Southwark Park, Rotherhithe, London SE16, is spectacular. It’s a large park packed with attractions including the Ada Salter Rose Garden, a Wildlife Garden, Lake, Bandstand, Bowls Club and some historical points of interest. Being a family-friendly green space, it has a relaxed vibe, so visit soon. Read on to discover more about Southwark Park, Rotherhithe, London SE16.
Southwark Park Attractions
Southwark Park has Green Flag status and is located in Rotherhithe, London SE16 and managed by the London Borough of Southwark. It was opened in 1869 by the Metropolitan Board of Works, and the design is by Alexander McKenzie. The 63 acres are divided by Gomm Road, so explore both sides of the park.
If you enter via the Jamaica Road Gate, you will notice the beautiful bandstand dating back to 1833. It was initially on the grounds of the Royal Horticultural Society in South Kensington before being moved to the park. In 2001, a replica of the 1833 bandstand from the Great Exhibition was replaced thanks to Heritage Lottery Funding.
Just before you reach the bandstand, you will see a public memorial to honour a working-class man called Mr Jabez West, a member of a local Temperance Society (movement against drinking alcohol).
Look out for the Southwark Park Bowls Club, which has a well-kept green and bowling pavilion.
The Wildlife Garden is a mini woodland, so walk through that. It is a shady spot you can enjoy on hot, sunny days.
Cross Gomm Road, and you will see two statues, the Caryatides of Rotherhithe Old Town Hall, which initially flanked the main entrance. The building was damaged during the Second World War by German air raids, so it was sadly demolished. After being located within the Heygate Estate near the New Kent Road, they were placed in the park in 2011.
You can sit down when you reach the gorgeous Ada Salter Rose Garden. Ada Salter was an English social reformer, environmentalist, Quaker, president of the Women’s Labour League and the National Gardens Guild. She became the mayor of Bermondsey in 1922 and the first female Labour mayor. Her husband, Alfred Salter, a Doctor and MP for West Bermondsey, built the garden in 1936.
Look out for the memorial stone dedicated by the mayor on behalf of the Bermondsey Metropolitan Borough Council to Mrs Ada Salter. Her life was devoted to the ‘Beautification of Bermondsey’ (planting thousands of trees).
The Lake wasn’t an original feature of the park, and it came about when the Rotherhithe Vestry called upon the Metropolitan Board of Works to add an Ornamental Lake. Work began in 1885 with a Lake Filling Ceremony. Queen Victoria gifted a pair of swans. Today, you can spot Swans, Tufted Ducks, Mallards, Moorhens and Canada Geese on the Lake. Boating facilities were added later, and you will see the Boathouse nearby.
Other amenities include a children’s play park, tennis courts, outdoor table tennis courts, and Southwark Athletics Centre.
The Southwark Park Galleries is an art gallery and exhibition space near the cafe, so check for any events that may be happening.
Stop at the Southwark Park Pavilion Café, beautifully positioned beside the ornamental lake. It’s a peaceful, relaxing spot with indoor seating and outdoor tables overlooking the water and park. Breakfast is served daily from 8 am to 11.30 am, with options like sweetcorn fritters with poached egg, a full English, sausage or bacon baps, and avocado on toast. From noon, the lunch menu features burgers, pizzas, tacos, club sandwiches, and fresh salads. Open daily from 8 am to 6 pm, the café is housed in a striking curved building designed by Bell Phillips Architects.
Southwark Park, Rotherhithe, London SE16 Information
Southwark Park’s address is Gomm Road, London SE16 2ET. You can enter the park via Gomm Road, Jamaica Road, Lower Road and Southwark Park Road gates. The nearest tubes are Bermondsey and Canada Water. If you are driving, you can park at Hawkstone Road. The park opens at 7.30 am with varying closing times, which are earlier during the winter months and later in summer. For more information, please refer to the Southwark Council Parks Website and the Southwark Park Wikipedia Page. Enjoy your visit to this beautiful park.
Author: Homegirl London. Photographs: Homegirl London.