From paddling pools and parkruns, to outdoor gyms and tennis courts, celebrate Love Parks Week by discovering the award-winning parks and open spaces across Royal Greenwich.
The Royal Borough of Greenwich is home to over 100 council owned parks and open spaces, as well as one of the capital’s eight Royal Parks, Greenwich Park. Many of them are connected by the Green Chain Walk, which spans fields, parks and woodlands across 50 miles in southeast London.
Councillor Adel Khaireh, Cabinet Member for Equalities, Culture and Leisure, said: “Our Green Flag award-winning parks and open spaces bring our communities together to socialise, get active and boost mental wellbeing by getting outdoors and enjoying nature. That’s why since 2020, we’ve invested over £1million and planted 5,000 new trees to make our parks even better.
“With over 25 playgrounds, 14 outdoor gyms, 7 parkruns, 2 paddling pools, walking routes, an animal park, skate ramps, tennis, football and cricket facilities, there’s so much to explore right here on your doorstep. Plus, we’ve got a packed programme of free, family events across the summer.
“You can even show your local park some extra love and meet like-minded people by joining or creating a Friends of Parks group. Get involved!”
Things to do in parks across Royal Greenwich
Maryon Wilson Animal Park
Looking for something different to do with the kids? Head to Maryon Wilson Animal Park, where you’ll find pigs, deer, chickens and sheep! Open throughout the week, it’s a great day out for families and anyone who loves animals. Plus, the park ranger runs free guided tours every Wednesday at 1pm, all the way up until September. No booking needed, just turn up and enjoy.
Our parks are home to over 27 playgrounds, with Abbey Wood Park, Altash Gardens, Fairy Hill Park, Horn Park, Eltham, Hornfair Park, Charlton and Southwood Road Park all recently refurbished. The exciting improvements include high-quality, accessible play equipment.
Free to use and open in all weather, workout in the great outdoors at one of our 14 outdoor gyms.
Park cafes
Catch up with a friend over coffee or stop by for a post-playground ice-cream at one of our park cafes, run by local businesses. You can find them at Avery Hill Park, Charlton Park, Eltham Park South, East Greenwich Pleasaunce and Oxleas Wood.
Make a splash at our paddling pools in Hornfair Park and Winns Park, open from Monday 20 July to Monday 31 August and free to use.
Get active at a parkrun near you
We’ve got a packed line-up of parkruns across the borough: Avery Hill Park, Charlton Park, Greenwich Peninsula, Sutcliffe Park and Thames Path Woolwich (Saturdays at 9am), plus junior parkruns at Hornfair and Eltham Parks (Sundays at 9am). If you’re looking for a fun, friendly, free way to get active – walk, jog or run along to your nearest event.
Get moving in the great outdoors with free community Park Yoga sessions as part of Greenwich Get Active. Sessions take place on Sunday mornings from 9:30am to 10:30am next to the cafe in Eltham Park South. No experience or booking is needed, just bring your own mat or a towel or blanket and join in.
Become a friend of your local park
Want to keep your local park looking beautiful? Join like-minded Friends of Parks volunteers through our Love Your Neighbourhood scheme to help take care of the green space you love. Whether you’ve got a lot of time, or a little, there are plenty of ways to get involved and make a difference within your community.
Marked and measured routes
Whether you’re out for a lunchtime stroll and some fresh air or training for your next race, our marked and measured routes will help you go the distance – and all amongst the peaceful scenery of your favourite parks. All routes are accessible by wheelchair and for prams.
Book a football or cricket pitch
Hire a pitch for team games or training. Pitches are bookable during the playing season for each sport. When there are no cricket matches on, you can also hire free cricket equipment from Eltham and Charlton House libraries to use on the artificial wickets.
Whether your fancy a knockabout, a competitive rally or a coaching session, we’ve got top class facilities at Altash Gardens, Blackheath Chesterfield Walk, Bostall Gardens, Eltham Park South, Fairy Hill Park, Kidbrooke Green Park, Maryon Park and Plumstead Common. Courts are open all year, but certain sessions are set aside for free community use. You’ll see which ones you can book on the calendar before you confirm your booking.
What’s on
PARKSfest
ParksFest is a series of free, family events and activities run by Greenwich Parks Forum, with support from the Royal Borough of Greenwich.
- Saturday 22 August - Hornfair Park
- Sunday 23 August - Mycenae House and Gardens
- Sunday 6 September - East Greenwich Pleasaunce
- Sunday 13 September - Southwood Park
- Sunday 13 September - Maryon Wilson Park
Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 July, 12 noon to 8pm, free entry with some paid for attractions
Eltham Park South Cafe
Grab goodies, tasty food and drink from the market and cafe, enjoy live music and entertainment, plus fun-fair rides and games for all ages!
Saturday 25 July, 10:30am to 12:30pm
The Old Blue Cross Pet Cemetery, Shooters Hill Road, SE18 4LX
Join the Friends of the Pet Cemetery on their monthly community clean-up day, as they preserve the legacy of this historic resting place for pets, particularly those belonging to servicemen and women during the World Wars. Explore the tranquil grounds and reflect on the deep bond between humans and their animal companions.
Tree planting
Wednesday 29 July
Sutcliffe Park
Join the Friends of Sutcliffe to plant some new trees and learn more about the wetlands and nature reserve.
Talk and tidy litter pick
Saturday 1 August, 10am to 11am
Hornfair Park
Make friends, have a natter and help keep Hornfair Park looking beautiful alongside the Friends of Hornfair Park volunteers.
Royal Greenwich Festivals: Our Heritage UK - African cultural dance celebration
Saturday 15 August, 12 noon to 6pm
Birchmere Park
Enjoy music workshops and live performances at this community celebration.
Royal Greenwich Festivals: Our Heritage UK – Young people’s music and drumming festival
Saturday 29 August, 12 noon to 5pm
Abbey Wood Park
Enjoy music workshops and live performances at this community celebration.
Since 2020, the Royal Borough of Greenwich has invested over £1million into park improvements, as well as £300,000 to upgrade park tennis courts. With the support of Friends of Park groups, the council has also planted 5,000 new trees in the last four years.
In 2026, 15 parks and green spaces across Royal Greenwich have once again been recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award, the international benchmark for well-managed parks and green spaces. Our parks have proudly held Green Flag status since 2008, marking 18 consecutive years of recognition for the borough's beautiful green spaces.
Love Parks Week takes place from Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August 2026. The annual campaign from Keep Britain Tidy, celebrates parks and green spaces, the people who care for them, and the countless benefits they bring to people, communities and our planet.