Top Outdoor Spaces And Parks In South London

Sarah Hallam
Dec 12, 2023 By Sarah Hallam
Originally Published on May 13, 2020
Family riding bicycles in park
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Age: 0-99
Read time: 7.0 Min

Taking the kids for a runaround is a great weekend activity.

No matter how much you've filled your day with fun at home activities, sometimes all you and the kids need is a bit of fresh air. If you live in South London, there are lots of beautiful green areas that are fantastic for the whole family to visit and enjoy.

We've created a list of some of our favourite spots that are child (and parent) friendly, with enough space to to take a stroll, and even enjoy a picnic!

 

Crystal Palace Park

Sitting right on the boundary of Croydon, Bromley, Southwark and Lambeth, Crystal Palace Park is the ideal spot for a day of adventure.  Large and filled with mystique, this green Victorian park has dinosaur and sphynx statues, lakes and lots of space to run or bike around!

Top Tip: We recommend making time to visit the 'Crystal Palace Dinosaurs' - a series of large dinosaur sculptures that surround 'Dinosaur Lake' in Crystal Palace Park. There is lots to learn about these creatures, and you can even download an online audio trail before you go!

Where is it? Thicket Rd, London SE19 2GA.

Is it buggy friendly? Yes, there are footpaths around the park that are perfect for buggies.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, near the Penge entrance.

Parking: There is free parking at the Thicket Road entrance and a car park within the park near the sports centre.

Outdoor amenities: Children's play area, dinosaur park, maze, children's farm, boating lake.

Size: Large.

Parks In Southwark

Baby playing in a park

Peckham Rye Park

Peckham Rye Park and Peckham Rye Common have beautiful gardens and acres of space for the kids to enjoy. Make sure to check out the Community Wildlife Garden, and the nineteenth-century Sexby Garden- not to mention the children's adventure playground!

Where is it? 34 Straker's Rd, London SE15 3UA

Is it buggy friendly? Yes, there are paths and a seating area near the cafe.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, at the cafe.

Parking: There is a small car park on Strakers Road.

Outdoor amenities: Gardens, play areas for older and younger children, lots of open green space. There are also lots of shops nearby.

Size: Large.

Goose Green, Dulwich

Only a ten-minute walk from Peckham Rye Park, this little park is located just between Peckham and Dulwich, and is perfect for an afternoon stroll. There is a fantastic kid's playground with lots of modern additions too. The green area of the park is perfect for a picnic, and nearby Dulwich is lovely to wander around after.

Where is it? East Dulwich Rd, London, SE22 9AN

Is it buggy friendly? Yes.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No.

Parking: This park doesn't have its own parking, but there is street parking nearby.

Outdoor amenities: Kid's adventure playground, small grassy area.

Size: Small.

Dulwich Park

This huge park is located in SE21, and has lots of attractions and green space for the whole family to enjoy. There is lots of space to walk, run, or cycle, and you can enjoy a bit of downtime by the boating lake too. Around the perimeter of the park, there is also a designated dog walk, if you want to bring your furry family members along too!

Where is it? College Rd, Dulwich, London SE21

Is it buggy friendly? Yes, there are lots of wide paths.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, right next to the car park.

Parking: The car entrance is on College Road, with a car park to the left when you enter Dulwich Park.

Outdoor amenities: The opening times and activities vary at different times of the year, but there is a cafe, lake, tennis courts, outdoor gym and children's playground.

Size: Large.

Burgess Park

One of the largest parks in South London, Burgess Park offers hilly climbs, a lake with lots of birds, and enough open green space to burn off all the kid's extra energy. There are even outdoor barbecues you can use, or bring your own to enjoy a family picnic with a view over London!

Top Tip: We recommend bringing a picnic blanket and snacks, as once you're in this park on a sunny day, you won't want to leave!

Where is it? Albany Rd, London SE5 0AL

Is it buggy friendly? Yes.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, near the lake.

Parking: There is a small car park at Albany Road.

Outdoor amenities: A small lake, picnic tables, barbeques, sports facilities, two outdoor gyms, children's play area and a cafe.

Size: Large.

Parks In Lambeth

Ruskin Park

This Edwardian Park has lots of beautiful wildlife, a view all the way across London, and is the perfect spot for puppy-watching! The smaller area when you enter on Denmark Hill opens to a deceptively large park, with a small pond and gardens, with lots of trees and open space. This park is on a hill, so is fab for exercise and playing ball games with the kids.

Where is it? Herne Hill, London SE5 9BD

Is it buggy friendly? Yes, although the park is a little hilly.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No.

Parking: The closest free parking is at Sainsbury's on Dog Kennel Hill.

Outdoor amenities: A pond, community gardens, playground, tennis courts, and a kid's paddling pool (not always in use).

Size: Large.

Brockwell Park

Easy to access from Dulwich, Herne Hill and Brixton, this enormous green park has something for everyone to enjoy. There is a more formal park to the Herne Hill side, then as you go over the hill you will find some more grassy terrain. As well as walking, this park is a great place to take the bikes, but be warned, it can be hilly.

Where is it? Brockwell Park, Brockwell Park Gardens, London SE24 9BJ

Is it buggy friendly? Yes, there are wide paths for a nice relaxed stroll.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.

Parking: There is a small car park near Brockwell Lido.

Outdoor amenities: Large playground, two cafes, splash park (season depending), sports facilities.

Size: Large.

Myatt's Fields Park

Open from dusk till dawn every day, this charming little park is filled with beautiful wildlife, and there is a lot of community spirit. While community activities are postponed for the moment, there is still lots to do as a family, and plenty to keep the kids entertained on your visit.

Where is it? 12a Calais St, Vassal, London SE5 9LP

Is it buggy friendly? Yes.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, there are two- one by the children's playground and one by the park depot.

Parking: There isn't a car park, unfortunately.

Outdoor amenities: Children's playground, cafe, wildlife area, sports facilities, bandstand.

Size: Medium.

Parks In Croydon

Wandle Park

This Croydon park has been around for 130 years and is a great place to revel in some Victorian grandeur. There is a large bandstand, picturesque gardens, and not to mention a great new playground that the kids are bound to love!

Where is it? Cornwall Rd, Croydon CR0 3RD

Is it buggy friendly? Yes.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes, in the cafe.

Parking: There is a car park, with a maximum three-hour stay limit.

Outdoor amenities: Pond, a rose garden and community gardens, children's play area, cafe, bandstand.

Size: Large.

Addington Park

Dating all the way back to the 16th century when it was used by Henry VIII for hunting, this park is steeped in history. The large open acres are perfect for kids to run around while staying within sight, and there is also lots of opportunity for fab picnic spots.

Where is it? 3 Kent Gate Way, Croydon CR0 5AR.

Is it buggy friendly? Yes.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? No.

Parking: Yes, you can park just off Old Kent Way.

Outdoor amenities: Children's playground, tennis court, lots of grassy areas.

Size: Medium/ large.

Waddon Ponds

With a view of the River Wandle, Waddon Ponds is a park filled with wildlife and lots of water. There's lots to see, and even a sweet little playground for the kids.

Where is it? 35-99 The Ridgeway, Croydon CR0 4AF

Is it buggy friendly? Yes.

Are there toilets/ baby changing facilities? Yes.

Parking: There isn't on-site parking, but the park has it's own tram stop.

Outdoor amenities: Children's playground, urban wetlands.

Size: Small.

Top Tip: All tired out from your day out and ready for bed? Check out our expert tips on keeping bedtime calm and chilled.

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Written by Sarah Hallam

Diploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media

Sarah Hallam picture

Sarah HallamDiploma of Education, Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media

With a Diploma in Education specializing in Fine Arts (Painting) and a Bachelor of Arts specializing in Illustration and Visual media from the University of Arts London, Sarah previously was a London-based teacher who brought her passion for art and culture to the classroom. Her creative endeavors include painting classes and experimenting with new recipes. She draws inspiration from the world around her and enjoys sharing her knowledge with others while sipping a cup of tea.

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