Stuff To Do With Kids This Summer - Bishop's Park

Bishop's Park - kid heaven

Now that the weather is finally getting warmer, London's parks start to come into their own.

One of our best local parks is Bishop's Park - it's a short bus ride away in Fulham - and one of the loveliest parks in and around our neighbourhood.

Bishop's Park has a very well-designed children's playground, with plenty of swings and climbing frames, and it even has a special spraying fountain for kids to play in when the weather is warm. It's pretty much a perfect place to take young children in London, especially since it sits just next door to the river Thames, and Fulham Palace.

What is Bishop's Park?
Bishops Park is a park in Fulham, south-west London. It's even listed Grade II on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest maintained by English Heritage.

Bishop's Park

Where is Bishop's Park?
The park runs along the north bank of a bend in the River Thames. It is adjacent to Fulham Palace, and also Fulham Football club, which makes it a tricky place to visit on Fulham match days, especially if you're looking for a parking space.

Lots of stuff for kids

How do you get there?
By 74, 220, or 430 bus down Fulham Palace road, then a five minute walk down Bishop's Park Road or Bishop's Park Ave. If you have a car,  drive down Fulham Palace road and turn right onto Bishop's Park Ave and park in the many Pay-and-Display bays.  Bring plenty of change, except on Sundays when it's free. Watch out for Fulham Match Days - the whole area gets very busy and is best avoided by car - unless you're a Fulham FC fan of course.

Bishop's Park, courtesy of Google Maps

What's inside?
The park contains tennis courts and bowling greens, a lake full of ducks, and a children's playground. There is also a huge sandpit, and another small park area fronting Fulham Palace Road.

Farmer's Market in Bishop's Park

When is the best time to visit?
Parking in Bishop's Avenue is free in the Pay-and-Display bays on Sundays. Also, from 10am until 2pm on Sundays there is a farmer's market, selling lots of food and drink. So, on a sunny day, you can buy yourself a picnic.

Why is it called Bishop's Park?
The park is built on land formerly owned by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners, Lords of the Manor of Fulham.  The park is just next door to Fulham Palace, formerly the country residence of the Bishops of London, and a fabulous place to visit in its own right.

The land was given to the Fulham District Board of Works on condition that it was maintained for public recreation, and was opened to the public in 1900.

The park was recently refurbished thanks to funds from the National Lottery.  After a successful lottery funding bid in February 2011, the park underwent a major restoration project with almost the entire site being altered and modernised.

Today, the Park is supported and maintained by the friends of Bishop's Park.

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