Brockwell Park

Brockwell Park’s always been a good spot for some live music.

Back in 1913, it was said that crowds “would refuse the weaker Italian stuff and demand the Wagner over and over again”. And over a century later in 2021 they’re hosting The Mighty Hoopla, an LGBTQ+ festival. Although they probably won’t be playing any Wagner. But the idea remains the same; Brockwell is one of the biggest parks in London and remains a great place for literally thousands of people to have fun.

You’ll find it nestled between Brixton & Dulwich, and amongst its 125 acres of green space you’ll find a whole lot of stuff to do without live music, too. Head down there on any given day, and you can indulge in…

• A cafe inside the historic Brockwell Hall at the top of the hill – it comes with a great view, too.
• Three ponds – ducks included
• A walled garden – it’s stuffed full of flowers and herbs
• A basketball court – completely free, no booking required
• A BMX track – also free
• A bowling green – not free, but also not expensive
• Some cricket nets – yours to use as you please
• A cricket wicket pitch – again, free
• An athletics sprint track – it’s got a grass surface, and you’ll need to book
• A football pitch – also grass, thankfully
• Some tennis courts – no membership required, but you do need to book
• A miniature railway – if you’re into that

But the real peach? It’s got to be Brockwell Lido, a Grade II listed art deco building near the top of the park. It’s an Olympic-sized unheated swimming pool, that after 80 years of business (it opened back in 1937) has become something of a South London institution. It costs £6 to get in, and it comes with a Grade II listed Art Deco building in which you’ll find a fully-equipped gym; fitness studios for spin classes, body pump, pilates, etc; a spa area with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi; and a poolside pizzeria, 400 Rabbits.

And getting there is a walk in the park.

NOTE: Brockwell Park is open now. You can find out more at the site right HERE, and make bookings for the various facilities right HERE.

Brockwell Park | SE24 9BJ

Since you’re in the area… check out these other great things to do in Brixton