Philip Thompson
SerpAPI
This is a highly commendable park, certainly outstanding in south London but, in my estimation and experience, this place would hold its own alongside the very best examples of municipal recreation anywhere in the world.
In fact, one single review like this underserves the many many individual gardens and other interesting offerings to be found within the bounds of this park/common. Most of these are worthy of 5 stars on their own.
Unusual and noteworthy for south London is the quality of landscape design in each formal garden, something I would normally associate with e.g. National Trust properties or the hoity-toity perfectionism of those regal parks and squares of north London where one suspects the wildlife such as it is, are on Equity day rates, flown in for the tourist trade 😉🤣
Anyhow, each of the beautiful secluded corners herein is now wonderfully mature and effortlessly "zen", clearly well cared-for and much-loved, no doubt thanks to the enormous dedication over decades of legions of nameless altruistic locals whose tireless work is a gift to the future of our city and a wonder to enjoy. Here's to them!
Two other things to note: 1) the thoughtful integration of original natural features with formal gardens. Human recreational needs met without bulldozing the few wild parts. Could modern day park planners take note (see Burgess Park meddlers)? Not everything has to be committee-planned, and a park is not a cashcow to see how many tawdry "funfairs" and film-crews you can squeeze in. Oh, and nor should nondescript flat grass any longer count towards your borough's green space; we know this boring homogeneity kills off nature. Look here for inspiration! - nature-friendly diverse habitats that are also enjoyable for humans whether for exercise, or family days out, or kids exploring, or just mental well-being.
2) actual public toilets that are not closed or derelict, and seem to be open and free to use at least a good portion of the day. Other parks and public spaces in the UK, we are expected either to have evolved beyond toilet functions, or at least trained ourselves to limit them to between 9-5.
