Brookmill Park

• Get back to nature in the city with a visit to Brookmill Park in Lewisham.
• Discover the incredible wildlife that can be found in the park, including many interesting types of bird.
• Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the park’s formal garden area, which has many beautiful types of flowers and plants.
• The park is also home to a children’s play area and riverside cycle routes.
   

Stretching for nine acres along the meandering River Ravensbourne, Brookmill Park is a true hidden gem in the South London borough of Lewisham. Originally a small recreation ground first developed in 1880, the park was expanded after bombing during World War II and opened as Ravensbourne Park in 1953. The name changed to Brookmill Park in the 1970s, but the park’s original name can still be seen written in the golden arch above the main entrance on Brookmill Road. 
 

Today, the park stands out amongst other Lewisham parks for being a haven for local wildlife. Despite being relatively small, the river that runs through it attracts a great deal of fantastic animals. These animals include beautiful kingfishers, herons, and many different types of duck. These brilliant animals make Brookmill Park a delight for any budding birdwatcher.
 

The area around the river in the park has purposefully been left to its own devices by the staff. This makes the park have a real sense of nature and uniqueness. As you walk through the wild flower beds on the banks of the Ravensbourne river, it’s easy to forget that you’re in the middle of the biggest city in the country. If you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of the big city for an afternoon, Brookmill Park is a great place to enjoy.
 

During a visit to the park, you’ll also discover the formal gardens, which are maintained by the Friends of Brookmill Park group. These gardens have a range of lovely roses, wisteria, and other plants. With grass or benches to sit on, it’s a wonderful place to relax or have a picnic during your visit. The gardens are tended year round and change with the seasons, with delightful blooms in spring and vibrant autumnal colours as the year comes to a close.
 

Brookmill Park is also home to a children’s play area, where kids can let off steam whilst parents relax on the nearby benches. The play area has slides, swings, and climbing equipment, making it perfect for kids to enjoy. There is also a riverside cycle route that runs through the park which is popular with visitors and commuters. 
 

The park is located in the vibrant borough of Lewisham in south-east London. The area is home to a buzzing artistic scene, with plenty of art exhibitions and galleries found around the borough. With independent cafes, shops, and even a cinema, there’s loads of ways to get involved with the local community in Lewisham. There are plenty of great things to see and do for families in this part of the capital; whether you're heading to Deen City Farm and meeting farmyard animals or enjoying the majestic architecture at Severndroog Castle, there's so much to do in South London. 
 

What to know before you go

• Brookmill Park opening hours are from 8am to sunset every day. In the summer, the park can close as late as 9.30pm, whilst in winter it may close as early as 4.30pm. 
• While there’s no cafe inside the park itself, The Brookmill pub is just across the street from the main entrance on Brookmill Road. The pub is a beautiful example of the Victorian architecture common in the area, and serves popular pub food and drinks, making it a lovely place to stop off after a walk round the park. It also has a sizeable beer garden, so is particularly enjoyable to visit in the summer.
• There are no toilet or baby-changing facilities at Brookmill Park. 
• The park is accessible for wheelchair users and parents with buggies as all the paths through the park are smooth and wide.
   

Getting there

• Brookmill Park is approximately a half-hour drive from central London.
• The park doesn’t have a car park of its own, though there is some on-street parking available on nearby roads, such as Brookmill Road and Elverson Road.
• Brookmill Park is easily accessible by public transport. It lies between two DLR stations; Elverson Road to the south, and Deptford Bridge to the north, which also has London Overground service. Both stations are less than a five-minute walk from the park.
• The park is also well served by London buses. Bus routes that run along Brookmill Road next to the park include the 47 and 225.