Archbishop's Park

Archbishop's Park is a public park of about 3.9 hectares in Lambeth, London, a short walk from the South Bank. It opened to the public in 1901 and was once part of the grounds of Lambeth Palace, the London residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury. Today it is a green, practical neighbourhood space with a big playground and plenty of sports facilities, rather than a formal showpiece garden.

What is Archbishop's Park known for?

The park is known for its sports pitches and its children's playground. It is a local favourite for families, school groups and casual football and cricket players, and it sits close to the busy riverside area of Lambeth, offering a calmer break from the crowds. The council has awarded it a Green Flag, a recognition of well-managed public green spaces.

How did the park come about?

The land belonged to the Lambeth Palace estate. In 1869 Archibald Campbell Tait became Archbishop. He was concerned about the welfare of poor Londoners and opened around nine acres of the palace gardens to local people. The area became known as Lambeth Palace Field. After his death residents carried on using it, but without any permanent right to do so.

In 1900 a campaign began for the permanent, unrestricted opening of the field. The Church Commissioners then granted a licence allowing it to become a public park. It was laid out with lawns, a playground and sports fields, surrounded by boundary trees, and opened in 1901. The park still reflects that origin as open ground for ordinary Londoners.

What can you do there?

• Playground: a large, popular children's play area.
• Sports: bookable artificial grass pitches (five-a-side and seven-a-side football), cricket nets and tennis courts. A floodlit multi-use games area can be used for tennis, netball and basketball.
• Amenities: changing rooms and toilets. There is also a free outdoor table tennis table.
• Gardens: a community garden run by volunteers from the Friends of Archbishop's Park, a garden area dedicated to Octavia Hill, and a community orchard planted in 2010.

Practical tips

Sports facilities are booked through Lambeth Council, so reserve ahead if you want a pitch or court. Opening hours are listed by the London Gardens Trust as 7.30am until 15 minutes before sunset. Details such as the exact number of courts differ between sources, so check the council page for current information.

Frequently asked questions

Is Archbishop's Park free to enter? Yes, it is a public park open to everyone. Booking and fees apply only to the sports pitches and courts.

Where is it? In the London Borough of Lambeth, next to Lambeth Palace, near the South Bank.

Is it good for children? Yes. The large playground is one of its main attractions, and the open lawns offer room to run around.

Can I play sport there? Yes. Football, cricket nets, tennis, netball and basketball are all available, with booking through the council.

Why is it called Archbishop's Park? Because it grew out of the garden grounds of Lambeth Palace, the residence of the Archbishop of Canterbury.