Battersea Park is a beautiful Grade II* Listed Victorian Park built between 1854 and 1870. The park is over 200 acres of land in the Borough of Wandsworth, London SW11. Battersea Park has a riverside promenade on the South Bank of the River Thames. It is a short walk from the iconic Battersea Power Station, which you can see in the distance from certain parts of the park. Amenities and attractions include a giant Peace Pagoda, Battersea Park Children’s Zoo, Gardens, Sculptures, Victorian Bandstand and a Boating Lake.
Battersea Park Attractions
The Peace Pagoda is stunning. It was given to London by the Venerable Nichidatsu Fuji in 1984 as part of a pledge to build pagodas as shrines to peace. The pagoda statues are made from gilt bronze to represent the states of Buddha’s life (contemplation, enlightenment, teaching and death). The Peace Pagoda is on a raised platform which overlooks the River Thames across from Chelsea.
Battersea Park Children’s Zoo is charming. It is open all year except Christmas and Boxing Day. Animals to see include monkeys, otters, meerkats, emus, wildcats and farm animals. Things to do in the zoo include watching some of the animals being fed, playing in the sandpit and pirate ships, browsing the gift shop and having a snack at the Lemon Tree Café. Adult tickets are £9.95, children aged 2-16 pay £7.95 and under two years old can go in for free. Family tickets are available. The zoo is near Chelsea Bridge Gate and the Peace Pagoda.
As you walk around the park, you can enjoy pretty plants on display at the various gardens – Winter Garden, Sub Tropical Garden, Old English Garden, Russel Page Garden, Rose Garden, Staff Garden and Thrive Garden. There are a few wooded nature areas with beautiful trees, which is nice to explore if it’s a hot day and you want some shade.
Look out for the park sculptures, which include Henry Moore’s Three Standing Figures. My favourite is Barbara Hepworth’s Single Form.
You might see a performance at the Victorian Bandstand if you are lucky. It is located on Central Avenue, where all the paths meet. We saw a classical band rehearsing, which was a treat.
Look out for the Plaque for the Festival of Britain 1951 site of the Festival Pleasure Garden. The Festival of Britain was created to celebrate British industry, arts and science after World War II. The leading festival site was the South Bank.
Sports facilities include a cricket pavilion, a sports pitch, and an all-weather sports ground. The Battersea Park Millennium Arena is an athletics venue with a 400m running track and indoor gym. You can play tennis or Putt-in-the-Park if you fancy a game of mini-golf. Go Ape is an adventure course ideal for teenagers to let off steam. Hire a boat and enjoy fresh air on the Boating Lake near Pear Tree Café.
I’ve eaten at the Pear Tree Café a few times now. The café sells cakes, sandwiches and a few hot meals alongside beverages, including beer and wine. There is outside seating with a view of the Boating Lake. Toilets are inside the café. Kiosks in the park sell drinks, cakes and ice creams.
A long promenade stretches from Albert Bridge to Chelsea Bridge, so you can walk beside the Thames River. When the tide is out, you will see pebble beaches. A connecting bridge walkway takes you through to the new development at Battersea Power Station. You will find some excellent restaurants and bars should you wish to stop for something to eat.
Battersea Park Information
To find out more about Battersea Park go to the Wandsworth Council Website or the Friends of Battersea Park Website. For historical information, read the Battersea Park Wikipedia Page. The park address is Battersea Park, London SW11 4NJ. Enter the park from the main gates at Albert Bridge Road, Prince of Wales Drive or Queenstown Road. Battersea Park (Overground and Southern Railway) and Queenstown Road (South Western Railway) are the nearest stations. The park is open from 8 am until dusk. You may be interested in hiring The Pump House Gallery, a Grade II listed Victorian building, for an event or wedding reception. I hope you enjoy your visit.
For more information on the area, please read these relevant articles:
Ten Things To Do At Battersea Power Station
Panoramic Views From Lift 109 At Battersea Power Station
Brunch At No. 29 Power Station West
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.
