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
Victoria Park, E9 Victoria Park, E9
No territory better exemplifies the tension between east and west London than Vicky Park. It sprang to life as a Royal Park but became municipal in 1887; it’s rougher around the edges than its western counterparts and thus a great expanse to kick back and let nature revitalise you.
Getting in 6/10
Mile End tube is a good 15-minute walk away so buses are your best transport bet (Hackney Wick rail is also near). Cycle paths and the huge 86 hectares the park covers make for great bike rides.
History 10/10
The park was opened following a petition to Queen Victoria signed by 30,000 East Enders – and at the request of the professional classes, who wanted a barrier to airborne diseases heading west from the overcrowded east. Feature continuesAdvertisementDesigned by John Nash protégé James Pennethorne, the park became a magnet for public speakers and political rabble-rousers; the protest spirit continued into the ’70s, when a 100,000-strong Rock Against Racism march ended there with a concert by The Clash. Even before it officially opened in 1845, Victoria Park was a hugely popular recreation spot. Victorians were especially keen on the bathing pond, though Hazel Conway, in ‘People’s Parks’, says that rope-skipping was forbidden.
In World War II Vicky Park was used as a POW camp and anti-aircraft ground. The 1943 Bethnal Green tube disaster, when 173 people died in a crush to get underground, has been blamed on a panic set off by explosions from rocket testing in the park. The MoD denies this.
Park life 9/10
Vicky Park is wonderful for youngsters: the V&A Playground is equipped with swings etc, and the fantastically designed Pools Playground features undulating paddling pools, quirky sculptures and rock formations that encourage creative play. Wildlife includes a deer enclosure, moorhens, grey and Canada geese, squirrels and fish. Footballers and cricketers are served by several pitches; there are also tennis courts, cricket nets and a bowling green. There is even a skate park with a quarter pipe and grind rail. A tranquil landscaped garden is popular with senior citizens and anyone after a quiet spot. By the lake is The Pavilion Café (www.the-pavilion-cafe.com) serving tasty, locally sourced food from breakfast to tea-time.
Fun stuff 9/10
Since 2007 the park has hosted the Underage Festival and Field Day; other recent concerts have included the Lovebox festival and Radiohead. And every November park-goers in their thousands are treated to a wildly ambitious theatrical fireworks display which is laid on by Tower Hamlets Council.
On a smaller scale, the One O’Clock Club runs in termtime for parents and under-fours (020 8986 6150), while Pushy Mothers exercise classes take place on Tuesdays (www.pushymothers.com). Victoria Park Harriers & Tower Hamlets Athletic Club is open to all (www.vphthac.org.uk).
Landmarks 7/10
Two alcoves from the parapet of Old London Bridge, brought here circa 1860, provide pleasant spots for shade. The Hackney Wick War Memorial obelisk is nearby. The ornate Burdett Coutts Memorial Drinking Fountain and the decrepit, menacing looking Dogs of Alcibiades statues are also noteworthy. Natasha Polyviou
Total: 41/50
Victoria Park, Grove Rd, E3 (020 8985 1957). Mile End tube then 277, D6 bus. Open daily 6am-dusk.
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.