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+1
Probably the least known of London's big Park's but I am sure the resident's of East London value it highly, rightly so. This was my first proper visit to Victoria Park - my first visit was nearly 40 year's ago & only comprised of walking our dog in there during a visit to friends. This time my visit was part of a self guided walk starting from Bethnal Green Tube Station. I didn't have time to finish the whole walk but I certainly had a good amount of time in Victoria Park & I was very impressed with my experience. The park dates from the 1840's & owes its existence to the philanthropic drive of the politician Joseph Hume. Victoria Park has many of the assets afforded to the much more well known Great Parks of London such as Hyde Park & St. James's Park. By this I mean various historic structures , lakes , ponds , wildfowl , ornamental flower beds , wild areas , playgrounds & fine old trees. I entered the park via the grand wrought Iron gates at the end of Approach Rd. Here you almost immediately cross a bridge over The Regent's Canal which runs from it's junction with the Grand Union Canal at Little Venice to the River Thames at Limehouse Basin. This canal runs alongside the park & joins another canal , The Hertford Union which runs away at a right angle & eventually joins the River Lea. A recent addition to the park is a Chinese Pagoda which has replaced a much older, dilapidated example. A older structure , The Burdett Coutts Memorial Drinking Fountain is an incredibly ornate piece & was erected at tremendous expense to honor the Victorian philanthropist of that name. There is a large lake & by the shore The Hub Cafe & nearby public toilets. A series of ponds once used for bathing by nearby residents are now very attractive wildlife areas with picnic benches nearby. All around the park are some grand houses & it is well worth your time to explore the area which contains much of historical interest.…
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Date of experience: December 2020
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Great park in East London to walk your pup, go rollerblading/skating, enjoy some tasty truck-food fare (on Sundays--though w/ the new Covid restrictions, I'm not sure this is still a go), watch the birds (geese, ducks, herons, pigeons, swans, and more), run or jog, or just talk a leisurely stroll.…
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Date of experience: December 2020
1 Helpful vote
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+1
I had never visited Victoria Park before today, but I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this amazing asset for the people of East London. The history of the Park goes back to the 19th century when, recognising the importance of open space and natural spaces for health and wellbeing, the land was acquired and the Park was created between 1842 and 1846, to designs of the architect Sir James Pennythorne (who also designed some of the 19th century alterations at Windsor Castle). Sadly most of its historic buildings and features were damaged (and later demolished) or destroyed during the Second World War. Two that survived were the Burdett-Coutts Fountain, named after the 19th century philanthropist Angela Burdett-Coutts, and two alcoves from the old London Bridge demolished in 1831. The Park underwent an extensive refurbishment from 2010, including the reconstruction of the original Chinese pagoda and bridge over the lake, plus sculptures by Ernö Bartha commissioned by the Romanian Cultural Institute. Regent's Canal with its barges runs along one side and the Park was obviously very popular when we visited today, perhaps in part because of the Food Fair with a food selection that also looked eastwards. There were long queues for some of the more exotic outlets so we settled on organically-sourced steak and chips. The park is at the heart of the local community, being home to Tower Hamlets and Victoria Park United Football Clubs, Tower Hamlets Cricket Club, Victoria Park Harriers, Tower Hamlets Athletics Club and the Victoria Model Steam Boat Club - the oldest model boat club in the world!! Apparently, it also used to have a 'Speaker's Corner', as in Hyde Park for dissenters to rouse their supporters. There is a link with Scotland - one of the more unusual of the many philanthropic acts of Angela Burdett Coutts, who was one of the wealthiest women of her age, was the commissioning of the statue of Greyfriars Bobby in Edinburgh when she was president of the Ladies Committee of the RSPCA. There is a car park in the park itself but the prices are pretty steep - we managed to park a short walk away in local streets.…
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Date of experience: November 2020
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The perfect place for lockdown exercise, beautiful seasonal colours and wide open spaces to get that 'out of London' feel.
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Date of experience: November 2020
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One of the very first public spaces granted to the people by the Queen herself. Calm, quiet and peaceful - what more could you ask for ?
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Date of experience: July 2020
2 Helpful votes
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