Outdoor spaces

Peckham Rye Park

A place to simply meet with friends or to reconnect with nature - Peckham Rye Park and Common make up 113 acres of open grassland, woodland, gardens and a lake in the centre of Peckham.

Despite the urban setting, the park is an area of historical and wildlife conservation interest. You can use the Peckham Rye Park Trail to discover more about its unique environment, including stops at the park’s Japanese Garden and Winter Bird Feed Meadow.

The park is also a hub for community activity to get involved with - there is a community wildlife garden, football pitches, a skatepark and a café.

Location: Peckham Rye - the park is on several bus routes, including the 343, which you can take straight from campus.
Price: Free
Plus: Lots of facilities to take advantage of and areas to explore.
Minus: The café can be expensive.

Telegraph Hill Park

If there is one thing Telegraph Hill Park is known for it is its views over London from the upper park.

Just a 15-minute walk from campus, Telegraph Hill’s upper park is a frequent spot that Goldsmiths students visit to relax and take in views of the London skyline. You can also play tennis on the free-to-use tennis courts.

Location: Kitto Road, London
Price: Free
Plus: Magnificent views over London.
Minus:  It can become busy with children during after-school hours and weekends as the park is quite small.

Greenwich Park

One of London’s most well-known parks is just a short bus ride from the Goldsmiths’ campus. Greenwich Park is one of eight of London’s Royal Parks and was established in the 1400s.

Take in views across London, explore historic gardens and visit The Royal Observatory, where Greenwich Mean Time was founded. There’s plenty to explore within the park, enough to make a day of or to enjoy over multiple visits.

Location: Greenwich
Price: Free
Plus: Expansive views over London and lots to explore.
Minus: Greenwich is a popular tourist destination meaning it can get busy on the weekends.

Hilly Fields

Hidden away amongst the residential streets of Ladywell is Hilly Fields, a hilltop Victorian park.

With basketball hoops, tennis courts, a cricket pitch, an outdoor gym and large fields to play a game of football, it’s a perfect spot to exercise or play sports with friends. A free community 5K park run also takes place every Saturday at 9am.

Location: Ladywell
Price: Free
Plus: Sporting facilities with views over the surrounding area.
Minus: Tennis and basketball courts cannot be reserved so they may not always be available.

Vauxhall City Farm

Escape the bustle of the city with a trip to Vauxhall City Farm, one of the oldest city farms still in operation.

Home to over 100 animals, a riding school, and a community garden, the farm offers respite from city living with opportunities to pet and feed the animals. You can also volunteer with the farm to help care for the animals. It is a great way to stay active and meet people with your interests.

Location: Vauxhall
Price: Entry to the farm is donation-based - the suggested donation is £3.
Plus: An unexpected day out in London.
Minus: In wetter weather, it can be muddy so make sure to wear old shoes or wellies.

Royal Parks

London is home to eight Royal Parks that provide relaxing green spaces in the heart of the city.

Alongside Greenwich Park, which is just a short bus ride from campus, the other parks include Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Richmond Park, Bushy Park, The Green Park, St James’s Park, The Regent’s Park & Primrose Hill, which are located across London.

Each park has its own unique offering, from manicured gardens and row boats to cafes and galleries. Delve deeper into the history and ecology of each park with the Royal Park’s year-round events calendar.

Location: Across London
Price: Free
Plus: Each park has a unique atmosphere.
Minus: Parks are spread out across the city so some may take longer to get to than others.