London’s best local parks
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By Time Out editors
Posted: Fri Aug 29 2008
Clissold | Springfield | Battersea | Ravenscourt | Gladstone | Brockwell Finsbury | Victoria
Springfield Park
Springfield Park, E5
If Springfield Park were anywhere but this slightly forlorn corner of Clapton it would be overrun with joggers, revellers and pram-toting parents; instead, it’s so little-known it’s like a private garden for locals. Further east than its more famous East End siblings, Springfield Park is a way to leave London for a few hours without the bother of actually travelling.Getting in 8/10
The lack of tube connections is almost a bonus – a scenic wander or cycle along the Lea River towpath is a bucolic way to get there. Otherwise take a 48, 55, 106 or 242 bus to Upper Clapton Road and head down Springfield Park Road.
History 8/10
Beautiful views across the River Lea and the Walthamstow Marshes were an ideal canvas for veteran Victorian park designer and chief officer of parks JJ Sexby, who also designed Brockwell Park. One of the elegant original houses, White Lodge Mansion, survives; it’s now the Spark Café and rangers’ office.AdvertisementUnusually for a city park, swathes of Springfield are allowed to grow wild as a nature reserve because of the unusual geology: the River Lea eroded the clay that underlies most of London and deposited an extensive floodplain of sand and gravel which has enabled a series of springs to arise (hence the name) and made the landscape so verdant. From the summit of Wilson’s Hill, there’s a breathtaking view of the river.
Park life 9/10
The manicured lawns are peppered with willows, oaks, yews and cedar trees while pathways are well served with benches. The best ones are on the hill – neatly trimmed topiary hedges enclose each bench and turn it into a love seat.
The picturesque Spark Café (www.sparkcafe.co.uk) is best on fine days when you can sit out on the fenced lawn, although there are enough tables inside to cope with the vagaries of a London autumn. You’ll find toilets round the back of this building, too.
Most of the park’s activities take place at the foot of the hill. The fine tennis courts are one of Hackney’s best-kept sports secrets – even at the height of Wimbledon fever it’s fairly easy to secure a court. Also at the foot of the hill is the cricket and football pitch. Near the entrance to the tennis courts there’s a children’s adventure playground hewn from an assortment of wood stumps and logs.
Fun stuff 5/10
In summer, regular guided walks through the nature reserve explain the geological and natural history of the area (07813 643 968/ spugcommittee@hotmail.co.uk).
Rucksack Music Inc (www.rucksackmusic.co.uk) runs children’s music sessions and sometimes hosts exhibitions of work by local artists and photographers. There’s also often a display of children’s artwork outside the rangers’ office.Landmarks 5/10
The Georgian White Lodge Mansion which houses the Spark Café gives a sense of the grandeur of the area before it became a park. The bandstand is a less dramatic but quaint addition to the park, although you’re more likely to catch the local youth skinning up than a brass band at full throttle. Fiona McAuslan
Total: 35/50
Springfield Park, Upper Clapton Rd, E5 (www.hackney.gov.uk/www.cp-parks-springfield.htm).
Clissold | Springfield | Battersea | Ravenscourt | Gladstone | Brockwell Finsbury | Victoria- Add your comment to this feature
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14 comments
Springfield Park is one of many parks, woods, waterways and open spaces linked by the Capital Ring - one of the Mayor's 7no. Strategic Walking routes that cover 350mls of London's suburbs and centre see http://www.walklondon.org.uk. Look out for their Autumn Amble led walks end Sept. - and again in Jan and May
No Crystal Palace Park? WTF?!
As part of the £8.9 million restoration grant from Hackney Council and Lottery funds. Hopefully the football Goalposts will be fixed, and the basketball hoops sorted.
Actually why dosn't the Council ask the community what they would like to see improved in the park?
Is this too far fetched. An outdoor Sculture on the form of a type of rock looking surface that doubles as an outdoor freeclimbing rock for children and adults to climb around. It has movable climbing holds. Oh and outdoor ping pong tables like the one in London Fields?
Your thoughts.
Can anyone tell me the circumference of Clissold?
The squatters in the house on the edge of Clissold park were doing no harm, it added some colour and variety to the palce.
I really have no idea wat you are trying to say. I won't use sarcasm again as it's clearly been lost into oblivion...
you are very right opinion Mr. Mark I agree with your comments becuase in all the conjested atmospher its caused the pure groom health for the human being thats why i love vic part and also you said right thing, but whilst trends die, quality lives on. its so nice of you
Thanks for that Shami, we get a really good idea of your opinion from that post.
Technically not a park, but Hampstead Heath has to be the nicest outdoor space in London. Okay not as 'trendy' as Vic park, but whilst trends die, quality lives on.
no like the victoira park and i hope it wil win and you Sophie dont has perfect information and i love this park toooooooooo much as you think about it
I loooooveeeeee Vicky Park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :D
very nice magazine which keep in touch with the culture of the london city its os beautifful for me
Vic Park wins.
Yes!!!!!
What about Waterlow Park, Highgate?
Hi - re the Parks, specifically Battersea Park's description.
I'm sure "Getting In" to Battersea Park is better than 4/10, more like 8/10, and being almost flat it's very accessible. Public transport - not just the trains from Waterloo and Victoria (and Surrey and Middlesex) plus the London Bridge route and the 137 bus but several other buses pass the park or along Battersea Park Rd from the 452 from Kensal Green and Kensington, the 344 from Liverpool St, and there's the 156 from Wimbledon. Even the 360 bus (South Kensington to Elephant & Castle) stops just over Chelsea Bridge so the visitor gets a short walk across Chelsea Bridge with fabulous river views with the Power Station, or you can catch one of the 3 buses that cross the bridge, including the 44 (Tooting-Victoria).
As far as fun goes - it's a wonderful place to learn to rollerblade especially near the Pagoda (lessons and group skating) and what about the bike hire place which hires out all sorts of bikes for all ages?
Lastly, Battersea Park's famous annual November firework display is brilliant and excellent value.