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Conceived to offer both pleasure and the regulation thereof in one of the capital's dodgier districts, Battersea Park was opened by Queen Victoria in 1858. It now has so much going for it that it's almost unfair. What other green space in the capital can boast Thames views, an art gallery (The Pump House) and a zoo. It's so full of variety it's impossible not to stumble upon something new each time you visit. Kids love Battersea Park: the pedalos on the charming, landscaped boating lake, the sights and smells of the walled gardens. Battersea Park’s adventure playground is superb, with plenty of original and imaginatively-built features. The climbing structures, slides and high climbing nets present unusual challenges for children aged 5+, and there’s a separate area for younger kids too. But really, it's all about the animals. An enclosure apparently containing deer (they're elusive) is fun, but Battersea Park's ace is its family-run zoo, complete with lemurs, meerkats and pygmy goats. There's the Battersea Dogs & Cats Home too.
Discerning decorators need look no further. The Decorative Fair is headed back to Battersea Park this spring, but this year there’ll be a fair-within-a-fair. That’s right – a mini, mezzanine fair will feature some hand-picked established and emerging suppliers, curated by The House Directory (UK-wide furniture experts and suppliers). Across the wider event, there’ll be more than 130 exhibitors, plus panels and workshops to get involved in, too!
Last year’s debut of this charming weekend was so successful that it will be back again this summer. Over the August bank holiday, Battersea Park will become a stage for the very best classical, West End, and jazz live musicians, all fuelled by some fantastic food. The Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra will take to the stage for Prom in the Park on the Saturday, and the Sunday will be filled with tunes from Chicago, Rent, Six, The Greatest Showman and Grease that will be performed by Jenna Lee James (‘We Will Rock You’) and Ricardo Afonso (‘The Voice UK’ series 2) all backed by the London Concert Chorus. Finally, Bank Holiday Monday will be dedicated to all that jazz with Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Orchestra, but there’s plenty more where that came from. Take a look at the website for more info!
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