NFT Map: 127
Brockwell Park: www.brockwellpark.com
Brockwell Park Lido: www.brockwelllido.com
020 7274 3088
Brockwell Park may not be a household name when it comes to London Parks but for many South Londoners—not least residents of neighbouring Herne Hill—it’s the pick of the bunch, all the lovelier for its unconventionality, tattiness and relative anonymity. It’s eclectic, it’s quirky, and it’s impossible not to fall in love with.
By the end of the 19th century the local population was large, growing and in need of a serious park. Brockwell was secured for use by the public after MP Thomas Bristowe got wind of a private country estate that seemed just the ticket. Still, he might have over-exerted himself in the process: having taken a Bill through Parliament to convert the land, led a committee to negotiate the price, and raised funds from across the community, Bristowe himself promptly collapsed and died on the steps of Brockwell Hall, moments after the opening ceremony in 1892.
If that doesn’t put you off your scones, nowadays, the ground floor of Brockwell Hall is a café where refreshments have been served ever since. Located at the top of the hill, it’s a great place to stop for inexpensive cake, drinks etc. after some…
There’s heaps to do. A BMX track, tennis courts, bowling green, football and cricket pitches, basketball courts, outdoor theatre club, a children’s play area and a paddling pool. Or you could chill by the ponds, in the walled garden, under the clock tower, at the picnic area, near the flower gardens, etc.
Built in 1937, Brockwell Lido is essentially an (unattractive) art deco building that replaced an old bathing pond. After experiencing financial difficulty it was restored and reopened in 2007. As well as a large outdoor pool, there is a gym and classes are held in yoga, pilates, tai-chi and meditation. For the under 5s, Whippersnappers have everything from acrobatics to puppets and African drumming. A Miniature Railway runs between Herne Hill Gate and the Lido. Run by a local enthusiast on a not-for-profit basis; it’s only £1 for a round trip. May–Sept, Sat–Sun, 11am–5pm.
Brockwell also boasts a superb community greenhouse project open to volunteers. The greenhouses are open Sunday afternoons and give Londoners a rare chance to get green fingers and grow their own produce. Contact the greenhouse secretary on bpcgsecretary@gmail.com to get involved.
July: Lambeth Country Show is always good fun and involves medieval jousting, farm animals, live reggae/dub and rides, and there are homemade cake and jam contests, too. The Alternative Vegetable Animal Competition requires fruit and veg be crafted into a famous person or building with a very entertaining adult category.
September: The annual Urban Green Fair helps teach London to become more sustainable.
November: The big fireworks show on Guy Fawkes Night is worth braving the cold for.
By rail/tube/foot: The park is a short walk from the following overland and underground stations:
Herne Hill Rail Station—5 mins
Tulse Hill Rail Station—15 mins
Brixton Tube—20 mins
Clapham North Tube—30 mins
By bus: The following all stop at Brockwell Park—2, 3, 37, 68, 196, 322, 468, P15