South West London has long been the destination for families with working commitments in the country’s capital that desire more open and natural surroundings to make their home. The neighbourhoods in this area have developed over the beginning of the 21st century and represent a quiet, understated suburban elegance, providing everything required for the modern family unit to enjoy time together.
So often, when looking for the perfect park or outdoor space, it involves bespoke criteria to suit the interests and inspirations of you and your loved ones. However, there are elements that have to remain standard for these environments, such as safety, cleanliness, accessibility and the support of strong communities. With historical landmarks, areas of outstanding natural beauty and more than their share of interesting stories to tell, our guide explores the very best parks and outdoor spaces that South West London has to offer.
Richmond Park
For over 400 years, the facilities and awe-inspiring surroundings of London’s largest Royal park have offered 2500 acres of sanctuary and natural beauty for visitors fortunate enough to spend time here. It is precisely this blend of wilderness and curated facilities that makes Richmond Park a favourite for the South West London elite during those long summer days out with family. As a ringing endorsement of its stellar credentials, the entire space is protected as a Natural Nature Reserve, a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a European Special Area of Conservation. This is due in large part to the huge range of biodiversity on show here, from the red and fallow deer that roam freely, to the ancient 750-year old trees that are home to wildlife you cannot find anywhere else in London.
The 40-acre, gated woodland garden of the Isabella Plantation is an incredible option for families looking to walk together in the open air with traffic-free trails that can keep you occupied for hours. In recent times, many of these have been developed to provide accessible routes for strollers too.
Of course, with such prime open space, there are always opportunities to take everything in on four legs, with nearby stables providing horse riding opportunities to experience the park just as countless thousands have done through the past centuries. The delightful Pembroke Lodge provides a haven to repair to for a spot of lunch with views that stretch out as far as Windsor on a clear day.
Wimbledon Common
The wilds of Wimbledon Common are a distinctly rugged and more informal environment than many of the open spaces in south west London. And that makes them perfect for the imagination and adventure-seeking attributes of young minds within families. This is over a thousand acres of countryside in the city that gives a unique insight into the type of landscape that London is actually built upon. Generations have enjoyed this place so much that they fought long and hard to keep it free from private development, with 18th-century residents ensuring that the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871 provides legal protection for its public status forever. You will often find families gathered round The Causeway Ponds in Wimbledon Common, that have become a modern attraction for model boat enthusiasts, and the famous Windmill Museum, which is a charming and fascinating part of history that charts rural life in the area through the ages. Kites can be flown; horses can be ridden, and badgers can be spotted here, with the potential for an incredible day out guaranteed.
Battersea Park
Battersea Park certainly packs in an astounding amount of family activities in the relatively smaller footprint of 200 acres. Famously opened by Queen Victoria in 1851, this was always intended as a place for communities to come together in the pursuit of leisure and the attractions have evolved through the generations since to continue this tradition. Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is home to lemurs, capuchins, otters and Scottish Wildcats that younger children can learn all about through onsite resources. With a boating lake and some fantastic sporting facilities, the active older children and willing parents can work on their football and basketball skills until the light fades. Interestingly, Battersea Park is also the place where the very first football game under the Football Association rules was ever played, in 1864, making it a pilgrimage for many lovers of the game. The Battersea Park Pump House Gallery also provides workshops for young creative minds among the art installations and there are often open-air sculpture exhibitions here during the warmer months. An activity for every taste, young or old, indeed.
Clapham Common
The idea of play seems to be the priority in the modern iteration of Clapham Common. This place and the surrounding area have been such a hit with young families in recent times that it has been humorously dubbed ‘Nappy Valley’ by some. Spending a sunny day on Clapham Common, it is very easy to see why that is the case, too. Three ponds, two modern playing grounds with splash pads and climbing frames, and a wealth of football, tennis, cricket and skateboard facilities will keep active adolescents occupied for hours. There is an almost festival air to the experience of Clapham Common in the spring and summer months, with 220 acres that really come alive to encourage the local community to make the most of the stunning landscape and first-class amenities on offer. With regular open-air cinema evenings, food exhibitions and live music events on the beautiful Victorian bandstand scheduled throughout the calendar, it has a lively and energetic atmosphere that bolsters a strong and inclusive community spirit. As you would expect, dogs are welcome and catered for with some great expanses of trails to lead them around to keep you active too. The Dairy and Common Ground cafes will always be waiting with refreshments when you return.
With nature, history and community sewn into the fabric of south west London’s parks and open spaces, there are opportunities for days out that can be relaxing and exciting in equal measure. Whether you are observing wildlife or perhaps looking forward to enjoying a gentle stroll, these amazing locations have so much to offer. Getting out there can be the beginning of a wonderful family adventure together.
