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Jubilee Gardens: A Riverside Oasis on London’s South Bank

A serene and family-friendly riverside garden offering iconic London views and a vibrant playground on the South Bank.

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Jubilee Gardens is a beautifully landscaped park located on London’s vibrant South Bank, nestled between Westminster and Waterloo Bridges. Established in 1977 to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II’s Silver Jubilee, this green urban haven features mature trees, colorful flowerbeds, meandering pathways, and a popular adventure playground for children. Open year-round and free to enter, it offers iconic views of the London Eye and the Thames, making it a peaceful retreat amid the city’s bustle.

A brief summary to Jubilee Gardens

  • Belvedere Rd, London, SE1 7PG, GB
  • Visit website
  • Duration: 0.5 to 3 hours
  • Free
  • Environment icon Outdoor
  • Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the adventure playground early in the day for more space and quieter playtime.
  • Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on the lawns with views of the London Eye and Thames.
  • Capture stunning photos during golden hour when the sunlight enhances the iconic cityscape.
  • Use nearby Waterloo or Westminster stations for convenient public transport access.
  • Check the playground’s seasonal opening hours and possible short-notice closures for maintenance or weather.
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Getting There

  • London Underground

    Take the London Underground to Waterloo Station, served by the Jubilee, Northern, Bakerloo, and Waterloo & City lines, or Westminster Station on the Jubilee, District, and Circle lines. Both stations are within a 10-15 minute walk to Jubilee Gardens. Tickets range from £2.50 to £6.00 depending on travel zones and time of day.

  • Bus

    Multiple bus routes serve the South Bank area near Jubilee Gardens, including routes 12, 76, 77, 148, 159, 211, 381, 453, and 507. Buses run frequently during the day, with night bus options available. A single fare costs approximately £1.75 with an Oyster or contactless card.

  • Walking

    If you are staying nearby, Jubilee Gardens is accessible on foot via Belvedere Road or The Queen’s Walk along the riverfront. Walking times vary but expect 10-20 minutes from Waterloo or Westminster stations. The terrain is flat and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

  • Taxi or Ride-Hailing

    Taxis and ride-hailing services can drop you off directly at Jubilee Gardens. Travel times depend on traffic but typically range from 10 to 25 minutes from central London locations. Fares vary widely, usually between £8 and £20.

Jubilee Gardens location weather suitability

  • Weather icon Any Weather
  • Weather icon Rain / Wet Weather
  • Weather icon Clear Skies
  • Weather icon Mild Temperatures

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Discover more about Jubilee Gardens

Origins and Historical Significance

Jubilee Gardens was created in 1977 to mark the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, transforming a once featureless grass patch into a cherished public space. Before becoming a garden, the site hosted the Festival of Britain’s Dome of Discovery in 1951 and later served as a car park. The park underwent a major redevelopment in 2012 and a further transformation completed in 2015, coinciding with the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, resulting in a world-class landscaped garden that celebrates both history and nature in central London.

Landscape and Design Features

The gardens span a generous area of lush lawns, flowerbeds, and mature trees such as English Oaks, Common Beech, and Bald Cypress. Meandering granite pathways and gently undulating lanes invite visitors to explore and relax. The planting scheme evokes the grandeur of traditional Royal Parks, with vibrant seasonal flowers and well-maintained greenery creating a serene urban oasis. Seating edges and open lawns provide ample space for picnics, quiet contemplation, or casual socializing.

Family-Friendly Adventure Playground

A standout feature of Jubilee Gardens is its adventure playground designed for children up to 11 years old. Located behind the London Eye, the playground offers a variety of climbing structures, sensory experiences, and interactive elements that cater to children of differing abilities. Open daily with seasonal hours, it provides a safe and engaging environment for families to enjoy active play amid the garden’s natural beauty.

Location and Iconic Views

Situated on Belvedere Road along the Thames riverfront, Jubilee Gardens offers spectacular views of London landmarks including the London Eye, Big Ben, and the Houses of Parliament. The park’s riverside setting makes it a perfect spot for photography, especially during golden hour when the city’s skyline is bathed in warm light. Its proximity to major transport hubs like Waterloo and Westminster stations enhances accessibility.

Community Stewardship and Accessibility

Managed by the Jubilee Gardens Trust, a local charity comprising residents, businesses, and landowners, the park is maintained as a safe, clean, and welcoming space open 24 hours a day. The trust relies on grants and donations to sustain the gardens. Facilities include wheelchair-accessible toilets nearby, and the gardens are dog-friendly with dogs required to be on leads. The park is free to enter and supports a range of community events, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of London’s cultural fabric.

Visitor Experience and Seasonal Highlights

Visitors can enjoy year-round access to the gardens, with the playground’s opening hours varying seasonally. The park is ideal for picnics, riverside strolls, and quiet relaxation away from the city noise. It also serves as a venue for local events and festivals, adding to its lively atmosphere. Weekday mornings offer a particularly peaceful experience, while weekends and summer months see more activity. The gardens’ natural beauty and iconic backdrop make it a memorable destination for families, solo travelers, and couples alike.

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