Victoria Park

Explore London’s historic “People’s Park” in the heart of the East End

Victoria Park is a verdant oasis nestled in London’s vibrant East End, offering 86 hectares of lush landscapes, historic monuments, and recreational activities that have made it a beloved retreat for both locals and visitors for over 175 years.

Highlights:

• Stroll around the scenic West Lake with its Chinese pagoda, watching rowboats glide across the water while enjoying coffee from the acclaimed Pavilion Café.
• Discover fascinating historical features including Gothic fountains, alcoves from the old London Bridge, and the iconic Dogs of Alcibiades statues.
• Join the locals for Sunday markets, summer splash pools, or one of the park’s famous music festivals that bring the East End community together in this treasured green space.

Opening Hours

Victoria Park welcomes visitors daily from 7:00 AM until dusk throughout the year, making it accessible for morning joggers and evening strollers alike.

During summer months, the popular splash pool operates from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, running from the Spring Bank Holiday in late May through the end of school summer holidays, weather permitting.

The park’s seasonal hours ensure you can enjoy its beauty year-round, though specific facilities like boating may have their own schedules.

What to See and Do

Victoria Park has a wide range of activities across its sprawling green space, whether you’re seeking relaxation, exercise, or a glimpse into East London’s past.

Paddle Across the West Lake

The West Lake is the crown jewel of Victoria Park’s western section, a perfect escape from London’s hustle. I love hiring a rowboat or pedalo from Regal Boat Hire and gliding across the water, taking in views of the reconstructed Chinese pagoda that stands majestically on the lake’s island. The pagoda, restored during the 2010 refurbishment, reflects the park’s Victorian design sensibilities.

Top tip: For the best reflections on the water, visit early morning when the lake is perfectly still and the crowds haven’t arrived yet.

Explore Historical Monuments

Victoria Park is essentially an open-air museum of London history, with monuments that tell fascinating stories of the city’s past. The Burdett-Coutts Drinking Fountain is particularly impressive – this Grade II* listed Gothic-style structure was erected in 1862 by the philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, who was instrumental in founding both the NSPCC and RSPCA.

Near Bonner Gate, you’ll find the Dogs of Alcibiades, impressive statues modeled after an ancient Greek breed. The originals are in the British Museum, but these replicas (replaced in 2010) continue to guard the park with their imposing presence.

What I find most fascinating are the Old London Bridge alcoves. These Portland stone structures once stood on the 18th-century London Bridge before being relocated to Victoria Park in the 1860s. Standing inside them, you’re literally stepping into a piece of the city’s architectural history.

Wander the Tree Trails

Visitors can explore three designated tree walks – East Walk, West Walk, and Avenue Perimeter Walk – each showcasing a remarkable diversity of tree species. As you stroll, you’ll notice informational boards describing the origins of some particularly rare and exotic specimens.

The tree walks are especially beautiful in autumn when the foliage transforms into a spectacular canvas of reds, oranges, and golds. It’s well worth bringing a camera along during this season.

Get Active with Sports and Fitness

Victoria Park has been East London’s playground since Victorian times, and today it features an impressive array of sports facilities. The park includes five winter league football pitches, three cricket pitches with practice nets, four tennis courts, and a bowling green near Queen’s Gate that’s open to the public.

In late 2024, the park introduced a new fine-turf cricket wicket, enhancing its already excellent cricket facilities. The outdoor gym equipped with strength and cardio machines is particularly popular with locals – I often see it busy even on rainy days!

For families and thrill-seekers, the skate park adjacent to the East Side Playground caters to skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts of all skill levels. It’s a vibrant spot where you’ll see everything from beginners taking their first rides to skilled locals pulling off impressive tricks.

Splash and Play with Kids

Victoria Park shines when it comes to family-friendly experiences, with two excellent playgrounds. The V&A Playground on the west side near Grove Road is ideal for younger children, with swings, climbing equipment, sand play, and water pumps that provide endless entertainment.

The East Side Playground near The Hub has larger slides, more challenging climbing structures, and the highlight for summer visitors – a splash pool that operates during warmer months. On hot summer days, this area becomes a joyful chaos of squealing children and grateful parents seeking relief from the heat.

Bikeworks also hosts all-ability cycling sessions for individuals regardless of age, ability, or confidence level – making outdoor recreation truly accessible to everyone.

Experience Festivals and Events

Victoria Park has earned its reputation as one of London’s premier outdoor event venues. The All Points East festival has become a major highlight on London’s music calendar, featuring diverse lineups of international artists that draw music lovers from across the country.

Accompanying the main festival is “In The Neighbourhood,” a free community program offering outdoor cinema, live music, street food, theater, arts, sports, and children’s activities. It’s a wonderful example of how the park serves both as a world-class venue and as a community resource.

If you’re visiting in early November, the park’s Guy Fawkes Night firework display is one of London’s last remaining large free shows – a spectacular event that lights up the East End sky.

Discover the Memoryscape Trail

For history buffs, the Victoria Park Memoryscape Trail is a fascinating journey through time. This self-guided tour allows you to listen to memories from local park users while learning about the park’s evolution over its nearly 180-year history. It’s a unique way to experience the park through the eyes of the community that has loved it for generations.

Refuel at the Pavilion Café

After exploring the park, the Pavilion Café near Crown Gate East by the West Lake is the perfect spot to recharge. Known for excellent coffee and breakfast options, it’s particularly acclaimed for its Sri Lankan breakfast and brunch menu with plenty of vegan and vegetarian options. The views across the lake toward the pagoda make it one of East London’s most pleasant café settings.

On Sundays, don’t miss the food market near the Royal Gates, serving up everything from fresh produce to international street food between 10 AM and 4 PM.

Tickets & Prices

Victoria Park is free to enter and enjoy, maintaining its historic purpose as “The People’s Park” accessible to all. While most of the park’s features and facilities can be enjoyed without cost, some activities do require payment.

Boating on the West Lake through Regal Boat Hire has a fee for rowing boats and pedalos, and sports facilities like tennis courts may require booking and payment depending on the time and season. The park’s special events, such as the All Points East festival, have their own ticketing arrangements, but the park itself remains free for daily visitors.

Directions

Victoria Park is easily accessible via multiple transportation options. The nearest Underground station is Mile End (10-15 minutes’ walk via Grove Road or Mile End Park). For rail travelers, Cambridge Heath and Hackney Wick stations are the closest.

Bus routes 277 and 425 run along Grove Road with stops near the park. The park has multiple entrances, including the impressive Crown Gates and Royal Gates on Grove Road, Bonner Gate on Sewardstone Road, St. Mark’s Gate on Cadogan Terrace, Queen’s Gate on Victoria Park Road, and Arcade Gate along the Canal Towpath, allowing access from various points around its perimeter.

Nearby Places

Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: Just a short walk from Victoria Park’s eastern edge, this massive sporting complex created for the 2012 Olympics features world-class venues, the ArcelorMittal Orbit observation tower, and beautifully landscaped gardens.

Regent’s Canal & Hertford Union Canal: Bordering the park, these historic waterways provide picturesque paths for walking and cycling, with colorful narrowboats and converted warehouses creating a distinctly London atmosphere.

Broadway Market: A vibrant Saturday market just a short walk from the park’s western edge, showcasing artisanal foods, vintage clothing, and a bustling East London vibe.

Hackney City Farm: A family-friendly urban farm where visitors can meet animals and enjoy the popular café, a surprisingly rural experience in the heart of East London.

Victoria Village: The charming area adjacent to the park with independent shops, restaurants, and the famous Hackney Gelato ice cream that makes for a perfect post-park treat.

Did you know that: (5 Interesting Facts!)

1. Victoria Park once hosted naval battles when one of its ponds was used for public bathing until the 1930s, though swimming is strictly prohibited today.
2. The Chinese pagoda on the West Lake island is actually a 2012 replica – the original pagoda (possibly from Hyde Park’s 1842 Chinese Collection exhibition) stood until 1956, with local folklore telling stories of a Chinese family living there.
3. Bishop Bonner, for whom Bonner Gate is named, was a 16th-century figure whose ghost is said to still haunt the area where his house once stood.
4. The park was the first public park specifically created to serve the working class and continues to hold the Green Flag People’s Choice Award for 11 consecutive years.
5. The word “Petrol” was first used at a factory near Hackney Wick, adjacent to the park, and early plastics (parkesine) were also invented in the area, making it a site of industrial innovation.

History:

• 1841: The York House and Victoria Park Act establishes the park following a public petition calling for green space for East End workers.
• 1845: Victoria Park opens to the public, designed by Sir James Pennethorne as London’s first park created specifically for the working class.
• 1862: The Burdett-Coutts Drinking Fountain is erected by philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, with 10,000 people attending its opening.
• 1873: Queen Victoria visits the park that bears her name, acknowledging her role in its establishment.
• Late 19th Century: The park becomes a hub for political meetings featuring speakers like William Morris and Annie Besant.
• 1930s: The park’s bathing ponds close after decades of public use.
• 1956: The original Chinese pagoda is demolished after standing for over a century.
• 1970s-1980s: Victoria Park hosts significant “Rock Against Racism” concerts featuring bands like The Clash.
• 2010-2012: Major restoration work transforms the park in preparation for the London Olympics, including the installation of the new pagoda.
• Present Day: With over 9 million visitors annually, Victoria Park continues to serve as East London’s premier green space and community hub.

FAQ

Map & Address

Victoria Park, Grove Road, London E3 5TB, United Kingdom

Located in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Victoria Park spans from Bow in the east to Hackney in the west, bordered by the Regent’s Canal and the Hertford Union Canal.