The Diversity of Battersea Park

There are very few places in London that can live up to the beauty, history and enjoyment of Battersea Park. With its lush green spaces, spectacular views of the Thames and hidden gems such as the Children’s Zoo and the Peace Pagoda, it is a truly diverse and surprising place that can be enjoyed by all members of the public. Located just twenty minutes away from Victoria Station, it’s well worth a visit. Here are just five reasons Battersea Park will appeal to anyone visiting London.

Unbeatable Views

The biggest attraction of any park is the nature and greenery. In terms of beauty, Battersea Park is easily one of the prettiest in London thanks to its number of garden areas. There is the Old English Garden, the Russell Page Garden and the awe-inspiring Sub Tropical Garden. Originally created by Battersea Park’s first superintendent John Gibson in 1863, it was the first garden of its kind in London. It was largely neglected after World War II, but was restored in 2004.

As well as the gardens, there are the fountains and a picturesque boating lake where you can hire pedalo boats. Prices differ depending on whether you them for half an hour or an hour, but it’s worth doing to see the park from a different perspective. If you find the views of the boating lake slightly limiting, you can always get a magnificent view of the River Thames. The park sits right next to the river so you can get a sweeping view of its beauty. Take the Thames Path if you want to get a little bit closer. Local resident Susan often comes to the park to relax. ‘You can’t beat the feeling of being near water, and Battersea Park has the river and a lake. There’s nowhere better.’

Battersea Childrens Zoo

One place synonymous with Battersea Park is the famous Children’s Zoo. The zoo boasts many diverse animals including meerkats, squirrels and emus and has been specially designed for children. They can watch animals close up, explore the sandpit and have fun in the adventure playground. So, if you want to entertain any little ones on your visit south of the river, then this is the place for them.
The zoo is located on the north side of the park and can be easily accessed from the Chelsea Gate entrance. Tickets are £9.50 for an adult and £7.50 for a child.

The Peace Pagoda

Just a short walk from the Children’s Zoo is the London Peace Pagoda. This magnificent double-roofed building stands 33.5 metres high and is constructed from wood and concrete. There are four gilded bronze sculptures of Buddha, one on each of its four sides showing some of the Buddha’s hand gestures (or mudras).

The Peace Pagoda was offered to London by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order for the 1984 Greater London Council (GLC) Peace Year. The first Pagoda built in the UK was in Milton Keyes in 1980. The Reverend Gyoro Nagase serves the Pagoda. It is a remarkable temple and its tranquil spot will inspire you to stop and take a breather.

Contemporary Art

Art lovers will be pleased to hear that as well as natural beauty you can also take in some contemporary art. Battersea Park is home to the Pump House Gallery, an exhibition space which according to the gallery’s organisers means ‘supporting high quality artistic activity that provides audiences with different perspectives on how, where and why we live the way we do.’

The gallery is housed in what used to be a Victorian industrial pump house that was used for irrigation and the fountains of Battersea Park. It opened as a gallery in 1999 and has since then hosted a varied programme dedicated to contemporary visual arts involving local and international artists.

On your travels around Battersea Park, you may also come across a large stone-like structure designed by Barbara Hepworth. This small version of the famous Single Form 1961-62 was dedicated to Dag Hammarskjöld, the Swedish diplomat, economist and author who tragically died in a plane crash in 1961. It is situated close to the lake and is fascinating monument.

The 24th Division Memorial

There are a number of war memorials dotted around Battersea Park and it may take some time to find them all. Take the path to the bandstand and you will see a tall circular hedge with poppy reefs at the foot of an intriguing sculpture. This is the 24th (East Surrey) Division Memorial. It serves as a place of commemorative remembrance.

It was designed by war artist Eric Kennington and was unveiled on 4th October 1924. According to the Western Front Association, ‘Kennington promptly offered to design a memorial tribute to the 24th Division himself.’ This sculpture is the only Divisional memorial linked with World War I found in Central London.

Battersea Park is truly one of London’s hidden gems and it is worth spending a lot of time here to admire all its delights. You may want to pack a large picnic…