What is it?
One of the most eccentric parks in London, Crystal Palace Park is a huge Grade II listed expanse of green that’s dotted with a whole host of weird and wonderful features, which range from the sublime, like its hidden neo-Gothic subway, to the much-loved, if not slightly ridiculous, like it's huge Sphinxes and life-size but anatomically incorrect dinosaur sculptures.
The main reason for the weird mish-mash of park features is that back in 1851, the park was chosen as the new site for The Crystal Palace, which had held the world-famous Great Exhibition in Hyde Park. A huge pleasure garden was built around the palace which featured landscaped gardens, fountains and the iconic dinosaurs, which, created by Benjamin Waterhouse Hawkins, were the first attempt to depict the creatures scientifically. The Crystal Palace was later destroyed in a fire but fragments from its Victorian heyday remain, like the Sphinx, Victorian subway, maze and fishing lakes, all of which have undergone extensive restoration over the years.
The park has other whimsical features like open air concert venue the Crystal Palace Bowl, which hosted everyone from legendary acts like Bob Marley to The Rolling Stones, rolling green hills, cafés, a petting farm and a massive transmitter, affectionately dubbed ‘la tour de Crystal Palace’ by locals.
Why go?
This unpolished and unconventional gem of a park will keep you entertained for hours.
Don’t miss:
The real stars of the park are the five life-size dinosaur sculptures that lurk among the trees around the lower lake. Although not accurate by modern standards, they’ve been standing for over 150 and reveal what pioneering scientists in the Victorian era knew about the prehistoric creatures. Plus, they’re consistently voted one of London’s favourite public sculptures. There are just some of over 30 statues, including amphibians, reptiles and mammals, so keep an eye out for those too.
When to visit:
Jan 7.30am-5pm, Feb 7.30am-6pm, March 7.30am-6.30pm/8pm BST, Apr 7.30am-8.30pm, May 7.30am-9pm, Jun 7.30am-9.30pm, Jul 7.30am-9.30pm Aug 7.30am-9pm, Sep 7.30am-8pm, Oct 7.30am-7pm/ 5pm GMT, Nov 7.30am-5pm, Dec: 7.30am-4.30pm
Ticketing info:
Free entry, some events in the park may be ticketed.
Time Out tip:
At 367 ft above London, Crystal Palace Park occupies a very privileged, fabulous position in the capital, with sweeping views of the city and beyond. This is one of my favourite places to watch fireworks popping off across the city around bonfire night and to picnic under the glow of epic sunsets.
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