Blythe Hill Fields

Blythe Hill Fields is an elevated park in south-east London, in the Borough of Lewisham, offering a wide panorama over the capital. It is one of those places where you can see the skyscrapers on the horizon without travelling into the centre.

Where is Blythe Hill Fields?

The park lies in the London Borough of Lewisham, on the edge of Catford. It is bordered by Catford to the south and south-east, Crofton Park to the north and Forest Hill to the west. It is a green pocket among residential streets, away from the usual tourist routes of central London. Locals sometimes call it simply Blythe Hill.

What are the views like?

The panorama is the main draw. From the top you can see Canary Wharf and the City, London's two main clusters of towers, as well as land in Kent and Surrey beyond the city. The hill is one of several conical rises in south-east London that give a sense of the capital's scale from above. Catford and Lewisham are clearly visible.

Pick a clear day, when the air is sharp. In the evening, around sunset, the skyscrapers stand out against the sky, which makes it a good spot for anyone photographing the city.

How did the park come about?

The land was once part of Brockley Farm. To the south, Blythe Hill House was built in 1842, and its grounds covered a large part of today's park until the house was demolished in 1895. Sources give different dates for the park's opening to the public. The layout is credited to Sexby, who also worked on several other early London County Council parks.

What can you do here?

Blythe Hill Fields is above all a place for a walk, a picnic and a rest on the grass. According to Go Parks London, the grounds include a children's playground, a trim trail and a Tiny Forest, a small, densely planted urban woodland. An annual festival is held here too. The park is managed by Glendale on behalf of the council, and a Friends group, made up of local volunteers, has supported it since 2003.

Frequently asked questions

Is entry to Blythe Hill Fields free? Yes, it is a public park managed by the borough council.

What can you see from the top? Canary Wharf, the City, and land in Kent and Surrey. Catford and Lewisham are visible too.

Is it a good place to visit with children? Yes, the park has a playground and a trim trail.

Which areas border the park? Catford, Crofton Park and Forest Hill.

Is it worth visiting if I have little time in London? It suits people who already know the main sights and want a quieter viewpoint outside the centre, with a city panorama and no crowds.