The South East London park with a lake perfect for boating and kayaking plus a splash park for kids

If you’re looking for a cheap weekend day out, this park has it all

Tucked away in the London Borough of Bexley, Danson Park is one of South East London’s most well-loved green spaces. Spread across 78 hectares, all visitors will find something that piques their interest whether that’s paddling a kayak on the lake, exploring a beautifully restored Georgian villa, or simply enjoying a coffee by the water.

Water-based activities are a great way to beat the summer heat, and the good news is you don’t need to leave the city or head to the coast to get paddling. If you fancy getting out on the water, Danson Park Adventures runs a broad programme of activities from the lakeside, including sailing, kayaking, canoeing, bellboating, stand-up paddleboarding, rowing, and powerboating.

Activities are open to anyone aged eight and over who is water confident – but bear in mind the lake is not suitable for swimming, as there are a number of hidden hazards under the water including sudden drops in depth.

For younger children, Danson Splash Park has more than enough on offer to keep them entertained. Full of interactive jets, sprinklers and water canons, the splash park is completely free to enter, so families can just turn up and play.

For those who prefer to stay on dry land, adventurous activities like bouldering and orienteering are also on offer in the park. Danson Park has just been given the thumbs-up to build a new Go Ape high ropes course, however the official opening date is yet to be announced.

Visiting Danson House

While you are in the park, Danson House is well worth a visit. Built in 1766 for Sir John Boyd, the Grade 1-listed building fell into disrepair before English Heritage declared it the most significant building at risk in London in 1995. A decade of painstaking restoration followed, and the interior finally reopened to the public in 2005 for the first time in 30 years.

Wildlife and nature

Activities and history aside, the park itself is a major draw for wildlife enthusiasts. The lake, rock garden, bog garden nature reserve, Old English Garden, and Peace Garden between them attract an impressive variety of species.

More than 60 bird species have been recorded in the park over the years, from kingfishers and green woodpeckers to grey herons and great-crested grebes. Raptors including sparrowhawk, kestrel, peregrine falcon, and red kite have all been spotted by birdwatchers too.

If you’re more of a fan of creepy-crawlies, butterflies and dragonflies are frequently spotted, including species such as red admirals, common blues, emperor dragonflies, and broad-bodied chasers.

Food and drink

When you are ready for a break, head to the Stables Restaurant and Boathouse Café for a sit-down meal or a coffee, or to the kiosks near the children’s playground for lighter snacks and soft drinks.

Getting there

The park has several entrances, accessible from Danson Road, Park View Road at its junction with Danson Road, Danson Lane, and Radnor Avenue. If you are travelling by train, both Welling and Bexleyheath stations are around 20 to 30 minutes’ walk away.

Local buses serving the area include the 132, 96, 89, B13, B14, and B16. If you are driving, parking is available off Danson Road, though be aware that a charge applies at weekends during the summer.

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