Outdoors
Peckham and Elephant & Castle are home to many green spaces. From Burgess Park in Walworth which is 460,000 square metres including a new tennis centre to Peckham Rye Park and Common which was recently being restored to its former Edwardian glory. Also worth visiting is the atmospheric Nunhead Cemetery which is perhaps the least well known but most attractive of the Victorian cemeteries on the outskirts of London.
Burgess Park
In the 19th century, most of Burgess Park was covered with streets, houses and industrial buildings and some of these relics from the past can still be seen in the park including the listed Chumleigh Gardens Almshouses. These are part of Chumleigh Gardens near the middle of the park which feature small contrasting gardens that reflect styles and plants from all around the world.
The parks facilities and features include a cafe, dog free area, duck pond, informal games area, kid's playground and picnic area. It's sporting facilities include a cricket pitch, fishing, cycle track, football pitches and the new tennis centre located near Camberwell Road.
Peckham Rye Park and Common
Peckham Rye Park has recently being restored to its former Edwardian glory, and covers an area of 96 acres. The parks features include two duck ponds, informal games area, children's play area and a visitors centre. There are also a formal garden called Sexby Gardens with rose pergolas and a Japanese garden opened in 1908.
Sporting facilities include a football pitch, basketball court, bowling green and an adventure play area. There are also many events held in the park in the summer months.
Nunhead Cemetery
Nunhead Cemetery opened in 1840 and is the second largest Victorian cemetery in London. It has many magnificent monuments in memory of the important and well respected people of the day which sit along side smaller headstones marking public burials.
With formal avenues of towering lime trees and original Victorian planting, there is a very gothic feel to the cemetery and its history, architecture and stunning views make it a fascinating and beautiful place to visit. Guided tours are also frequently run by the Friends of Nunhead cemetery.
Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park
This park which provides the setting for the Imperial War Museum has many features including the Tibetan Garden of Contemplation and Peace which was opened in 1999 by the Dalai Lama. The outer circle of the garden contains specially commissioned sculptures representing the four elements of earth, wind, fire and water bringing peace to a tired mind.
Other facilities in the park include a children's playground, informal games area, picnic area and basketball court.
