Southwark Park London is one of the largest green spaces in Bermondsey and Rotherhithe in South East London. It first opened in 1869 and features gardens, a boating lake, sports facilities and wide open green spaces.
It was one of the first public parks created in South East London. The park was designed to give local residents access to green space during a time when the surrounding area was heavily industrialised.
I live right near Southwark Park in London and for the longest time I didn’t really appreciate it. However, since working from home more I have really come to appreciate it as a tranquil place to escape.
Southwark Park is located in South East London, nestled between Bermondsey and Rotherhithe.
The nearest stations to Southwark Park are:
The nearest bus stops are either on Jamaica Road or Southwark Park Road. The C10, 47, 188, 381 and P12 all stop outside the Park. All but the P12 stop on Jamaica Road, and the P12 stops on Southwark Park Road.
Southwark Park is huge and there’s so much to see. The park itself is split into two. The top section has a bandstand, a bowling green, some tennis courts and some green space.
The lower part has a lake, the Ada Salter Garden, a children’s playground, a cafe, an art gallery, toilets and an athletics centre. During the summer you can hire a boat and go out on the lake if you want to. I haven’t tried this yet – mainly because the geese seem to guard the lake quite seriously!
The Ada Salter Garden is such a relaxing place to sit and have a quiet moment. I see people doing yoga there sometimes too. I didn’t take a photo of it because there were people sitting there but it overlooks the lake.
Southwark Park Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery and hosts lots of exhibitions. You can find out more about it here.
Ada Salter was the Mayor of Bermondsey. English social reformer, environmentalist, pacifist and Quaker, President of the Women’s Labour League and President of the National Gardens Guild. She was one of the first women councillors in London, the first woman mayor in London and the first Labour woman mayor in the British Isles.
Ada Salter sought to replace slums with model council houses and create an environment that was good for the body and mind. She planted trees across the borough and organised music, sport and games events for community participation.
Due to her connection with Bermondsey, there’s a lovely garden dedicated to her inside the park. It’s a more peaceful section, which looks very beautiful when the flowers bloom in late spring.
The bandstand in the top section of the park looks very grand. Best seen during a warm, hazy sunset.
There’s a lovely boating lake at Southwark Park to enjoy. During the spring you can see all the ducklings wandering around.
There’s a small enclosed playground within the park as well.
Southwark Park has its very own bowls club which is usually open between 2pm – 4pm daily. You can find out more here.
Take in the views over the lake as you sip on a warm coffee. Or tuck into a fresh sourdough pizza with friends at the cafe in Southwark Park.
The athletics centre is home to a six-lane running track and a fully equipped gym.
The park is huge so there’s something for everyone. Just a few ideas include:
Southwark Park opens every day at 7:30am and it closes at sunset which obviously varies throughout the year. In December it closes at 4:30pm but in June and July it’s open until 9:30pm.
Yes. The park offers wide open green space, gardens, a lake and sports facilities, making it a relaxing place to walk or picnic in Bermondsey.
Southwark Park covers around 63 acres and was opened in 1869.
Yes, there are public toilets next to the cafe.
Yes, Southwark Park is dog friendly.
If you’re visiting Southwark Park, there are several interesting places nearby:
• Bermondsey Beer Mile
• Maltby Street Market
• The Thames Path walk
• Tower Bridge
Do you live near any parks?
Checking out London’s parks? Pin this post for later
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