Situated a two-minute walk from Denmark Hill train station,
Ruskin Park is the perfect place to explore in any weather, with its many features and attractions bringing in locals as well as those living further afield.
The sloping park opened to the public in February 1907 and was named after the artist, writer and social campaigner John Ruskin, who lived in the area during the middle of the 19th Century.
Ruskin Park originally covered 24 acres, though this was expanded to 36 acres in 1910.
Anyone who has visited the park won't be surprised to learn that it is a holder of the
Green Flag award, a scheme that recognises outstanding green spaces in the UK.
Ruskin Park incorporates wide open spaces (for sprawling out) as well as overgrown spaces (to get lost in).
There's also a bandstand, a children's playground, a paddling pool, a dog-free area, a pond, sports pitches, tennis courts and, from the top of the park along
Ferndene Road, some great views of famous London landmarks situated in the centre of the capital several miles away.
The park also hosts a One O'clock Club, geared towards those looking after kids under the age of five. The club gives the little ones a chance to make new friends, while allowing parents and guardians a brief moment of respite.
Club activities include painting, cycling, playing with sand and water, playing on slides and climbing frames, various games and storytelling. Play leaders supervise the children and also encourage them to get the most out of the activities.
For more information about the popular One O'clock Club, click
here.
One delightful feature of Ruskin Park is its restored bandstand. Every weekend (usually Saturdays) throughout the summer you can catch a number of musical acts performing for free. Click
here to see who's on and when.
Something that would make the park even more attractive to visitors would be the addition of a cafe – a small, tastefully designed one would be perfect. The park is certainly large enough to incorporate one without having any negative impact on the overall look of the green space. Of course, there's nothing stopping you making up a spread at home instead, and enjoying a picnic in the park on a sunny day.
The park is easy to access, with lots of buses passing by it. There are also several train stations in its vicinity, including Denmark Hill and Loughborough Junction.
