Brockwell Park
About Brockwell Park
A much-loved South London park between Brixton and Herne Hill, famous for its Art Deco lido, walled garden, ponds and hilltop views over the city.
History & Heritage
Brockwell Park was created from the grounds of Brockwell Hall, a Georgian mansion built in the 1810s for the glass merchant John Blades. The London County Council acquired the estate and opened it as a public park in 1892, later expanding it, in response to demand for green space in the rapidly growing suburbs of South London.
The park's celebrated Brockwell Lido, a striking Art Deco open-air swimming pool, opened in 1937 and became a symbol of the era's enthusiasm for open-air bathing and healthy living. After facing closure, it was saved by local campaigners and remains a thriving community hub today, complementing the park's historic walled garden and ornamental ponds.
What to Expect
Expect a hilly, characterful park with wonderful views over the London skyline from the top, a beautiful Victorian walled 'Old English' flower garden, and a chain of ornamental ponds. The Art Deco Brockwell Lido draws swimmers all year, and there is a community greenhouse project, a miniature railway on weekends, a BMX track and a café in the historic hall. The park hosts festivals and events through the summer.
Known For
Features & Facilities
- Art Deco lido
- Walled garden
- Ponds
- BMX track
- Café
- Miniature railway
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you swim at Brockwell Park?
- Yes, Brockwell Lido is a historic Art Deco open-air swimming pool within the park, open to swimmers with facilities including a gym, café and sauna.
- What is the walled garden at Brockwell Park?
- The walled garden, sometimes called the Old English Garden, is a tranquil ornamental garden created in 1911 within the walls of a former kitchen garden, filled with flowers and climbing plants.
- Are there views from Brockwell Park?
- Yes, the hilltop near Brockwell Hall offers fine panoramic views across central London, taking in landmarks including the City skyline.
More London Parks
Clapham Common
A vast triangle of open common land in South London, hugely popular for sport, festivals, ponds and a buzzing social scene surrounded by lively bars and cafés.
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.