Larkhall Park

Larkhall Park is a public park in the London Borough of Lambeth, set between Stockwell, Clapham and Vauxhall in south London. It is a green, practical neighbourhood space with sports pitches, a playground and a community garden, and it is free to enter at any hour.

How did Larkhall Park come to exist?

The park has its roots in post-war planning. The London County Council began buying land for it in 1952, as part of the County of London Plan, which aimed to add open space to dense inner-city districts. Some of the housing on the site had to be acquired through Compulsory Purchase Orders before the area could be cleared.

In 1971 Lambeth Council took over the work of laying out the park. Local tenants helped by grassing over the cleared ground. Development began in 1974, and the park opened officially in the same year.

Where does the name come from?

The park is named after Larkhall Lane, a street nearby. The lane in turn took its name from a former house called Lark Hall. Larkhall Lane appears on maps as early as 1745, so the name is far older than the park itself.

What can you do in Larkhall Park?

The park is used mainly for sport and family outings. Facilities include:

• football pitches, both artificial and grass
• tennis courts
• a children's playground
• an outdoor gym
• a community garden
• a one o'clock club building for under-fives' play and learning
• a café
• a water feature added during recent improvements

Over the years the park has also received new lighting, play equipment, tree works and wildlife areas. Lambeth Council works with the Friends of Larkhall Park on further improvements.

Is Larkhall Park a recognised green space?

Yes. It has won a Green Flag award and a London in Bloom "Park of the Year" award, both given for well-run, well-kept public parks.

How do you get to Larkhall Park?

The nearest rail station is Wandsworth Road. Stockwell tube station is also within reach. Buses 77, 77a and 196 serve the area. The park is open around the clock and entry costs nothing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Larkhall Park free? Yes, entry is free and the park is open 24 hours a day.

Does the park have a café? Yes, there is a café on site.

Is it suitable for children? Yes. There is a playground and a one o'clock club building, plus space to play on the grass.

Can you play sport there? Yes. The park has football pitches and tennis courts, and an outdoor gym for exercise.

Which borough is it in? Larkhall Park is in the London Borough of Lambeth, at roughly 51.47 N, 0.13 W.

Is it connected to the TV series Bad Girls? The fictional women's prison in that ITV drama was called Larkhall, but this is only a shared name and has nothing to do with the park.