Stuck for fun, family activities this summer without breaking the budget? Why not head down to Burgess Park? Stretching from Camberwell and Walworth in the west and Peckham and the Old Kent Road in the east, Burgess Park is a unique new park reopened after an £8 million transformation.
At 56 hectares, Burgess Park is Southwark's largest park in South London. The park is central to the local community and recognised more widely for its heritage, sports facilities, lake, wildlife, design and horticultural excellence and even barbecues.
Fill your spring calendar with affordable, fun family activities such as:
Spring Barbeques: Cook up a feast in the park at either two of the designated barbeque areas near the lake. Price: Free
Delicious bites at Park Life Cafe: Located at the centre of the park outside Chumleigh Gardens, a new chef and menu have recently been announced.
Explore the play areas: Burgess Park Adventure Playground is on Albany Road near Wells Way. With new climbing equipment and banked hills for cycling and rolling down. Price: Free
Go fishing at the lake: Located at the corner of the park near Old Kent Road and Albany Road. Day membership for fishing available.
Discover Chumleigh Gardens: The world gardens are designed to reflect traditional English, Islamic, Mediterranean, Oriental and Caribbean planting. Available also are raised beds for community gardeners and school groups to grow their own plants. Price: Free
Get active at the sports centre: Located in Cobourg Road - free indoor gym and a range of sports available including community football, rugby and cricket for children and adults. Grass pitches and astro turf can be hired by teams and school groups.
Play your favourite sport: Burgess Park is equipped with a cricket pitch, football pitch and tennis courts. Bookings and small fee required.
Go running or cycling: Follow the 5km route around the park using the butterfly symbols painted on the pathway and the recycled iron markers. Register with park run for weekly time trialled runs.
BMX track: 400-metre BMX National Standard track is open daily except Mondays until 9pm. All welcome from novices to experienced riders - subject to an initial induction.
Image credit to IamGuy