Burgess Park

Burgess Park in the London Borough of Southwark is a large public park formed in the 20th century by joining a patchwork of former industrial sites, streets and railway land. The park follows old transport alignments: the central lake occupies the basin of the former Grand Surrey Canal, and several paths trace dismantled rail lines. Within the park are sports pitches, tennis courts, a skatepark, multi-use games areas, children’s playgrounds and allotments. Reed beds and wetland planting around the lake support birdlife and seasonal waterfowl.

The surrounding area combines council and private housing, local shops, schools and community facilities that use the park as a shared outdoor space. Community groups organise volunteering, gardening and events that make regular use of the lawns and perimeter paths. A network of cycle and pedestrian routes runs through the park, offering a continuous green corridor for walking, exercise and informal sport across the southern part of the borough.