Battersea Park is a large (83 hectares/200 acres) Victorian park, built between 1854 and 1870.   It was formally opened in 1858.  A major programme of work has recently been completed to restore and refurbish many of the Victorian and Festival of Britain elements of the park. There is much to enjoy.  Features include a grand 1 kilometre riverside promenade, magnificent fountains (see below), a large lake (with boating from Easter), lakeside cafe, ornamental and ecological areas, many notable trees, sporting facilities, children's play areas and the Battersea Park Children's Zoo.

Official opening times for Battersea Park are from 8am until dusk. However some gates are normally open earlier and stay open later to allow access to facilities in the park (e.g. sports activities or exhibitions). 

Battersea Park 150th anniversary celebrations - 14 June 2008

Contacts in Battersea Park 

• The Adventure Playground, (020) 8871 7539 
• The All-weather football, (020) 8871 7535  
• The Boating Lake, phone the parks office (020) 8871 7530
• The Children's Zoo, (020) 7924 5826 
• The Events Team, (020) 8871 7534
• Fishing is available in Battersea Park
• Friends of Battersea Park, phone the parks office on (020)8871 7530
• La Gondola al Parco, restaurant, (020) 7978 1655 
• London Recumbents, to hire bikes etc, (020) 7498 6543 
• The Millennium Arena, (020) 8871 7537 
• 1 o'clock centres, (020) 8871 7541
• Parks office, Battersea Park, (020) 8871 7530    
• The Parks Police, (020) 8871 7532  
• The Peace Pagoda, (020) 7228 9620
• The Pump House Gallery, (020) 8871 7572  
• Tennis courts, (020) 8871 7542 
• Thrive, gardening therapy for people with disabilities, (020)7720 2212 
• Winter garden, Contact Joanne Taylor - (020) 8871 8034

See Map of Battersea Park 

There are three pay and display car parks in Battersea Park.  They are situated at Albert Gate, Chelsea Gate and Rosery Gate.  For information on charges please see Parking Charges

Sites of Importance for nature Conservation (M102) (Greater London Authority/London Borough of Wandsworth November 2002): An important open space in central London with significant numbers of waterfowl associated with the lakes, including shoveler and tufted duck. The lake was the focus of an international project to study ways of improving water quality and vegetation in shallow urban lakes. A great variety of birds regularly occurs, both breeding and during migration. The islands in the lake support a heronry of up to 30 nests. The wilder parts of the park, such as the small nature reserves managed by the London Wildlife Trust, support large numbers of butterflies - 20 species have been recorded, including the rare white-letter hairstreak. There is free public access. Minor boundary changes are proposed to simplify the site boundary.

You can help with the restoration through the Bench Sponsorship scheme. 

Bye-laws and dog bye-laws pertaining to Battersea Park. 

Feedback and suggestions, contact us at parks@wandsworth.gov.uk