Oval Village guest blog: Green Vauxhall - The best Outdoor Spaces in the Neighbourhood

Green, outdoor public space has become more valuable to us than ever over the past 18 months, especially in the capital where so many Londoners reside in apartments.

Whether you are looking for landscaped lawns, tranquil treescapes or pretty planting, there is something to suit everyone in the popular neighbourhoods of Vauxhall, Kennington and Oval.

Oval Village, Berkeley’s landmark new regeneration scheme, is exceptionally well located for buyers to enjoy the plentiful parks and public gardens that the area has to offer, without compromising on a Zone 1 lifestyle.

Kennington Park (six minutes’ walk from Oval Village*)

Kennington Park, just six minutes’ walk from Oval Village, provides plenty to do. Whether you prefer to immerse yourself in nature or simply relax and enjoy the sun, the park really does offer something for everyone living in the area. The flower garden, not to be missed, is a peaceful spot to enjoy lunch al fresco, with views of the water feature, sun dial and impressive variety of flora.

The park also plays host to an open-air cinema venue, where screenings of The Greatest Showman, Notting Hill and A Star is Born are all planned for September. If you’re looking for something more active, there are basketball hoops, tennis and squash courts, a cycle route and fitness trails available. 

Vauxhall City Farm (seven minutes’ walk from Oval Village*)

Experience a rural lifestyle without leaving London with a day out at Vauxhall City Farm. Volunteering programmes and adult horse-riding lessons are available to guests, and you can even adopt your own farm animal! If however, you prefer to sit back and relax, the Old Dairy Café has a great range of food and drink options to enjoy.

The Oval (seven minutes’ walk from Oval Village*)

No round-up of neighbourhood green space would be complete without mentioning the famous Oval cricket ground, home to Surrey County Cricket. With social distancing restrictions easing, why not while away a summer’s afternoon watching a game?

The Corinthian Roof Terrace is The Oval’s hidden gem and an ideal spot for taking in the iconic views of The Oval’s grounds and the impressive London skyline beyond. There are bars and a variety of food stations on the terrace, making it a great spot for a party or casual drinks.

Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens (8 minutes’ walk from Oval Village*)

From 1785, historic Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens was one of the most prominent – and most raucous - venues for public entertainment for 200 years; it’s believed to have opened before the Restoration in 1660, making it one of the oldest parks in the city.

Now, this location plays host to an amazing range of events every year, including Summer Screens, Bearpit Karaoke and Victorian Vauxhall, and remains very popular with the local community.

Vauxhall Park (14 minutes’ walk from Oval Village*)

Vauxhall Park was also established in Vauxhall’s Victorian heyday, in 1886. A much-loved favourite for the locals, a range of attractions will keep you busy all summer long. Take a walk through the lavender field and Fawcett Gardens or use the sporting facilities, where you can find a multi-use games area, tennis and table tennis. The park has been awarded a coveted Green Flag Award for 2020/2021 and in 2020, was awarded a prestigious Silver Gilt by London in Bloom.

Oval Village – Green space on your doorstep

Berkeley’s Oval Village development will feature superb apartments, five-star residents’ facilities and an abundance of tranquil green interconnected spaces for residents to enjoy, designed by renowned landscape architects Murdoch Wickham.  

The Central Plaza will feature a living wall of greenery and tumbling roses supported by the frame of the Victorian gasholder which forms the impressive centrepiece and celebrates the heritage of this former gasworks site. The Central Plaza will also comprise a lily pond and other water features, complete with waterfall and a series of steps and bridges to navigate the space. Some of the apartment buildings at Oval Village will also provide access to their own landscaped gardens and courtyards.

Berkeley has recently launched Juniper Gardens, its latest collection of new homes, and a new on-site showroom. Prices start from £575,000 for a Manhattan apartment. To book a private appointment to view the showroom or to be guided through a virtual tour, please call 0203 3797 0025 or visit ovalvillage.co.uk.

*All walking times sourced from Google Maps and are estimates only