London Parks: Dulwich Park
Dulwich Park
Dulwich Park is a beautiful and well-loved park in south London, located in the London Borough of Southwark.
The park spans approximately 72 acres (29 hectares) and boasts a mix of formal gardens, wide open spaces, a picturesque lake, and a network of winding pathways. Its carefully planned layout is still largely reminiscent of the Victorian era.
History
The park opened to the public in 1890. It was designed by the Victorian landscape architect Lt Col JJ Sexby, who also worked on other London parks such as Ravenscourt Park, Brockwell Park and Golders Hill Park. The park was created on land that was formerly part of the estate of Alleyn's College of God's Gift (better known as Dulwich College) and the surrounding farmland.
Layout & Events
The centerpiece of Dulwich Park is its large boating lake, which is surrounded by lush greenery. The lake is home to a variety of waterfowl such as ducks, geese and swans.
There is a wide range of facilities and amenities, including a large children's playground, tennis courts, cricket nets, an outdoor gym and football pitches.
Highlights include the American Garden, famous for its rhododendrons, which bloom in May.
London Recumbents hires recumbent bicycles for families, children and people with special needs.
The historic bowling green which began in 1900 is in use in the summer and closes down in winter.
Dulwich Park hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including outdoor concerts, art exhibitions, and family-oriented activities.
Cafe
The Dulwich Clock Cafe serves meals and also light refreshments with outdoor seating near the boating lake.
Nearby
Across the road from the park is Dulwich Picture Gallery. It dates back to the early 19th century and is the oldest public art gallery in England.
The building is itself a work of art. It was designed by Sir John Soane (1753-1837), a prominent neoclassical architect who is known for his innovative use of light and space. Soane's other project's in London include the Bank of England (though most of his work was demolished in the early 20th century), Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery and his own house in Lincoln's Inn Fields which is now the Sir John Soane's Museum.
Another London park, Brockwell Park is just 20 minutes on foot. It contains Brockwell Hall and opened in 1892.
A well-known London pub near Brockwell Park is The Half Moon in Herne Hill. The Welsh poet Dylan Thomas drank here and U2 also played here in 1980.
Hotels
Accommodation in this area of London is rather sparse but includes the Tulse Hill Hotel on Norwood Road and the Lilac Door Bed & Breakfast on Rosendale Road. The Half Moon pub also offers rooms.
See a listing of hotels near Dulwich Park.
Access
College Road
London
SE21
www: southwark.gov.uk
Hours
Dulwich Park's gates open daily at 7.30 am. See the website for closing times as they vary throughout the year from 4.30 pm and in 5 pm in the winter to 9 pm and 9.30 pm in the summer.
The nearest tube station is Brixton (Victoria Line), then take a P4 bus. The P4 bus stops outside the park. Alternatively, take a number 3 bus from Brixton tube station to West Dulwich Station and then walk about 15 minutes. The P4 bus also stops outside the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
West Dulwich railway station has trains from London Victoria, one of London's major mainline stations.
From North Dulwich Station it is also 15 minutes on foot to the park. There are trains to North Dulwich from London Bridge.
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