What is it?
Brockwell Park is a much-needed slab of green (84 acres) just south of Brixton. Locals from the surrounding areas flock here in summer to sun-worship (if they’re lucky), fly kites, play football, swim in the outside pool, garden in the community greenhouses and parade a stunning array of dogs.
The vast space was once the private grounds of Brockwell Hall and was opened to the public in 1891 by the London County Council. The hall still stands today and is one of several grade II listed buildings dotted about the park, including the emerald green Tritton Tower Clock, which was gifted to celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee.
Why go?
It's big, diverse and interesting, with numerous areas to appeal to different tastes, from the calm, rolling meadows around Tulse Hill and walled ‘Old English’ flower garden to the BMX track and sloped football pitches by the Dulwich Road.
The playground in Brockwell Park is a favourite, with its aerial slide, massive sandpit and sections for different age groups; nearby you’ll find duck ponds and a huge paddling pool.
There’s also a lovely little minature railway open at the weekends May to October, weather permitting – it’s not particularly massive but it’s been just £1 for a return for years now.
Don’t miss:
Regular events at the park include circuses and a busy schedule of summer concerts and festivals including Wide Awake, Mighty Hoopla, Field Day and Cross the Tracks. But one of the most beloved annual events is the Lambeth Country Show: a sensational mix of village féte, city farm, reggae concert and vegetable sculpture gallery that draws crowds from across the city. It tends to happen in early June and entry is completely free.
When to visit:
The park is open daily from 7.30am until 15 minutes before sunset.
Ticket info:
No tickets are needed to get into Brockwell Park but they may be required for certain events.
Time Out tip:
Make a splash at Brockwell Lido and admire its grade II-listed art deco buildings, which have been at the centre of park life here since the 1930s. It was built in 1937 and restored to its original beauty in 2007.
