activity.
Here is a selection of some highlights for parks in South West London.
Richmond Park
In terms of size and scale you simply cannot get more impressive than Richmond Park. This 2,500-acre expanse of open grasslands, ancient woodlands and stunning natural scenery is the biggest of London’s eight royal parks and dwarfs even New York City’s Central Park. The park was created by Charles I in 1625 as he moved his royal court from London to escape the devastating effects of the plague. It remained a favourite across many crowns with Henry VIII famously utilising it as a royal hunting ground. The deer are still here, around 600 of them, and these days they roam freely without the threat of arrows, of course.
Alongside the wildlife spotting, there is so much to do here including a full golf course, fishing spots and plenty of open space for picnics, trail walking and running. There are also several cafes and kiosks along the entrance gates to ensure visitors are well catered for at all times. Perhaps the most impressive of these is the Pembroke Lodge Café, a stunning Georgian mansion that delivers panoramic views of the Thames Valley. Richmond Park is also home to King Henry’s Mound, a protected view that zooms over 10 miles of cityscape skyline and greenery to land on an unobstructed St. Paul’s Cathedral.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park is nestled on the South Bank of the River Thames and has been providing an active haven for families across many generations. It was originally designed and built during Queen Victoria's reign by the notable landscape architect Sir James Pennithorne to transform a wasteland of marshes into something the people of London could enjoy. Its popularity endured to such an extent that it was chosen for a key role in the Festival of Britain to showcase post-war British art, culture and creativity. In modern times, the park has bloomed through elements such as the Boating Lake, Running Track and several pitches that serve clubs and teams from all over South West London. Battersea Park and the Subtropical Gardens add some fantastic attractions for children and young families to complement the playgrounds and putting green.
The Pear Tree Café makes the most of the Boating Lake scenery with some exquisite pastries and light snacks to enjoy while watching the fun on the water too. With an impressive roster of regular entertainment and events – many of which take place on the ornate Victorian Bandstand centrepiece – there is an inclusive community feel to the whole space that makes a visit even more rewarding for local residents.
Brockwell Park
Brockwell Park is a fantastic example of a growing trend in the UK where a community come together to preserve, maintain and often develop public spaces to ensure they remain active for future generations. You will find Brockwell Park on Dulwich Road in Herne Hill, and while it may not offer the sheer size of London’s Royal Parks, it more than makes up for it with unique facilities and charm. The views over the Central London skyline are incredibly impressive too. The star of the show here is undoubtedly Brockwell Lido – a Grade II listed Art Deco outdoor swimming pool that has served the area since 1937. If the thought of a brisk backstroke or a chilly front crawl at the mercy of the elements doesn’t appeal too much, then there are some great alternatives such as a Miniature Railway, adventure playground and excellent running and fitness facilities. The Friends of Brockwell Park work as charity alongside Lambeth Council to keep this park thriving as an important hub for the nearby community, just as it has done for decades. They are always looking for help and volunteers too, so it is always worth considering getting involved if you happen to live locally.
Bushy Park
Bushy Park has excellent credentials for prestige and heritage. It is located right next to Henry VII’s famous Hampton Court Palace residence and even boasts a spectacular Diana Fountain designed by the perhaps the most famous architect in history, Sir Christopher Wren. This is a remarkable statue of the Goddess of Diana in a Baroque style atop a majestic three-tiered fountain to represent her mastery over nature in stunning surroundings. The statue is currently finishing the latest rounds of renovations that will see it open to the public once more in early 2025, aAn event that will definitely see thousands flocking to Bushy Park.
There are woodland gardens with wandering paths and streams to explore with floral displays bordering terrific views all around. This park has always had an affinity with horse-riding and enjoys designated bridleways that are used for lessons and horse rentals all the way through the year. As a Site of Special Scientific Interest there is keen attention to a diverse selection of protected wildlife from deer and bats to birds and rare insects here too. All of which adds to the beauty and tranquillity of nature finding a home in the ever expanding metropolis of modern London.
With this brief guide as navigation, you can now begin your own journey of natural discovery through the parks of South West London. The views that you will uncover are breath-taking, each telling stories of past generations' shared interest in keeping this wonderful city as accessible and green as possible for a long time to come.
