Knowing the weather was due for a downturn this week, I decided to go out on one of the two better days. So, on Monday I set off with a couple of intentions. Things didn’t turn out quite as expected, but a visit to Kennington Gardens was an unexpected delight and made the trip worthwhile.
My first port of call was Vauxhall Gardens, only to find that it was in the middle of a re-vamp and barriers closed off the flower beds. Only the tennis courts and cafe were open. So, then it was off to my second port of call Harleyford Road Community Garden via Oval. I’m not a cricket fan, but I thought it would be nice to see where Oval Cricket Ground was. On the way I found an old red brick building which intrigued me. I later found out that this is the former Belgrave Hospital for Children founded in 1866, the original building being in Pimlico. The building here on Clapham Road was built between 1899 and 1926, as it was added to. It was designed by Charles Holden in the arts and craft style. The hospital joined the National Health Service in 1948 as part of King’s College Hospital Group, but closed in 1885. It was designated a Grade II Listed Building in 1881. The hospital was converted into residential accommodation in the 1990’s.
Onwards to the Oval Cricket Ground for some photos and then to the community garden, which I knew was nearby by. However, the gardens were locked still, due to Covid 19!
I decided to double back and visit Kennington Gardens which I had noticed opposite Oval tube station. This was well worth going back to. It has a beautiful flower garden with pond and plenty of seating areas, tennis courts, football (looked like 5-a-side astro turf), a cafe (closed when I was there) and skate bowl. Lots of trees and border plants and lots of plaques telling the history of the park and nit’s former buildings. This is a lovely place to sit and relax away from the busy world. Definitely worth a second trip sometime.
The Flower Garden
Leaving the park I headed along Kennington Park Road in the general direction of Vauxhall. My internal map was a little off (which it often is), but it was the tall buildings that threw me. I found myself in Elephant & Castle. There was a former churchyard (nothing, not even the church, remains), now the site of a Leisure Centre. Over the road is the famous shopping centre. I carried on and followed the signs to the Imperial War Museum. Further down, I spotted Elliot Row Pocket Park (closed). A tiny garden with a children’s play area. Finally, I reached the gardens of the Imperial War Museum. At present the Museum is shut, but I am sure it well re-open soon, as other museums and galleries are beginining to. Having been there many times, it is well worth a visit.
From here it was a short walk to Waterloo, cutting through a side road and passing Morley College where I have taken a few courses over the years!
My London+ 