What is it?
Known as the ‘People’s Park’, Victoria Park is one of London’s favourite open spaces. Stretched over a huge 86.18 hectares, this swath of the outdoors is nestled entirely in Tower Hamlets and attracts East London dwellers in their masses, rain or shine. In the summer it’s often taken over by festivals like Field Day and All Points East. In the autumn park-goers are treated to epic fireworks displays, but that’s not all: parts of the park are Grade II-listed and it was originally landscaped by the famous architect Sir James Pennethorne in 1842. Worth looking out for are the Dogs of Alcibiades statues, Burdett-Coutts Fountain and two stone alcoves from the original London Bridge.
Why go?
Step out of bustling East London and into a hub of tranquillity. Victoria Park boasts two expansive lakes (one with a Chinese pagoda island), a boating pond and lots of wonderful activities for youngsters. The V&A Playground is equipped with swings and other bits and bobs to play on and the fantastically designed Pools Playground encourages creative play. It’s also the place to go for outdoor pursuits with tennis courts, a bowling green and running track, plus football and cricket pitches. And if you work up a thirst? There's the Pavilion Café, where you can grab a bite to eat before kicking back in the splendour of Pennethorne's lovely vision.
Don't miss:
Every Saturday (11am-5pm) and Sunday (10am-4pm) the walkway between the park's Gore gate and the Bonner gate is taken over by a weekly food market. On Saturday, prepare to choose between some of London's best street food sellers - and there's lots of booze on sale too. Sunday has a range of seasonal fruit and veg, cheeses and organic butchers selling their produce, too.
When to visit:
Victoria Park opens at 7am and closes at dusk, 365 days a year.
Ticket info:
The park is free to enter.
Time Out tip:
Stop off at one of the pubs near the park while you're there. Some of our favourites are People's Park Tavern, The Approach Tavern and Royal Inn on the Park.
