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London's Parks and Open Spaces
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<p><b><u>Camden</u></b><br/><br/><b>Russell Square</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693 <br/><i>Open:</i> 7.30am to 10.00pm<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Russell Square<br/><br/>Originally built in 1806, this park benefits from a prime location surrounded by some of London’s most historic buildings, most notably the British Museum in front of it. A plaque on one of the nearby building commemorates TS Eliot having worked there. Always a popular gathering point, the installation of a central plaza and water fountain transformed it into an award winning park as the recipient of the prestigious Green Flag Award. It is filled with beautiful floral displays maintained by its very own gardener. An on-site cafe is open all year round.<br/><br/><b>Bloomsbury Square</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693 <br/><i>Open:</i> During daylight hours only.<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Russell Square<br/><br/>Surrounded by dominating period buildings, this small, well kept green space offers some relief from Holborn’s busy business district. Built in the 17th century, as the piazza to Lord Southampton’s mansion it is also London’s oldest square. It was opened to the public 50 years ago and in the summer hosts weekend events. It contains several park benches and is connected to Russell Square via Bedford Square where statues of several eminent Whig politicians stand.<br/><br/><b>Brunswick Square</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693 <br/><i>Open:</i> During daylight hours only.<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Arnos Grove<br/><br/>Originally the recreation grounds for the Foundling Hospital this is now a peaceful getaway from London’s congestion. Several large trees, a few floral displays and some park benches can be found doted around the park. A recent effort to improve the landscape means it is now one of seven Camden parks to have won the Green Flag award.<br/><br/><b>St Georges Gardens</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693 <br/><i>Open:</i> Daylight hours only<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> King’s Cross<br/><br/>Elegantly designed in 1839 this formerly burial site is dotted with ivy-clad tomb and gravestones. Adorned with classical statues and a stone obelisk, there is plenty to make this park a striking location to relax. Large plane trees line the park which is often used as a meeting place for local groups.<br/><br/><b>Coram’s Fields</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Ms Sandy Wynn<br/>93 Guilford Street<br/>London<br/>WC1N 1DN<br/>Tel: 020 7837 6138 <br/>Email: info@coramsfields.org.uk <br/><a target="_blank" href="http://www.coramsfields.org/">www.coramsfields.org</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Russell Square<br/><i>Open:</i> Summer: 9am to 7pm and Winter: 9am – dusk. Open every day except Christmas and Boxing Day. <br/> <br/>This seven acre playground provides plenty to keep children of all ages entertained. A range of safe playground equipment includes a paddling pool, sandpits, astro-turf sports pitches and a pet’s corner complete with sheep, goats, ducks and hens. A full programme of activities features several after-school and holiday activities. A community nursery for children between the age of 2 and 4 is also available. The park is only open to adults bringing children to the site. To raise money, adult team bookings are now possible on two of the sports pitches which can be flood lit.<br/><br/><b>Hampstead Heath</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Superintendent of Hampstead Heath <br/>City of London, Heathfield House <br/>432 Archway Road <br/>London<br/>N6 4JH <br/>Tel: 020 7332 3322<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://cityoflondon.gov.uk/">hampstead.heath@cityoflondon.gov.uk</a><br/>Nearest Tubes: Golders’ Green, Kentish Town and Hampstead Station<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access<br/><br/>Comprised of Golders Hill, Kenwood and Parliament Hill Fields and covering 790 acres Hampstead Heath is London’s largest park. Lectures and concerts are organised at Kenwood House which is situated on a site of Special Scientific Interest. A diverse range of flora provides a habitat for wildlife including wood peckers, grass snakes and bullfinches. Awe inspiring views of London’s skyline can be seen from Parliament Hill from the gherkin and St Paul’s Cathedral to the London eye and BT tower. The hill is popular with kite flyers and numerous sporting fields, including an athletics track, are available. A café can be found at Golders Green and Parliament Hill and a restaurant is located at Kenwood House.<br/><br/><b>St Pancras’ Gardens</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693 <br/><i>Open:</i> 7 am till dusk<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Mornington Crescent and King’s Cross tube.<br/><br/>The garden’s main attraction is St Pancras’ Old Church which is thought to be one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in Europe. Johann Christian, the youngest son of J.S. Bach was buried here in 1782 as was William Franklin, the illegitimate son of Benjamin Franklin and English philosopher William Godwin. The famous tomb of Sir John Soane and his wife, now a Grade II listed building, is believed to have inspired the classic red telephone box. Kings Cross and St Pancras’ International are both close by. <br/><br/><b>Waterlow Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Fay Davies, Events and Premises Officer,<br/>Waterlow Park<br/>Dartmouth Park Hill<br/>London<br/>N19 5JF<br/>Tel: 020 7974 8810 <br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Archway<br/><i>Open:</i> 7.30 am to dusk<br/><br/>Situated upon a sloping hill, the lush greenery of Waterlow Park is the perfect tranquil spot to spend a summer’s afternoon. Several ponds and natural springs are dotted round the park which provides a habitat for local wildlife such as birds, mammals and amphibians. Six well maintained tennis courts are also situated on this 26 acre landscape. The nearby Lauderdale House is a popular choice for functions and arts events and awesome views of London can be seen. The park’s high maintenance standards have been acknowledged by a Green Flag award.<br/><br/><b>Lincoln’s Inn Fields</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693 <br/><i>Open:</i> Weekdays during normal working hours.<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Holborn, Chancery Lane<br/><br/>Lincoln’s Inn Fields is London’s largest public square. The Royal College of Surgeons, Cancer Research UK and Sir John Soane’s Museum lie adjacent to the park. When it was originally laid out in the 17th Century it was associated with fashionable London. The park gets a mention in Charles Dickens’ Bleak House. It contains several lawns and benches.<br/><br/><b>Antrim Gardens</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Parks and Open Spaces Section<br/>7th Floor, Camden Town Hall Extension<br/>Argyle Street<br/>WC1H 8EQ<br/>Tel: 020 7974 1693<br/>Website: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.camden.gov.uk/parks">www.camden.gov.uk/parks </a><br/>Nearest Tubes: Hampstead, Hampstead Heath and Belsize Park<br/><i>Open:</i> Daylight hours<br/><br/>This sunny little corner of Camden has a children’s playground and is filled with gorgeous flowers and shrubs. It is attached to popular allotments that have a 10 year waiting list. <br/><br/><b><br/><u>Islington </u></b><br/><br/><b>Highbury Fields </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Islington<br/>222 Upper Street<br/>London N1 1XR <br/>Tel: 020 7527 2000<br/>Nearest Station: Highbury and Islington <br/><i>Open:</i> Till 4 or 5pm in winter and 8 or 9pm in summer.<br/><br/>At 29 acres, Highbury Fields is Islington’s largest open space. It is the perfect place to get active, either on its many sports facilities that include tennis courts, football pitches, a netball court, a swimming pool and a children’s playground. Or, you can simply relax with a drink from the on-site café. Georgian and Victorian terraces surround the fields and an art nouveu war memorial commemorating Islington residents who died in the Boer war lies to the south of the fields.<br/><b><br/>Edward Square </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Islington<br/>222 Upper Street<br/>London N1 1XR <br/>Tel: 020 7527 2000<br/>Nearest station: Caledonian Road or Barnsbury Station (main line)<br/><i>Open:</i> Till 4 or 5pm in winter and 8 or 9pm in summer.<br/><br/>After suffering great neglect in the 1980s, Edward Square has since been renovated and gone on to win the coveted Green Flag Award. A strong sense of community involvement keeps the park going and it remains popular with local schools, youth groups and the local community at large. A toddler-friendly play area, seating and picnic space make the most of its modest size. The music festival hosted here in June is particularly popular and a number of other events are hosted from May until November. <br/><br/><b>Gillespie Park </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Islington<br/>222 Upper Street<br/>London N1 1XR <br/>Tel: 020 7527 2000<br/>Nearest stations: Arsenal, Finsbury Park (Victoria line), Drayton Park<br/><i>Open:</i> Till 4 or 5pm in winter and 8 or 9pm in summer. Closed on Arsenal match days.<br/><br/>This haven for wildlife has twice won the Green Flag Award, in 2008 and 2009. Education for schools, events and courses for the public are organized by the Gillespie Park Ecology Centre who have a wealth of knowledge on sustainable living. An impressive range of birds, invertebrates and rare plant species such as orchids can be found here. The park has a beautiful woodland, meadow, wetland and several ponds. <br/><br/><b>Tufnell Park Playing Fields </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Islington<br/>222 Upper Street<br/>London N1 1XR <br/>Tel: 020 7527 2000<br/>Nearest station: Tufnell Park <br/><i>Open:</i> Till 4 or 5pm in winter and 8 or 9pm in summer. <br/><br/>A popular spot for ball games the field have two tennis courts, playing fields and a children’s playground.<br/><br/><b>Paradise Park </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Islington<br/>222 Upper Street<br/>London N1 1XR <br/>Tel: 020 7527 2000<br/>Nearest Stations: Caledonian Road, Highbury and Islington <br/><i>Open:</i> Till 4 or 5pm in winter and 8 or 9pm in summer. <br/><br/>A child friendly park, the park’s playground contains a sand pit and paddling pool. There is also a football pitch and next door is the Freightliners City Farm, suitable for children of all ages.<br/><br/><b>Whittington Park </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Islington<br/>222 Upper Street<br/>London N1 1XR <br/>Tel: 020 7527 2000<br/>Nearest stations: Archway, Upper Holloway (Silverlink Metro),<br/><br/>This 10 acre site has a well used play area as well as a games area, children’s play area, a conservation site and an enclosed dog exercise area.<br/><br/><b><u>Southwark</u></b><br/><br/><b>Southwark Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> The parks service <br/>Chatelaine House <br/>186 Walworth Road <br/>London <br/>SE17 1JJ<br/>Tel: 020 7525 2000 <br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://southwark.gov.uk/">environment@southwark.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Open:</i> 7.30am until an hour before dusk<br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Bermondsey or Canada Water (Jubilee Line) Surrey Quays or Rotherhithe (East London Line)<br/><br/>A range of facilities to cater for all tastes and ages are available at what is Southwark’s main park. It has a football pitch, a bowling green, tennis courts and an athletics track. There is also a cafe with toilets, an art gallery and a band stand that hosts events all through the summer. While in full bloom, the garden’s outstanding beauty and a boating lake make these a scenic location for a picnic. A £2.5million refurbishment in 2001 led to the park winning the prestigious Green Flag Award.<br/><br/><b>Dulwich Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> The parks service <br/>Chatelaine House <br/>186 Walworth Road <br/>London <br/>SE17 1JJ<br/>Tel: 020 7525 2000 <br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://southwark.gov.uk/">environment@southwark.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> West Dulwich or North Dulwich rail.<br/><br/>This park’s picturesque setting is the ideal picnic spot. It is filled with a rich variety of plants including ancient boundary oaks and gorgeous floral displays and shrubs. A boating lake, football pitch, tennis courts and bowling green mean there’s always plenty to do. A dog walking area lies at the north end of the park and there are regular organised walks. Cycle hire is also available. The pavilion Cafe is open 9 to 6 pm.<br/><br/><b>Stave Hill Ecological Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> The parks service <br/>Chatelaine House <br/>186 Walworth Road <br/>London <br/>SE17 1JJ<br/>Tel: 020 7525 2000 <br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://southwark.gov.uk/">environment@southwark.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Rotherhithe (East London Line)<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access<br/><br/>This 5.2 acre nature reserve comprises grassland, woodland, scrubs and a wetland habitat. The site is managed by the Trust for Urban Ecology which works to ensure the wide variety of wildlife the site supports can continue to thrive. The park overlooks the Russia Dock Woodland and the docklands and Canary Wharf lies just over the river. Formerly the UK’s main timber port, this is reflected by the street names surrounding the area. Summer activities include pond dipping and bog hunting.<br/><br/><b>Burgess Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> The parks service <br/>Chatelaine House <br/>186 Walworth Road <br/>London <br/>SE17 1JJ<br/>Tel: 020 7525 2000 <br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://southwark.gov.uk/">environment@southwark.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Elephant and Castle.<br/><i>Open:</i> Dawn till dusk.<br/><br/>In March 2009, Burgess Park won £2million from the mayor of London and a further £4 million from Southwark Council and the New Deal for Communities to regenerate the area. Supporting the biodiversity of the area, improving the roads, paths and signage are all on the agenda for the park’s future. The Mix Festival which has showcased the talent of young people in the area since 2008 is held here in the summer. A cricket pitch, cycling track, football pitch and tennis court are available for sporting activities. Part of its lake is stocked for fishing. Picnic benches and a cafe are also found on site and its Chumleigh Gardens contain plants from across the world.<br/><br/><b>Russia Dock Woodland</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> The parks service <br/>Chatelaine House <br/>186 Walworth Road <br/>London <br/>SE17 1JJ<br/>Tel: 020 7525 2000 <br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://southwark.gov.uk/">environment@southwark.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Canada Water<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access<br/> <br/>Formally the site of timber imported from Russia, Sweden and Norway, the woodland now attracts a wide variety of wildlife including kingfishers and herons. It has several open spaces perfect for having a picnic, a designated dog walking area and an informal games area. It has also won the prestigious Green Flag Award for parks.<br/><br/><b><u>Tower Hamlets</u></b><br/><br/><b>Bethnal Green Gardens</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Mulberry Place (AH)<br/>PO Box 55739<br/>5 Clove Crescent<br/>London E14 1BY<br/>Tel: 020 7364 6673<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://towerhamlets.gov.uk/">parks@towerhamlets.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Bethnal Green<br/><i>Open:</i> Daylight Hours<br/><br/>Sports facilities for basketball, tennis, football and netball can all be found here. There are play areas for children of all ages and the park also contains a war memorial. Refurbishment of the park is underway to improve the park’s lighting and footpaths and to encourage more wildlife. <br/><br/><b>Mile End Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Mulberry Place (AH)<br/>PO Box 55739<br/>5 Clove Crescent<br/>London E14 1BY<br/>Tel: 020 7364 6673<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://towerhamlets.gov.uk/">parks@towerhamlets.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Mile End<br/><i>Open:</i> Daylight hours<br/><br/>Family friendly events are held at the park all year round including Easter Egg hunts, Halloween entertainment, a winter festival and a water festival. Art exhibitions are also held at the park’s art pavilion. The Green Bridge joins the two sections of the park which lie either of the busy Mile End Road. The park includes a sports park with all-weather pitches, an adventure park for children aged 11 to 17, terraced gardens, and a children’s play arena. Its ecology park contains a high quality climbing wall. Plans to improve the park area, which is located on a site that was heavily bombed during the Second World War still continue.<br/><br/><b>Victoria Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Mulberry Place (AH)<br/>PO Box 55739<br/>5 Clove Crescent<br/>London E14 1BY<br/>Tel: 020 7364 6673<br/>Email: <a href="http://towerhamlets.gov.uk/">parks@towerhamlets.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Mile End<br/><i>Open:</i> Daylight hours<br/><br/>Filled with luscious green trees, wide avenues, floral displays, lakes and a deer park this is Tower Hamlet’s most popular park. Since it was first used in 1843 it has provided a green oasis in a much deprived part of London. Ornate bridges run across canal ways and several tree walks are set out. Its bathing pond is now popular with anglers. The park’s points of historical interest include a World War II memorial and a Grade II listed drinking fountain. The Field Day Festival is commonly held here in the summer and attracts a plethora of artists. Its 2009 line-up included Santigold and the horrors. The park was named London’s best local park by Time Out Magazine in 2008.<br/><br/><b>Island Gardens</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Mulberry Place (AH)<br/>PO Box 55739<br/>5 Clove Crescent<br/>London E14 1BY<br/>Tel: 020 7364 6673<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://towerhamlets.gov.uk/">parks@towerhamlets.gov.uk</a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Mile End<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access.<br/><br/>This three acre riverside park offers a view across Greenwich. It has a cafe that is open from 10 am to 5 pm and a kiosk that is open from 9 to 6pm. Picnic tables and chairs are dotted around the park.<br/><br/><b><u>Hackney</u></b><br/><br/><b>Hackney Downs</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Hackney Parks Service<br/>Community Services Directorate<br/>Maurice Bishop House<br/>17-21 Reading Lane<br/>E8 1HH<br/>Tel: 020 8356 8428<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://hackney.gov.uk/">info@hackney.gov.uk </a><br/>Nearest Rail: Hackney Down’s Railway<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access<br/><br/>Hackney Down’s sports facilities include a seasonal athletics track, a basketball court, a cricket field and a football pitch. There is also a children’s playground and dog free area. Its high maintenance standards won the park a Green Flag Award in 2008. A large tree-lined avenue runs through the park.<br/><br/><b>Shoreditch Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Hackney Parks Service<br/>Community Services Directorate<br/>Maurice Bishop House<br/>17-21 Reading Lane<br/>E8 1HH<br/>Tel: 020 8356 8428<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://hackney.gov.uk/">info@hackney.gov.uk </a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Old Street<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access<br/><br/>The park has a range of sport facilities from a BMX track and a football pitch to a red gravel sports pitch and rugby pitch. Tennis courts are available on booking. It also has an adventure playground and children’s play ground. The Shoreditch festival is hosted on the site and caters for all ages and tastes. It features spectacular fireworks displays, orchestral performances and child-orientated entertainment.<br/><b><br/>Hackney Marshes </b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Hackney Parks Service<br/>Community Services Directorate<br/>Maurice Bishop House<br/>17-21 Reading Lane<br/>E8 1HH<br/>Tel: 020 8356 8428<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://hackney.gov.uk/">info@hackney.gov.uk </a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> Leyton, Stratford<br/><i>Open:</i> 24 hour access<br/><br/>With 88 football pitches, Hackney Marshes boasts the largest concentration of full-sized football pitches in Europe. It also has a rugby pitch and a seasonal athletics track .Part of the land surrounding Hackney Wick stadium will be used for the 2012 Olympic Park. The marshes were formed by the regular flooding of the River Lea which runs through it. The Hackney Marshes User Group organises walks round the park and also ensures the protection of the local wildlife found in the park. A Tree Nursery and Edible Forest Garden is run by local community volunteers.<br/><b><br/>Springfield Park</b><br/><i>Contact:</i> Hackney Parks Service<br/>Community Services Directorate<br/>Maurice Bishop House<br/>17-21 Reading Lane<br/>E8 1HH<br/>Tel: 020 8356 8428<br/>Email: <a target="_blank" href="http://hackney.gov.uk/">info@hackney.gov.uk </a><br/><i>Nearest Tube:</i> <br/><i>Open:</i> Summer Mon to Sun, 7.30am - 9.30pm. Winter Mon to Sun: 7.30am - 4.30pm. Café open daily (7 days a week) for the summer season: 10am until park closes.<br/><br/>Springfield Park’s has a range of facilities to entertain people of all ages and fitness. There is a seasonal athletics track, cricket pitch, rugby pitch, bowling green and tennis courts. The River Lea, fountains and ponds provide the perfect backdrop for a leisurely outing. There is also a children’s playground, a ranger office, dog free area, bandstand and conservation area on site.</p>
<p>For a good choice of hotels with discount prices, visit <a href="http://www.hoteltravel.com/england/london/hotels.htm">Where to stay in London </a>for more information.</p>
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