Click here for a zoomable map and the Strava Route
- Distance – 1.7 miles
- Surface –Tarmac paths
- Terrain – Flat
- Surroundings – Park
- Traffic Free – Yes
A popular running spot in South London bordering the River Thames. The park occupies marshland reclaimed from the Thames and land formerly used for market gardens. The paved Carriage Drive loop is a great spot for a bit of speed work or as a destination to head to from Central London.
The Route
The park can be accessed via Albert Bridge Road, Prince of Wales Drive or Queenstown Road. The Strava route starts at the gate near Queens Circus close to Battersea Park station. Take your preferred direction and follow the Carriage Drive around the park.
Public toilets (no charge) are located near the bandstand in the middle of the park.
Opening Times
Battersea Park opens at 8 am and closes at dusk.
Getting There – Public Transport
The nearest station is Battersea Park that is on the London Overground line and Southern railway line and a few hundred metres from the Rosary Gate.
Clapham Junction station is 1 mile from the south-west corner of the park.
Parking
There is limited parking in the park via the Rosary, Chelsea gates and the Albert Bridge Road. Charges are £2.70 an hour.
Food and Drink
Pear Tree Café near the boating lake serves breakfast, lunch, coffee, tea, wine and beer. The best place within the park to get some sustenance.
The Pier Point Café and The Tea Terrace Kiosk sell coffee, ice cream and cake but have some poor reviews.
There are plenty of coffee shops, pubs and eateries in Battersea and across the river in Chelsea.
Other Information
Battersea Park has a few other attractions –
- The Pump House Gallery displays contemporary art situated in a Victorian Tower.
- Battersea Park Millennium Arena where there’s a 400m athletics track and a fitness centre complete with exercise classes and shower and changing facilities.
- Battersea Park Children’s Zoo – a zoo especially designed with children in mind. Home to smaller animals including otters, capuchin monkeys and chinchillas, with an interactive play area.
- Go Ape Battersea Park where you can explore the tree canopy via a treetop rope course.
- Battersea Park Children’s Playground
- The Peace Pagoda – a Buddhist Temple overlooking the River Thames
Strava
Click here for the Strava route which you can print or export.
Alternatively search “Where to Run in London” in the Strava app, go to “Routes”, pick the route and “Use”