Battersea

Battersea Park

Battersea Park was originally opened in 1858 by Queen Victoria. The park is situated very close to the Albert Bridge, which is lit up in the most spectacular fashion at night. The monuments, the recreational and sporting facilities, and the gardens are just some of the attractions in this delightfully elaborate park which offers something for everyone - children, lovers of English landscape design, sports freaks, but above all those who enjoy the unique nature of the London parks.

The arched black gates at the entrance to Battersea Park are just a taste of what you will encounter once you step inside this lovely park. The highly developed and aesthetically pleasing Adventure Playground is Europe's largest, whilst The Pump House hosts many art exhibitions and craft fairs. The open air jazz concerts and the glorious amphitheatre are two more attractions.

One of the highlights of the Festival Gardens is the Old English Garden, which looks as though it has been preserved ever since Victorian times. It is tucked away so that you will really have to search it out, but once you are there you can admire the pyramidal shelters, and the intricately shorn hedges which surround a lovely fountain in the middle of the garden. If you want to sit down to read a book or just relax the English Garden is one of the most tranquil spots. There are so many other parts of this beautiful park to mention, but it does hold a particular fascination for joggers and rollerbladers, who are frequently seen dashing through Battersea Park's winding pathways.

Admittedly, London is blessed with lots of beautiful parks, and Battersea Park is just one of them, but there is something special about this park in the way it combines the classical with the abstract. Of course it also stands next to one of London's most beautiful bridges. The park is a paradise for children and adultsalike - and it's FREE!

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