Best Parks in South London

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Grab a wicker basket, fill it with treats - perhaps a bottle of bubbly - and get lost in these peaceful evergreen picnic friendly parks in the South of London. Whether you're down for picky bits, quality (and free) time with the kids, or if you're rocking with tinnies and a speaker, we've got the picks for you.

Whether you’re a born and bred South Londoner, have recently moved to the area, or are simply taking a dander through, South London’s parks are some of the most serene London has to offer. Read on discover our compilation of the top parks to have a picnic in south of the river. 

Battersea Park

Image © ladywimbledon.com

SW11 4NJ 

Many consider Battersea Park the most diverse of the London Parks. Situated on the south bank of the River Thames, the park has stunning views of the water and it also has a specially designed Children’s Zoo with a host of mammals, reptiles and birds for kids to watch up close.

There are multiple gardens situated within the park itself, including the Old English Garden, Winter Garden, Subtropical Garden and Herb Garden. The park even has its very own Peace Pagoda. 


Brockwell Park

Image © standard.co.uk

SE24 0NG 

With a formidable 19th Century clock tower, ornamental ponds, formal flower beds and a walled 'Old English' herbaceous flower garden, locals flock to this large and historic park.  

When the weather is warm enough you can swim in the famous Brockwell Lido, and on a windy day you can see dozens of kites flying high above the green. The playground is a favourite with kids, boasting a massive sandpit, aerial slide, and different play areas for different ages. 


Burgess Park

Image © freeparks.co.uk

SE5 0AL 

Known as one of London’s biggest parks, the significance of Burgess Park has more to do with the way it was created rather than its size. It was actually carved out of a densely built up area of the city between the 1950’s and 80’s and was previously home to industry housing and transport.  

Now it is a thriving open green space where you can explore a variety of historic buildings including a limekiln, bath and washhouses, and an old alms-house in the hidden haven of Chumleigh Gardens. There is also a BMX track and other sports facilities.  


Tooting Common

Image © Jon Combe via Flickr

SW17 

With 92 hectares of grass, woodland and lakes, you are sure to grab a suitable picnic spot. Tooting Common is split into two sections and is particularly notable for its ancient oak trees and historic avenues you can wander down. It has an athletics track (if you fancy running off the picnic treats), playground and Italian cafe for lunch if you don’t have time to make up your own picnic basket.  

You can even get involved in the Tooting Common Park Run, which is a 5km timed run every Saturday at 9am and is totally free to join! Just Register before you put your runners on!  


Ruskin Park

Image © spab.org.uk

SE24 0AA 

A charming park with quaint features throughout. You can visit the beautiful pergola with its covered walk and climbing plants. There’s an elegant wooden bandstand at the centre of the park which hosts their summer fete and concert series. For the little nippers there is a playground and paddling pool to enjoy on sunny days. But beware- it gets especially busy during Bank Holidays!  

Ruskin park is open from 7am to 15 minutes before sunset!