Acre family-focused park with lido and miniature railway
Perhaps one of London's loveliest leafy expanses, Brockwell Park has become a Mecca for fun-loving kiddies. Often termed "Brixton's Beach", the park is remarkable for its large lido, now one of the few remaining outdoor swimming pools in London. It is an ideal place to take a dip in the summer and catch some rays. There is also a safe paddling pool for the smaller tots to splash around in. In 2003, a meticulously built miniature railway was opened. Kids can jump aboard and explore the park for just £1. Both this and the lido are only open in summer months. There are also six public tennis courts. Brockwell Hall is a handsome Regency lodge occupying the park heights. Many a scone can be consumed here in the delightful tea-room. The shaded arbour in the English walled garden is also a blissful place to catch your breath and watch the world go by.
Victoria Park
The first public park and the Regent's Park of the East - 212 acres
One of London's best kept secrets, Victoria Park is a fantastic place to spend an afternoon. Inside the park's boundaries countless varieties of trees stripe the skyline: oaks, horse chestnuts, cherries, hawthorns and even Kentucky coffee trees. The park is split in two by Grove Road. The smaller, western section contains the most picturesque of its lakes with a fully functioning fountain and the imposing Dogs of Alcibiades, two snarling sculptures. Retreat to the quiet of the Old English Garden, a floral haven brimming with flowers and shrubs. Have a peek into the deer enclosure and let the kids run off some energy in the children's playground. The city's first public park, Victoria Park was opened in the East End in 1845 after a local MP presented Queen Victoria with a petition of 30,000 signatures. It was envisaged as a Regent's Park of the east and originally had its own Speaker's Corner. The Victorians saw parks as instruments of moral and physical improvement, especially for the working classes. Sanitary reformer William Farr believed the use of parks would significantly boost life expectancy. Why not boost your constitution and have an enjoyable day out at the same time, as you explore the many attractions of this glorious park.
Events at Victoria Park
Field Day
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2014 | Sat day ticket £49.50, Sun day ticket £38.50, weekend ticket £78
British band Metronomy headline Saturday at Field Day while recently-reunited US band the Pixies headline the Sunday leg of the Victoria Park festival which moves to June and expands to become a two-day event
Field Day 2014: Metronomy, Pixies
Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th June 2014 | Sat day ticket £45, Sun day ticket £38.50, weekend ticket £73.50
The out-door music bonanza returns once more, this year expanding into a two day event. Metronomy top the bill on Sunday performing with Daniel Avery, Danny Brown, James Holden, Jon Hopkins, Money, Omar Souleyman, Oneohtrix ...
Lovebox
Friday 18th and Saturday 19th July 2014 | From £38.95 (single day), £77.95 (combined ticket), Free (Children under 12, ID may be required to gain entry)
London's answer to Glastonbury is back for 2014 with a new format. This year Lovebox is being joined by Secret Productions, co-organisers of Wilderness Festival
Big Fun Run
FREE EVENT
Saturday 25th October 2014 - 11am-1pm | £11.49, adv £10.49, concs £9.49, child £8.49, under 5s Free
The Big Fun Run Victoria Park on Saturday 25 October (11am) is a 5km run. There's no pressure, just some easy moves and lots of laughs. Under 5s go FREE! Very popular running event .