It’s the perfect place for a weekend picnic
It may not seem like it at times, but Greater London is remarkably made up of 47 per cent green space, so there’s no shortage of parks in which to enjoy a leisurely stroll. Of all the green spaces the capital has to offer, one park stands out as a great choice for families.
Battersea Park, nestled in the heart of Battersea, South London, draws big crowds from both the local community and elsewhere in the city. This charming park was inaugurated by Queen Victoria in 1858 and boasts virtually everything a visitor could wish for, from a picturesque riverside path along the Thames, and exotic trees to a café, a lake complete with pedalos, and even a zoo.
The perimeter of Battersea Park stretches approximately 3.9km, taking roughly 50 minutes to complete, though naturally a wander through the middle of the park will add considerably to that time.
Pedalo hire is priced at £10 per hour for adults, reducing to £6 per hour for children. A family option accommodating two adults and two children is available at £26 – working out at £6.50 per person.
Should you work up an appetite during your visit, the well-loved Pear Tree Café is worth a stop. One satisfied customer left a Google review that said: “We had a wonderful brunch at Pear Tree Cafe in Battersea Park. The location is fantastic, surrounded by greenery, and the park itself is absolutely beautiful. It creates a relaxed yet posh brunch atmosphere that we really loved.”
It continued: “We ordered the scrambled eggs with salmon, and it was both very filling and delicious. Exactly what you want from a late morning meal. The cappuccino was the same size as the latte, which felt unusual at first, but we were pleasantly surprised and very happy about it! It can be a bit difficult to find a seat because the cafe is quite popular, but once you settle in, the experience is definitely worth it.If you are looking for a stylish brunch spot with great food and a lovely park view, this place is a perfect choice. Highly recommended!”
The children’s zoo provides yet another wonderful family attraction, housing familiar favourites including goats, rabbits, and donkeys. However, they also house considerably rarer creatures including lemurs, parrots, and emus. Admission is priced at £17.50 for adults (aged 16 to 59), reducing to £13.95 for those under 16.
How to reach the park
If you’re planning to travel by train, the park sits within easy walking distance of Queenstown Road Station, which has South Western Railway services. Even more conveniently located is Battersea Park Station, accessible via the London Overground and Southern Rail networks.
The location is additionally served by bus routes 44, 49, 137, 156, 452, 436, 49, 345, 319, and 170.
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