South Bank is the go-to area in London for chilling out in the summer sun, escaping the traffic, and breathing in the fresh air. In summer our spaces a peppered with Londoners and tourists alike all relaxing and watching the world go by. Here are our pick of the best parks in the South Bank area.
The expansive and peaceful Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park was opened in 1934 and was gifted to the mothers of Southwark. Recent additions to the park include an ecological world garden laid out along the boundary with Lambeth Road to the west of the café, a small copse, a family orchard, and an Ice Age Tree trail.
Away from the crowds, in the southerly end of the South Bank area, Geraldine Mary Harmsworth Park is an ideal location for a picnic lunch whilst on your trip, especially as it has plenty of space for kids to run around and blow off some steam. For those of you working in the area, this is a quiet spot for a screen break and some peace away from the office at lunch time!
A beautiful splash of green amongst the brickwork of the surrounding buildings, Jubilee Gardens, which was originally opened for Queen Elizabeth’s silver jubilee, provides the perfect backdrop to the Coca-Cola London Eye.
To mark the Queen’s diamond jubilee in 2012, Jubilee Gardens was transformed into a soft, green and sustainable park with new flower beds, granite pathways and seating edges, 69 trees and a brand new contemporary playground.
In the summer, you’ll find festival celebrations such as Udderbelly taking place right next to the gardens. Jubilee Gardens is regularly a hive of activity but in the down time, it’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by.
Nestled in-between Oxo Tower Wharf and Gabriel’s Wharf, Bernie Spain Gardens is an oasis of green by the riverside and the perfect place to relax.
In summer the gardens are home to the Coin Street Festival, a season of free culturally themed events. Bernie Spain Garden can also be hired for other events.
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