Kennington Park: Historic Heart of South London
Historic Kennington Park, South London’s first public park, blends rich political heritage with vibrant community green space and Victorian charm.
Kennington Park, opened in 1854 on the site of the former Kennington Common, is the first public park in South London. It has a rich history as a site for political rallies, public executions, and sporting events. Today, it offers landscaped gardens, sports pitches, playgrounds, and community spaces, blending Victorian heritage with vibrant local life in London SE11.
A brief summary to Kennington Park
- Kennington Park Rd, London, SE11 4BE, GB
- +442079269000
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit the Charlie Chaplin Adventure Playground for a family-friendly play area with historical significance.
- Explore the war memorial to appreciate local history and the park’s commemorative role.
- Enjoy casual cricket or football matches on the park’s pitches, a nod to its sporting heritage.
- Attend community events or seasonal celebrations often held in the park for a local cultural experience.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
Getting There
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London Underground
Take the Northern Line to Kennington Station, approximately a 10-15 minute walk to the park. The station is well-serviced with frequent trains, and the walk is along mostly flat urban streets. No cost beyond standard Tube fare applies.
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Bus
Bus routes 68, 171, and 468 serve Kennington Park Road with stops within 5-10 minutes’ walk of the park. Buses run regularly throughout the day. Standard London bus fares apply, payable by contactless or Oyster card.
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Taxi or Rideshare
A taxi or rideshare from central London takes approximately 15-25 minutes depending on traffic. Fares vary but typically range from £8 to £15. Drop-off points are available near the main park entrances on Kennington Park Road.
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Walking
If staying nearby, walking to Kennington Park is an easy option, with flat terrain and pedestrian-friendly sidewalks. Walking times vary by starting point but generally range from 10 to 30 minutes within the SE11 area.
Kennington Park location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Rain / Wet Weather
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
Discover more about Kennington Park
From Common Ground to Urban Oasis
Kennington Park stands on land once known as Kennington Common, a historic open space used for public gatherings, executions, and recreation since medieval times. The common was a vital social and political arena, famously hosting the Chartists' largest rally in 1848 advocating for electoral reform. In 1852, an Act of Parliament enclosed the common, transforming it into a formal park sponsored by the royal family and local authorities. Officially opened in 1854, it became the first public park in South London, designed with Victorian ideals of urban green space to improve public health and social order.Political and Social Legacy
Kennington Common was a stage for significant historical events, including speeches by Methodist founders George Whitefield and John Wesley, who drew crowds of up to 30,000. The Chartist rally in 1848 marked a pivotal moment in British political history, emphasizing the park’s role as a space for public assembly and activism. Over time, the park has witnessed social movements, including 20th-century protests and community gatherings, reflecting its ongoing importance as a civic focal point.Victorian Design and Features
The park’s layout reflects mid-19th-century park design, featuring tree-lined pathways, ornamental flower beds, and open lawns for recreation. Original London Plane trees planted during the park’s creation still thrive, framing the oval walks and sports pitches. Iron railings once enclosed the park, removed during wartime efforts. The park also contains a war memorial commemorating local regiment casualties and a playground named after Charlie Chaplin, linking cultural heritage with community use.Community and Recreation Today
Kennington Park remains a vibrant green space serving diverse local residents. It hosts cricket and football matches on its fenced pitches, casual games, and community events. Facilities include a children’s playground, flower gardens, and open lawns for relaxation. The park is managed with a focus on accessibility and community engagement, offering a peaceful urban retreat amid London’s bustling environment.Architectural and Natural Highlights
The park is bordered by historic terraces and notable buildings, including the Prince Consort Lodge, now home to tree-planting charities. Its landscape combines natural beauty with Victorian-era architectural elements such as shelters and the war memorial. The park’s mature trees and well-kept gardens provide seasonal interest and habitat for urban wildlife, contributing to local biodiversity.Living History and Cultural Significance
Kennington Park embodies layers of London’s social and political history, from medieval times to the present. It symbolizes the evolution of public space from common land to a managed urban park, reflecting changing attitudes towards recreation, social control, and community identity. Today, it offers visitors a chance to connect with this rich heritage while enjoying a tranquil and scenic environment in the heart of South London.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Southbank House
1.3 km
Historic terracotta landmark in Lambeth, blending Victorian pottery heritage with modern creative workspaces.
Vauxhall Bridge
1.3 km
Vauxhall Bridge: Historic iron origins meet modern steel, linking London’s south and north banks with art and engineering heritage.
South Bank Lion
2.1 km
Majestic 1837 Coade stone lion guarding Westminster Bridge, symbolizing London’s resilience and rich heritage.
Statue of George V
2.1 km
A dignified white Portland stone statue honoring King George V, standing proudly in Westminster’s historic Old Palace Yard.
Statue of Oliver Cromwell
2.2 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Oliver Cromwell, standing outside Westminster Hall as a symbol of Britain’s turbulent 17th-century history and contested legacy.
Westminster Hall
2.2 km
Step into Westminster Hall, a majestic medieval masterpiece that has witnessed a millennium of British history, law, and monarchy.
Westminster Abbey
2.2 km
Discover the timeless beauty and rich history of Westminster Abbey, a must-visit landmark in London for every traveler seeking to explore British heritage.
St Margaret's Church
2.2 km
Explore the serene beauty and rich history of St Margaret's Church, a hidden gem in the heart of London near Westminster Abbey.
Big Ben
2.2 km
Discover the iconic Elizabeth Tower and its famous bell, Big Ben, a timeless symbol of London's heritage and British culture.
Boadicea and Her Daughters
2.2 km
A commanding bronze tribute to Boudica, the fierce Celtic queen, standing proudly on her chariot beside Westminster Bridge in the heart of London.
The London Dungeon
2.2 km
Explore London's haunting history at The London Dungeon, where thrilling rides and live performances bring the city's dark tales to life.
Bridge St
2.2 km
Experience the vibrant heart of London at Bridge Street, where history meets modernity in a lively cultural hub.
City Cruises London Westminster Pier
2.3 km
London's premier riverside gateway to Parliament, Big Ben, and Westminster's iconic landmarks.
County Hall
2.3 km
Historic Edwardian Baroque landmark on London’s South Bank with iconic river views, cultural venues, and rich civic heritage.
Parliament Square Garden
2.3 km
Where Westminster's political heart meets a tranquil green sanctuary beneath the shadow of Big Ben.
Unmissable attractions to see
The ACE Programme Charity
0.4 km
Historic cricket ground and premier London venue blending sporting heritage with modern event excellence.
The Oval
0.4 km
Historic cricket ground in London, home to Surrey CCC and the birthplace of the Ashes rivalry, set against iconic Victorian gas holders.
Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens
0.9 km
Historic London park on the site of the famed 18th-century Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, blending cultural heritage with modern green space.
Van Gogh House London
1.1 km
Discover the historic London home of Vincent van Gogh, now a vibrant arts centre celebrating his legacy through exhibitions, residencies, and tours.
St George Wharf
1.3 km
Experience vibrant riverside living in London’s iconic St George Wharf, blending modern architecture, stunning Thames views, and unbeatable connectivity.
Tamesis Dock
1.3 km
Experience the lively atmosphere at Tamesis Dock, a floating bar on the Thames, offering drinks, food, and live music with stunning river views.
Imperial War Museum
1.4 km
Explore six floors of powerful exhibits revealing the human stories behind modern warfare at London’s Imperial War Museum.
London Bicycle Tour Company
1.4 km
Explore London's landmarks and hidden streets on two wheels with expert local guides and quality bikes.
Garden Museum
1.5 km
Medieval church celebrating British gardens, from royal estates to allotments, with seasonal café.
Tally Ho ~ London Bike Tours, Taxi Tours & Pub Tours
1.5 km
Explore London’s iconic sights and hidden treasures on classic British bicycles with expert guides and lively pub stops.
Tate Britain
1.5 km
Discover 500 years of British art at Tate Britain, home to Turner’s masterpieces and iconic works from the Pre-Raphaelites to contemporary artists.
Lambeth Palace
1.6 km
Explore the rich history and serene gardens of Lambeth Palace, the iconic residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury in London.
Lambeth Bridge
1.6 km
A vibrant red steel arch bridge blending historic ferry roots, elegant design, and London legends across the Thames.
London Cab Tours
1.6 km
Experience the best of London with personalized cab tours, guided by expert drivers sharing the city's rich history and hidden gems.
Your London Cabbie
1.6 km
Personalized black cab tours with expert guide Peter Mulcahy, exploring London’s history, music, and hidden gems in comfort and style.
Essential places to dine
Brunswick House
1.2 km
Experience inventive British cuisine in a stunning Georgian mansion adorned with chandeliers and antiques, blending history and modern dining in Vauxhall.
Sapori
1.8 km
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine with generous portions and a lively atmosphere in the heart of Westminster, London.
Osteria dell'Angolo
1.9 km
Classic Italian flavors and fresh pasta in a warm, elegant Westminster setting with attentive service and a visible kitchen.
Ma La Sichuan
2.1 km
Experience authentic, boldly spiced Sichuan cuisine in the heart of Westminster with vibrant flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
OKAN South Bank
2.2 km
Experience authentic Osaka-style okonomiyaki and Japanese street food in a cozy, lively South Bank eatery with friendly service and a nostalgic vibe.
Troia Southbank
2.2 km
Experience authentic Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine with halal options in a vibrant riverside setting near the London Eye.
Mio Restaurant & Bar
2.2 km
Authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality await you in this cozy central London gem with generous portions and great value.
Colosseo Restaurant
2.4 km
Experience authentic Italian flavors and warm hospitality in the heart of London’s Victoria at Colosseo Restaurant.
The Pem
2.4 km
Elegant modern British dining in Westminster, honoring heritage with exquisite seasonal menus and refined ambiance.
Caxton Grill
2.4 km
Refined British grill cuisine with fresh rooftop garden produce in a relaxed Westminster setting inside St Ermin’s Hotel.
The Archduke
2.4 km
Lively steakhouse and wine bar in Waterloo with superb Scotch beef, classic desserts, and live jazz in a buzzy, inviting atmosphere.
Chez Antoinette Victoria
2.5 km
Authentic French bistro in London’s Victoria offering classic Lyonnais and Parisian dishes in a cozy, Parisian-style setting.
The Courtesan
2.5 km
Experience authentic dim sum, inventive cocktails, and captivating cabaret in the glamorous, intimate setting of Brixton’s The Courtesan.
Ping Pong Southbank
2.5 km
Lively Southbank dim sum and cocktail bar blending traditional Chinese flavors with modern Asian fusion in a bustling riverside setting.
Brasserie Blanc - Southbank
2.5 km
Authentic French brasserie dining with hearty seasonal dishes and rustic charm on London’s lively South Bank.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Unique Maps Co.
1.2 km
Discover rare vintage maps and bespoke cartographic art crafted with passion in London’s Unique Maps Co. workshop.
The Giftree London
1.7 km
Discover London's soul in souvenirs, crafts, and conveniences at this Lambeth gem—unique gifts, luggage storage, and local flair await.
Browns of London
2.1 km
Explore Browns of London for unique handcrafted gifts and local treasures in the heart of the city, perfect for memorable souvenirs from your travels.
Jubilee Shop (Houses of Parliament Gift Shop)
2.2 km
Discover exclusive British political gifts and souvenirs inside the historic Westminster Hall at the Jubilee Shop, Houses of Parliament.
Westminster Abbey Shop
2.2 km
Discover exclusive Abbey-inspired gifts and souvenirs that support Westminster Abbey’s heritage and conservation efforts.
Houses of Parliament Shop
2.3 km
Discover parliamentary pride in souvenirs, books, and gifts at this cozy Bridge Street boutique, steps from Westminster's iconic halls.
Gift Shop - London Eye Shop
2.3 km
Capture London's magic at the London Eye Gift Shop: exclusive souvenirs, Thames views, and iconic keepsakes from the wheel's base.
Brixton Village
2.3 km
London's most diverse market where over 100 independent traders from 50+ nations create culinary and cultural magic.
Custom Gifts By Jupiter
2.4 km
Unleash creativity with bespoke gifts and custom decor from this South Bank artisan haven near the Thames and iconic landmarks.
Southbank Centre Shop, Mandela Walk
2.5 km
Discover creative gifts, sustainable homewares, and arts-inspired souvenirs on vibrant Mandela Walk, opposite Royal Festival Hall—a stylish treat amid South Bank's cultural heartbeat.
Bermondsey Antique Market
2.5 km
Uncover vintage treasures at London’s oldest antiques market, where history meets haggling every Friday morning in Bermondsey Square.
Cardinal Place
2.7 km
Experience the ultimate shopping and dining destination at Cardinal Place, London’s vibrant commercial hub near Victoria Station.
Sugar And Style
2.7 km
Discover design-led fashion accessories in Gabriel's Wharf, London's arty South Bank riverside haven blending style, creativity, and Thames views.
j-me original design ltd
2.7 km
Whimsical designs with a humorous twist from London's Oxo Tower creative hub – quirky home gifts blending fun, function, and British ingenuity.
Borough Yards
2.8 km
Discover Borough Yards, a lively London district blending historic railway arches with cutting-edge shopping, dining, and culture near Borough Market.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Morpeth Arms
1.5 km
Historic Thameside pub with cask ales, hearty fare, haunted cellars, and MI6 views— a Westminster gem blending Victorian ghosts and modern cheer.
Primo Bar, London
2.1 km
Sophisticated South Bank cocktails and live jazz with Big Ben views—Primo Bar blends daytime lounge ease with electrifying nightly performances in stylish 60s-inspired surrounds.
Waterloo Lost Property Office Speakeasy
2.1 km
Discover a hidden 1920s-inspired speakeasy in Waterloo serving expertly crafted cocktails in a seductive, vintage setting.
Bar @ 26 Leake Street
2.2 km
Experience London’s vibrant street art and nightlife culture at 26 Leake Street, a unique cocktail bar and event venue in Waterloo’s iconic graffiti tunnels.
Brixton Brewery Tap Room
2.2 km
A bright, bustling brewery taproom in Brixton offering fresh craft beers and a lively local atmosphere beneath a historic railway arch.
Slug & Lettuce - County Hall
2.2 km
Chic South Bank cocktail haven in County Hall: bottomless brunches, 2-for-1 sips, pub classics, and Thames views for London's liveliest lunches and nights out.
All Bar One Waterloo
2.2 km
Sophisticated South Bank bar serving creative cocktails, sharing plates, and wines in a lively spot near Waterloo Station and the London Eye.
The Shrub and Shutter
2.3 km
Innovative cocktail bar and modern British restaurant offering unique shrub-based drinks and eclectic small plates in Brixton’s vibrant heart.
The Landor
2.3 km
A lively Clapham pub with a heated beer garden, great sports atmosphere, and a menu full of crowd-pleasing favorites.
Le Champagne Bar
2.3 km
A compact riverside champagne lounge beside the London Eye—perfect for a celebratory flute and framed Thames views.
The Red Lion, Parliament Street
2.4 km
A venerable Westminster corner pub — late‑Victorian fittings, political atmosphere and a long history beside Downing Street and Parliament.
Westminster Arms
2.4 km
Historic Westminster pub with parliamentary division bell, Shepherd Neame ales, and cozy alcoves steps from Abbey and Parliament—timeless British charm in political heart.
The Old School Yard
2.4 km
Step into a lively retro playground with expertly crafted cocktails, classic arcade games, and a vibrant 80s and 90s atmosphere in London Bridge.
Blue Boar Pub
2.4 km
Traditional Westminster pub serving hearty British classics in a cozy, historic setting near Abbey and Parliament—perfect for ales, roasts, and relaxed evenings.
Dogstar
2.4 km
A multi-floor Brixton hotspot blending industrial charm with energetic music and a lively party pub vibe.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Fire Nightclub
1.0 km
Vauxhall's railway arch behemoth: all-night house marathons, go-go dancers, and dawn-defying beats in London's gay club epicenter.
Lightbox London
1.0 km
Dive into dazzling LED realms at Vauxhall's electrifying nightclub, where lights, beats, and all-night energy create unforgettable weekend escapes.
Bootylicious London last Saturday of the month
1.0 km
Late-night Vauxhall institution for raw techno, queer-focused party nights and after-hours clubbing on Albert Embankment.
Union
1.0 km
Vauxhall's relentless nightclub heartbeat: techno-fueled nights stretching to dawn in multi-zone bliss along the Thames.
Corsica Studios
1.3 km
Experience London’s underground music pulse at Corsica Studios, where intimate vibes meet exceptional sound beneath historic railway arches.
STRAWBERRY SUNDAE
2.1 km
Retro rave haven in Waterloo Arches: Daytime hardcore beats, 90s DJ legends, and industrial euphoria from midday to midnight.
Cirque Du Soul
2.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti tunnel for soul-stirring electronic nights at this underground nightclub haven.
We Are Waterloo
2.2 km
Dive into Leake Street's graffiti heart where street art meets thumping beats in London's ultimate underground nightclub haven.
The Boat Show Comedy Club
2.5 km
London’s premier floating comedy club aboard the historic Tattershall Castle, blending laughter with iconic riverside views and vibrant nightlife.
Club 701
2.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife and dynamic clubbing scene at Club 701, South London's energetic hotspot on Old Kent Road.
Heaven
2.9 km
London’s iconic gay superclub under the railway arches — big nights, loud music, drag, and late finishes in the heart of the West End.
Infernos Nightclub
2.9 km
Clapham’s legendary two-floor nightclub where wild nights, iconic music, and unforgettable parties come alive until dawn.
Proud Late
3.0 km
Dive into two-storey glamour under Waterloo Bridge: cabaret acrobatics, burlesque dazzle, supper feasts, and non-stop clubbing till 5am in London's West End nightlife epicenter.
TSQ Club
3.0 km
Dive into Trafalgar Square's nightlife pulse at TSQ Club, where eclectic beats, dazzling lights, and craft cocktails fuel unforgettable weekend nights in London's heart.
The Steel Yard
3.2 km
Experience London’s premier industrial-chic nightclub set in historic Victorian railway arches, with world-class sound and late-night energy until 6am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Fun-filled
- Lively
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Locally Managed
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Day Trip
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly