Have you ever wondered just how many green open-spaces are nearby to Roehampton? If so, this is the blog for you. We’ve put together a list of 15 parks that are perfect for getting in your 10k steps a day. We’ve tried to keep all of the parks within walking distance of campus, but some do require (and are certainly worth) a little adventure on public transport. Enjoy, and get exploring!
1) University of Roehampton
First up we have our 54-acre parkland campus which stretches from Southlands to Froebel, and then on to Whitelands College. No matter where your journey begins, there is always reason for a pitstop at The Hive Cafe in Digby Square for those who wish to embark on their mini-adventure with a coffee in hand. Our history packed campus is open to all throughout the year.
2) Palewell Park Playing Fields
A 20-minute walk from the university, Palewell Park has 12 hectares of open space and woodland. Located near to Richmond Park and can be accessed by foot via Priory Lane near the Bank of England Sports Ground. If you enjoy a round of golf, Palewell Park is also home to one of the only pitch-and-putt golf courses open to the public in the area.
3) Richmond Park
One of the many advantages of studying in Roehampton, is having one of the London’s Royal Parks on your doorstep. Richmond Park is a well-known National Nature Reserve and London’s largest Site of Special Scientific Interest, comprising 2500 acres and home to deer populations, rare birds, historic trees, and wildflower species. If you exit campus from the Clarence Lane Gate on Froebel College you can be at the Roehampton Gate of Richmond Park within 6 minutes. A stroll here can improve your immune system while also lowering your stress levels.
4) Putney Heath
Where Putney meets with Wimbledon to reside as one of ‘The Commons’, Putney Heath is a park right on our doorstep. You can get there by walking up Roehampton High Street or taking the 493 bus. A friendly walk past the cricket pitch will bring you to the picturesque Telegraph pub for a bite-to-eat or a well deserved beverage.
5) Wimbledon Common
Also known as the best place to go trail running and another division of ‘The Commons’, Wimbledon Common is the easiest place to get ‘temporarily lost’ but you’ll soon get back on track. The free 24-hour public space allows park-goers to follow paths which can take you to the common’s windmill, Putney Heath and Richmond Park.
6) Barnes Common
Much closer to the university and used by local cricket and football teams, Barnes Common is peacefully located in the blur of traffic noise and roads. It is one of the few commons which has an extensive area of acid grassland, allowing small fine plants and invertebrates to live their best life! It’s also home to several creatures that are on the endangered list. This park is located next to Barnes Station.
7) Wimbledon Park
Wimbledon Park, located a short journey on the 493 via Southfields from the university and directly across the road from the Wimbledon Tennis Championships, is your go-to park with your pals for events such as Pub in the Park, outdoor films, and annual firework displays (only to name a few). It is one of Merton Borough’s largest parks, with a variety of facilities such as an athletics track, lakes and ponds, and ornamental gardens.
8) Putney Bridge Riverside Walk
Roughly 6.5k/4 miles in length (an hour of walking and more than half of your 10,000 steps), walking by the riverside takes you from Putney Bridge to Hammersmith Bridge, and then on to Barnes Bridge (if you’re willing to go that far!). Home to a host of rowing clubs and woodland scenery, this tranquil walk by the river will have you seeing the sights of swans and rowers share their love for the river, as well as wanting to walk further than you can imagine. Do plan your walk according to the weather, as the river does tend to flood onto the path on rainy days.
9) Wandsworth Park
Wandsworth Park, located on the south side of Putney Bridge and a perfect place to unwind after leaving Putney, is one of the numerous parks on the Thames riverbank and offers wonderful sights to enjoy, such as watching the water sports, birds, and boating. As this park is so close to Putney, its a great option to grab some takeaway food from the many restaurant options on Putney High Street, and enjoy the (still hot) food by the river after a 5 minute walk. If crazy golf is more your thing, you can visit Putt-In-The-Park at the eastern end of the park.
10) King George’s Park
The perfect day out if you live on campus! King George’s Park is a 5-minute walk from the Southside Shopping Centre and the perfect place to unwind after a day of retail therapy. The River Wandle Trail, as well as flower gardens, a rose garden, tennis courts, and a lovely water fountain, can be found here. You may walk to the park (50 mins) or catch the 220 or 270 bus from Putney!
11) Bishop’s Park
Bishop’s Park, a 5-minute walk from Putney Bridge Station, is another park with stunning views of the Thames. It is one of Hammersmith and Fulham Borough’s most-used parks and an amazing spot to watch a sunset as it overlooks Putney Bridge. There are tons of grassy areas, benches, skateboarding areas, and a park café, making this park enjoyable for everyone.
12) Hurlingham Park
Hurlingham Park, described as a “hidden gem” in the neighbourhood, is a large open space with a variety of facilities. It is a 10-minute walk from Putney Bridge via Hurlingham Road and an 8-minute walk from Bishops Park (if travelling from park to park). A lovely spot for a dog stroll or a picnic. The park is free to visit, however annual polo tournaments do require payment!
Note: this park can only be accessed via Hurlingham Road from Putney Bridge, not via The Hurlingham Club.
13) Wandsworth Common
Wandsworth Common is a tranquil park in South London that is ideal for a chilled day in the park. The common is a great place for walking, running, tennis, and relaxing after grabbing something from the nearby cafes. The common is very accessible from a number of locations such as Tooting Bec, Clapham Junction, Earlsfield and Balham, so you can always use it as a meeting place for your friends before heading somewhere else.
14) Clapham Common
Situated between Clapham Junction, Clapham Old Town, and Balham, Clapham Common is a particularly large, open, and busy space. It’s difficult to miss grassy space, which is bordered by several bars and restaurants. You can get here via tube to Clapham South or Clapham Common, or alternatively via overground to Balham or Clapham Junction and a short walk. A great park to jog the full width of 2.71 miles and visit the historical bandstand. Very easy to get your 10k steps done at this huge park.
15) Battersea Park
The last and furthest park from the University on the list, Battersea Park is one of the many big parks in London preserving beautiful gardens of plants from sub-tropical parts of the world. Located on the southern bank of the River Thames, this park has a sensational riverside path for long strolls heading towards Battersea Power Station, and an excellent view of the Albert and Chelsea Bridges, which are located east and west of the tranquil Japanese Pagoda. The park features a children’s zoo, restaurants, Go-Ape, boating lakes, and bicycle rentals, among other facilities. The quickest route to getting to the park from the university, is by train from Barnes Station, exiting at Queenstown Road. You can also take the 170 bus from Roehampton, and get off the bus at Battersea Bridge.