Jubilee Gardens

A Royal Legacy Reimagined

Jubilee Gardens was originally created in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II's Silver Jubilee. For decades, the space remained relatively undeveloped—a flat expanse of grass with little character. In 2012, a transformative £5 million redevelopment project breathed new life into the gardens, reshaping it into a world-class urban park worthy of its prominent riverside location. The project was funded through contributions from Shell, EDF Energy (via the London Eye), the Mayor of London, and various charitable trusts. Today, the gardens stand as a testament to thoughtful urban regeneration, attracting over 5.5 million visitors annually.

Landscape and Natural Character

The redesigned gardens showcase a carefully curated landscape that balances formality with accessibility. Over 90 mature trees—including English Oaks, Common Beech, and Bald Cypress—provide dappled shade and seasonal interest throughout the year. Striking flower beds echo the grand planting schemes of London's traditional Royal Parks, while chalk-white granite pathways meander through the space, creating multiple viewpoints and intimate gathering areas. Undulating lawns offer flexible spaces for picnicking, lounging, and informal recreation. The riverside setting along the Thames provides constant visual interest, with views extending across the water toward the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Bridge.

The Adventure Playground and Family Appeal

Central to the gardens' popularity is its enclosed adventure playground, designed specifically for children up to 11 years old. Unlike conventional play equipment, this space features imaginative climbing structures, sensory experiences engaging sound, vision, and touch, and obstacles designed to challenge and delight children of varying abilities. The playground opens daily at 8:30 AM with seasonal closing times ranging from 4:00 PM in winter months to 9:00 PM during summer. The surrounding mature trees keep the playground naturally shaded and cool, though this can create slippery conditions in wet weather or icing in winter, occasionally necessitating temporary closures for safety.

Access and Practical Amenities

Jubilee Gardens remains open 365 days a year from midnight to midnight, making it accessible at virtually any hour. Entry is completely free. The gardens can be accessed from Belvedere Road or from The Queen's Walk on the riverfront. Wheelchair-accessible public toilets (the 'Jubiloos') operate from 10:00 AM daily near the northwest corner, though these are independently managed and charge a small fee. The site is managed by the Jubilee Gardens Trust, a local charity committed to maintaining the space as a safe, accessible, and commercially neutral public asset.

Position Within the South Bank Cultural Quarter

Located at the foot of the London Eye and nestled between Westminster Bridge and Waterloo Bridge, Jubilee Gardens serves as an anchor point for London's vibrant South Bank. The pedestrianized riverbank connects seamlessly to the nearby Southbank Centre, theatres, galleries, and riverside restaurants. This positioning makes the gardens an ideal starting point for exploring the broader cultural district while offering respite from the busier attractions. The combination of iconic landmarks, cultural venues, and green space creates a uniquely London experience.

Seasonal Rhythms and Community Use

Throughout the year, Jubilee Gardens hosts community events and celebrations, from seasonal festivals to cultural gatherings. Weekday mornings typically offer the most peaceful experience, while summer weekends and school holidays draw larger crowds. The space accommodates diverse activities—from quiet contemplation and picnicking to informal fitness classes and social gatherings. Dogs are welcome on leads, and the open lawns provide ample space for families, couples, and solo visitors to find their own corner of this beloved public garden.