A riverside walk in a popular south London park has been named as one of the best walks in the UK.
Battersea Park was one of two south London parks, including Richmond Park, named by hiking and outdoor retailer Mountain Warehouse as one of the best walks in the capital.
The walk, taking an hour from start to finish, was named as one of the best “for all abilities” and is buggy-friendly, making it a good option for families and those with mobility issues, with no steep slopes or inclines.
The walk was highlighted for its Thames views, along with its serene “hidden gardens and woodlands” and a café for a stop off point.
Beginning at Battersea Park's entrance at Chelsea Gate, the walk takes you towards the park's “striking” Peace Pagoda – a 40-year-old pagoda in a Japanese style featuring four gilded Buddhas.
The path then takes walkers out onto the riverside promenade, with views of the Thames from the Thames Pathway, after taking a right turn where you’ll spot views of London landmarks like Battersea Power Station and Chelsea Bridge.
Here you’ll find plenty of benches to sit on to stop off for some lunch or continue walking past the Peace Pagoda.
The walk then takes you through the Old English Garden – a tranquil country garden with a pool and water feature, which is full of seasonal blooms.
If you feel like a stop off for a drink, the walk leads out onto the Victorian bandstand and Pear Tree Café by the boating lake, where you can sit down and enjoy a drink with views of the lake.
The boating lake also makes for a good spot to check out the local wildlife, with the lake often full with ducks and geese, where you can even take a pedal boat out onto the lake for £6 for 30 minutes or £8 for an hour.
If you’re visiting the park with kids, the park also offers a petting zoo and play area you can stop off at near the end of the walk before finishing at Central Avenue.
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