Outdoors
Created in 1890 Dulwich Park started life as farmland, but is now considered by many to be a forerunner to many of today's modern country parks. Now boasting an array of sporting facilities including tennis courts, bowling greens and cricket pitches, this is a fantastic place to spend the day outdoors. Alternatively take a walk up One Tree Hill in nearby Honor Oak for fantastic views over London; there is much more than just one tree on the hill though!
Dulwich Park
Dulwich Park is a 72 acre designed by Charles Barry Jr was opened in 1890 and has now been recently restored to its original Victorian layout. This lovely park is now packed with historical features, exciting facilities and excellent picnic spots.
Features include the boating lake and duck pond, children's playground, designated picnic area, a variety of gardens including the American garden which was regularly visited by Queen Mary. Tandem bicycles are also available for hire and this is a popular way of seeing the park.
The many sporting facilities include tennis courts, football and cricket pitches and a bowling green.
One Tree Hill and Brenchley Gardens
This small park is home to some of Southwark's most fabulous flower beds and the Sunken Garden has recently been restored. After visiting the Gardens, you can take a walk up One Tree Hill with it's fabulous views over London.
Belair Park
Belair Park is Southwark's only Grade II listed landscape and also has many listed structures within the park including the old stables, park lodge and entrance gate. The beautiful park has recently been refurbished with new paths, railings drainage and a much healthier lake. There is also a children's playground, dog walking area and sports facilities including football and cricket pitches and free tennis courts.
Sydenham Hill Wood Nature Reserve
Along with Dulwich Woods this is one of the largest remaining tracts of the Great North Wood which once ran from Deptford to Selhurst. Now managed by the London Wildlife Trust, this historic woodland is fun to explore and full of interesting sights. There are numerous duck and wildlife ponds scattered around and the footpath follows the track of an old railway line with a foot bridge rising over the remains of the track. There is also an old boarded up tunnel further along the line. If you look carefully between the trees you may see some naturalistic wood sculptures by local artists.
