Battersea Park
About Battersea Park
A riverside Victorian park on the south bank of the Thames, home to the Peace Pagoda, a boating lake, children's zoo and beautiful sub-tropical gardens.
History & Heritage
Battersea Park was laid out on former marshland known as Battersea Fields, a notorious spot for duelling and public disorder in the early 19th century. As part of Victorian efforts to improve public morals and health, the land was drained using soil excavated from the building of the Royal Victoria Dock, and the park opened in 1858.
The park has evolved through the decades, hosting the Festival of Britain's Pleasure Gardens in 1951, which brought funfairs and entertainment to the site. In 1985 the striking London Peace Pagoda was erected on the riverside by Buddhist monks and nuns of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji order as a monument to peace, and it remains one of the park's most distinctive landmarks.
What to Expect
Expect an elegant riverside park with a large boating lake, ornamental Victorian and sub-tropical gardens, and the golden London Peace Pagoda overlooking the Thames. Families enjoy the Battersea Park Children's Zoo, while the park also offers tennis courts, a running track, an art gallery in the Pump House, and riverside walks with views across to Chelsea.
Known For
Features & Facilities
- Boating lake
- Children's zoo
- Sub-tropical garden
- Sports facilities
- Cafés
- Bandstand
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Peace Pagoda in Battersea Park?
- The London Peace Pagoda is a Buddhist monument built in 1985 by monks and nuns of the Nipponzan-Myōhōji order. It stands on the riverside walk and features gilded statues of the Buddha.
- Is Battersea Park Children's Zoo free?
- No, Battersea Park Children's Zoo charges admission, but the surrounding park is free to enter.
- Can you go boating in Battersea Park?
- Yes, rowing boats and pedalos can be hired on the park's boating lake during the warmer months.
More London Parks
Hyde Park
One of London's largest and most famous Royal Parks, home to the Serpentine lake, Speakers' Corner and 350 acres of open parkland in the heart of the city.
Regent's Park
An elegant Royal Park designed by John Nash, famous for Queen Mary's Gardens, the Open Air Theatre, London Zoo and beautifully manicured formal gardens.
Richmond Park
London's largest Royal Park and a National Nature Reserve, famous for its free-roaming red and fallow deer, ancient trees and sweeping views towards St Paul's.