Victoria Park

Victoria Park in East London came into being when 218-acres of land was bought bu the Crown Estate; between the years of 1842 and 1846 this land was planned and laid out by architect James Pennethorne; a pupil of the much lauded architect John Nash.

The park was made public in 1845 and has always been referred to as 'the people's park'. Once opened the park became an essential part of life for the poor people living and working in the heavily polluted East End of London and was the only large greenspace in the area open for public use. The bathing pond in the park was popular with 19th Century park goers; however, this has not been used for bathing since 1836 and is today mainly frequented by anglers.

Although the park was a place for relaxation and recreation, it was also put to political uses and quickly became a meeting place for political rallies. The political nature of the park was reinforced when it became a Prisoner of War camp for both Italian and German soldiers during World War II. To this day the park remains a place for the local community to meet and stage events such as the Rock Against Racism concerts in the 1980's.

Despite its working class roots Victoria Park does bear resemblances to the grand Royal Parks, including deer enclosures, ornamental gardens and lakes. Notable areas of interest in the park include two canals running to the west and south of the park and two surviving fragments of the original London Bridge, Grade II listed pedestrian alcoves, that are located at the East end of the park where they have stood since 1860. The park's Pagoda has become a popular venue for open air concerts in summer months, while the sporting enjoy the lido, tennis courts, cricket pitches, bowling green and cycle paths.

The park is open every day from 6am until dusk. Find out more about events at Victoria Park.

How to get there

The closest tube stations are at Mile End and Bow. The closest main line station is at Stratford and DLR station at Bow Church.

If travelling by bus the 26, 30, 236, 276, 388 and S2 all serve the area.