Mile End Park in London | days out

The Ecology Pavillion at Mile End Park. © Ewan Munro

Mile End
London

T: 020 7364 4147

Related Waterways:

Hertford Union Canal,
Limehouse Cut,
Regent's Canal

Mile End Park was first built in 1950 with the vision of creating one large community park by connecting up several green areas in London.

This massive park stretches from Victoria Park to Limehouse Cut and Limehouse Basin, before reaching the Docklands. The many themed areas throughout Mile End Park are linked by one long canalside path running right the way through.

The park begins at the junction of the Hertford Union Canal and Regent’s Canal, next to Bow Wharf, with the Play Arena. This is the main venue for festivals and events and an ideal place for small children. After working up an appetitie in the playground, take the kids along the canal to the Crown Organic, a family friendly pub serving tasty organic food.

Walk off your meal with a relaxing stroll along the Regent’s Canal, stopping off at Victoria Park on the way. The towpath will take you past the Ecology Park, an ideal stop-off for wildlife enthusiasts as it’s home to rare orchids and abundant in moths, spiders, water fowl, and dragonflies. Further along the canal is the Arts Park, featuring a large mound on which local artwork is displayed. Stroll around the grounds and take in a little culture. The mound itself provides you with an excellent birds-eye view of the Regent’s Canal and the rest of the park. Be sure to keep your eyes open in this section as arts activties and events are often taking place here. Who knows you could even spot and up-and-coming artist in the making!

As you continue your journey further along the canal, passing an adventure playground for teenagers and a sports centre, you will reach two of the most beautiful sections of Mile End Park; the Terraced Garden and Kirk’s Place. The Terraced Garden is an attractive and peaceful place to stop for a break; perch yourself on one of its many benches and admire the stunning flower arrangements and unique water feature. Kirk’s Place is popular for its tranquil atmosphere and serves as a haven from the bustling crowds of East London. Why not take some photos while you’re there and send them into waterscape.com? Email editor@waterscape.com.

Finishing up near the Docklands you’ll find yourself in the Children’s Park. If you have young children with you and haven’t managed to tire them out yet, here’s the place to do it. The park has a playground, play equipment and a climbing castle and also features a dry river bed that has been converted into a large sandpit complete with boats and bridges.

Mile End Park

Boating

Fishing

Cycling

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