15 Things to do in Battersea Park, South London

The London Peace Pagoda is located in Battersea Park, on the banks of the river Thames. It is one of more than eighty pagodas, that were built around the world after the second world war.

The pagoda has great views of the river Thames, and a golden statue on each side, depicting different stages of the Buddha's life from birth to death.

The Pump House Gallery is a Victorian water tower that has been transformed into a contemporary art gallery. Although the venue is mainly used for private functions, it still opens throughout the year for events and exhibitions.

If you are in the park, it's worth walking past, just to have a look. It is a beautiful building, and the only grade II listed structure in Battersea Park. The pump house was originally built to circulate water in the adjacent boating lake.

The Thames Path goes through Battersea Park between Albert Bridge and Chelsea Bridge.  It's a beautiful walk with great views of both the river, and the park.  It also goes directly past the London Peace Pagoda.

If you want to walk along the riverside promenade, I recommend the stretch between Battersea and Putney.  It's a lovely route which goes through both Battersea Park and Wandsworth Park.

Go Ape Battersea Park offers treetop adventure courses, which consist of a series of platforms, bridges, and obstacles built high up in the trees of Battersea Park.

The Treetop Challenge includes zip lines, swinging bridges, Tarzan swings, and high platforms. There are different levels for both adults and children.

At the boating lake in Battersea Park you can hire pedal boats for an hour, or half an hour at a time. It's a great activity on a warm summer day, and each boat can hold up to six people at a time.

The boating lake is located next door to the Pear Tree cafe, so you can combine your boat trip with breakfast, lunch, or a coffee.

Battersea Park fountain is located in the centre of Battersea Park, and is a popular spot for people looking for somewhere to cool off on sunny days.

There is a coffee shop directly next to the fountain where you can sit and enjoy the relaxing sound of the water.

Battersea Park has a bike hire service that offers classic bikes, banana bikes, tandems, and child-carrier trikes.

You can go on a 2.4 mile (3.9km) circular route around the park, which normally takes around 50 minutes. It's the best place for a bike ride away from the traffic and noise of London's roads.

Battersea Park children's zoo has over forty different animals, as well as an adventure playground and feeding time talks. It's a popular place for parents to take their children during the school holidays.

Although it's a children's zoo, it's also a fun place for adults too. When we went we enjoyed going into the reptile house, and having a coffee at the zoo cafe.

The Old English Garden in Battersea Park is a beautiful space where you can relax, read or meditate. The garden contains a pond filled with lily pads at the centre, as well as a fountain, rose garden, herb garden and sundial.

Built in the early 1900s, the garden is hidden in the trees, and surrounded by high walls. It looks like a magic garden from a fairy tale, and is worth visiting if you liked reading The Secret Garden as a child.

Every November two spectacular fireworks displays takes place in Battersea Park, for Guy Fawkes Night.  One display is for adults, with a traditional bonfire and an afterparty at Evolution London.  The other display is for families, and has a light display instead of a bonfire, and fewer loud explosions.

The event, which is organised by Wandsworth Council, takes place in the large green space at the western end of the park.  For both nights tickets must be bought in advance, and normally go on sale at the end of September

At the end of November every year, the festive season is kicked off with a Christmas ball at Evolution London, in Battersea Park. It's a black tie event, with a three course meal.

The Battersea Ball has become a popular annual event in the Wandsworth local community, and attracts a larger crowd every year. It is always held in Battersea Park, at Evolution London on Carriage Drive North.

During prom season, Battersea Park hosts a number of open air picnic concerts including Proms in the Park. Past concerts have ranged from soul and jazz performances, classical music and West End soundtracks.

Battersea Park has a range of sports facilities including nineteen floodlit tennis courts, and an eight lane running track.

On a rainy day you can also get a day pass to the gym where there are classes in kickboxing, Hatha yoga, and Tai Chi.

Battersea Park has a crazy golf course that's designed to accomodate all age groups. The course includes tunnels, ramps, bridges, loops, water features, and other playful elements that add variety to each hole.

There's also a great cafe at Putt in the Park, that's known for their wood fired pizzas, and excellent brunches.

The Pear Tree Cafe is next to the boating lake, and has outdoor seating with great views over the lake. It's a popular spot for locals to come for lunch or dinner, and they often have live music in the evenings.

Their menu includes burgers, salads, pancakes, and scrambled eggs on toast. They also have a separate kids menu offering pasta and chicken goujons, as well as a variety of hot and cold drinks, including beer, wine and cocktails.