Located across the Thames from Chelsea, Battersea Park is a true urban oasis that is far less crowded and worn out than Hyde Park. It still seems to have a ‘locals’ feel to it and at 200 acres in size it has a lot to offer. Because there is no tube station nearby and because most tourist maps of London handed out at hotels don’t show it (most cut off the bottom of the map at Chelsea), very few tourists come here compared to London’s other large parks. That said, it is one of my favourite open spaces in London.
History: In the early 19th century Battersea fields, a reclaimed marshy area off the Thames, was a well known duelling spot. In 1846 an Act was passed to buy the land (then used from growing vegetables) to make a Royal Park. The 200 acres park opened in 1858 and benefited from the newly built Victoria Bridge (now Chelsea Bridge) which allowed easier access for visitors.
Football: Battersea Park hosted the first ever football game played under F.A. rules on 9-Jan-1864. The match was between two teams of the best footballers in their day - one organized by the F.A.’s Secretary, the other by its President. Since next January will mark the 150th anniversary of football, and 2014 is a World Cup year, a reenactment match is planned for that date and the ball from the game will begin a global journey to Brazil, in the same way that the Olympic torch begins in Greece. See this website to learn more about the ‘Ball’ and its planned journey: http://spiritoffootball.com/the-ball/the-journey/
Also of note is that Wanderers F.C., the winners of the first ever FA Cup in 1872, played at Battersea Park.
Festival Gardens & Fun Fair: In 1951 part of the park was converted to a ‘pleasure garden’ as part of the Festival of Britain. Also a fun fair with a large roller-coaster and other amusements opened in the park. A personal connection for me is that my mother and father both worked at this fair during the Festival of Britain while they were dating and in their early 20s. Due to accidents at the fun fair it finally closed in the early 1970s. Remnants of the pleasure park as still there.
The Park Today: With a boating lake, outdoor cafe, open spaces, walking trails, an art museum (Pump House Gallery), sports fields, tennis courts, a peace pagoda and various memorials, there is plenty to see and visit. The park is officially open from 8am to dusk, though the park is often open much earlier in reality. For more information on events, special festivals etc… visit: http://www.batterseapark.org/
Closest Transit: Closest tube: Sloane Square, then a 137 or 452 bus, or walk (less than a mile). Closest rail: Battersea Park Station. Buses: any of these go by the park: 19, 44, 49, 137, 156, 239, 319, 344, 345, 452
A fine tribute to what appears to be a lovely park. Despite living in London as a child and visiting often later I have never been to Battersea Park. I used to pass it often crossing the Albert or Chelsea bridges in a car or van in the 1980s. Coincidently I wrote a post the other day about childhood memories of Richmond Park in the late 60s, that is my favourite London park.
Thanks for your comment - I think your observation that you drove by it often but never visited is a fairly common one. As to Richmond Park - a lovely place too. All the best, IAN
Thanks for the suggestion. I finally made it to Kew Gardens yesterday and, now that the weather is wonderful, I’m going to start “parking” it. Next week, Battersea and Richmond.
Enjoy “parking” it… there are certainly plenty of options.
I use to ride my bike through the park on my way to work many years ago, great post thanks for sharing.
This is my first time pay a quick visit at here and i am genuinely happy to read everthing at single place.
I’m glad you like the site. Thanks for your comment. Ian
Thanks for the memories. Battersea Park was the main thing I missed after moving away from London in 2010.
Spent many happy times there, was only 2 minutes walk from my home, and often used to read in the Old English Garden, or sunbathe in summer. Nobody sunbathes in the parks around here.
I like Holland Park also, and used to live opposite that at one time.
Thanks for your comment - I’m glad it refreshed a few memories for you. All the best, IAN
Battersea Park is one of my favourite parks in London as it used to be my neighbourhood. The pagoda by the water is beautiful - a great park for those runners out there!
thanks for your comments and for reading my blog - I appreciate it, Ian.
This is a really great article. Battersea is a park I love and I spend a lot of time there. But I didn’t realise that this was where the first football match was played. This article has shed a whole new light on my view of the park. I thought of your article and that first ever football game when I was in the park the other day. Thanks so much Ian
Hi anthony - thanks for all your comments and for your ongoing readership. I’m glad you are still finding interesting things you didn’t know. All the best, Ian