Victoria Park in London
A Historic and Vibrant Green Oasis
in East London
If you are visiting East London, Victoria Park is a great choice for your next London adventure.
East London’s first public park, Victoria Park, is a retreat steeped in history with contemporary atmosphere. Opened in 1845, Victoria Park was built as the need for green spaces following the cholera epidemic and the overcrowded conditions in the East End.
Today Victoria Park is a local hub for the people of East London, and in the summer months is gets incredibly busy with events and picnics. Every Sunday you will find a Farmer’s market in the Park.
History
Victoria Park’s establishment marked a significant moment in London’s urban development. It was a pioneering initiative to provide the public with a green sanctuary amidst the city’s hustle. Over the years, the park has been a witness to various historical events, serving as a rallying point for political movements and a communal heart for the East End residents.
Throughout its history, Victoria Park has been a popular venue for political rallies and demonstrations. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a common gathering place for workers’ movements and suffragette rallies. It also played a key role in the early socialist and labor movements in Britain.
One of the most famous events held in Victoria Park was the Rock Against Racism concert in 1978. This concert was a significant cultural and political event, drawing a crowd of around 80,000 people. It featured performances by various artists and bands, including The Clash, Steel Pulse, and X-Ray Spex, and was a statement against rising racism and the National Front in the UK.
Over the years, Victoria Park has hosted a number of music and cultural festivals, attracting visitors from all over. These events have ranged from small community gatherings to large-scale music festivals.
The People’s Park
Nicknamed “Vicky Park” och The People’s Park Victoria Park is not just London’s oldest public park, but a vibrant, living piece of the city’s history. Since 1845, it has served as an oasis for the working class of East London for over 170 years.
Spread across 86 hectares, Victoria Park is the largest in the borough of Tower Hamlets. It has consistently won the hearts of Londoners, with 11 consecutive ‘Green Flag People’s Choice Awards’.
Welcoming over 9 million visitors annually, Victoria Park stretches from the River Thames at Limehouse, through the Regents Canal and Mile End Park, up to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. The London Borough of Hackney flanks the northern boundary of the park.
Highlights of Victoria Park
The Victoria Park West Lake: This very picturesque lake offers beautiful views, perfect for photo spots and bird watching. It has three islands and a fountain.
The Chinese Pagoda: The original was built in 1842 as an entrance for the Chinese Exhibition and was then purchased for display in Victoria Park. It was damaged during WW2, but re-built after 2010 along with a new bridge. It was the backdrop for the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
The Old English Garden: A beautifully manicured garden first lay out in 1916 showcasing a variety of flowers and plants. It was re-planted in 2012.
The Old English Garden: A beautifully manicured garden first lay out in 1916 showcasing a variety of flowers and plants. It was re-planted in 2012.
Activities
Events and Festivals: The park host several events each year, from music festivals to community gatherings, and marathons.
Sports Facilities: Catering to active lifestyles, the park boasts tennis courts, sports grounds, and more.
Playgrounds: The park has two large playgrounds. The Kid’s Main Playground along with a splash pool (open May-Sep), and Victoria & Alexandra Playgorund.
Cafes: The Hub cafe next to the playground and are open every day between 8.30am – 4pm. The Pavilion Cafe is located next to the lake and are open Mon – Fri 7.30am – 4pm, and Sat – Sun 8.00am – 4.00pm.
Walking and Cycling Paths: There are several paths for both walking and cycling in the park. The parts allowed for bikes are also used for pedestrians, so look out for other whatever you are walking or cycling.
Farmers Market at Victoria Park
Every Sunday, from 10 am to 4 pm
Along The Nightwalk in Vitcoria Park every Sunday you will find fresh, local produce and artisanal delights. The Farmers Market transforms this stretch between Bonner Gate and Gore Gate (nearest postcode E2 9JW) into a bustling hub of culinary experiences. In the warm months there will be a lot of people so it can be an idea to be early. There is also a large variety of food trucks.
https://victoriaparkmarket.com/
What to expect
Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Experience the vibrant colors and fresh flavors of locally grown produce.
Organic Farm Butchers and Fresh Fish: For the meat and seafood lovers, enjoy the finest cuts and catches, all ethically sourced.
Artisanal Breads and Pastries: Locally baked bread, small-batch cakes, and biscuits.
Cheese and Charcuterie: A wide selection of cheeses, including vegan options, and expertly cured meats.
Gourmet Specialties: From farm-made pies to olives, pasta, and sauces.
International Flavors: Biltong, kimchi, and other international flavours.
Health and Wellness: Milk, bone broth, raw honey, and kombucha.
Floral and Specialty Stalls: Fresh and seasonal flowers and a doggy deli.
Beverages: Whether it’s single-origin coffee, natural wines, craft beer, or fresh juices, there’s something for everyone.
Accessibility and facilities
Both of the parks café are accessible for wheelchair users and Victoria Park’s public toilets have an accessible cubicle.
Please note that BBQs are not allowed inside the park.
Public transport
Train: Cambridge Heath/Hackney Wick station
Underground: Mile End a 10-15 minutes walk
Bus: Grove Road, bus 277 or 425 stops in the middle of the park
Opening times and admission
Victoria Park opens at 7am every day and closes at dusk. This depends what time of the year it is, so look at the notice boards at all park entrances to be sure when it closes.