Victoria Park is one of London’s most popular parks, and with good reason. It’s home to a beautiful lake, a playground, plenty of open space – and some interesting history. A rare green space in the capital’s East End, ‘Vicky Park’ as it’s known by locals was first opened to the public in 1842 by Queen Victoria herself. If you’re looking for a place to live near Victoria Park, there are plenty of great options, and we’ll explore a few of them here. But first, let’s take a closer look at the park itself.
Oldest public park in Britain
Built in 1842, Victoria Park is the oldest public park in Britain. Covering 86 hectares, it’s also one of the largest parks in London.
The park was built on land that was originally marshy, and much of the work to create it involved draining and levelling the site. The plans for the park were drawn up by James Pennethorne, architect to the Commissioners of Woods and Forests, although his more elaborate designs were scaled back somewhat due to cost.
In the early days, the park was sometimes known as ‘the people’s lungs’ due to its reputation for fresh air and open spaces. These days, it’s still a great place to come for a breath of fresh air, with plenty of green space to enjoy.
During WW2, the park was turned over to the growing of vegetables as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign. These days, you’re more likely to see people playing games of football or cricket, or enjoying a picnic on the grass. Now listed as a Grade II park on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, Victoria Park has become an East London landmark and was significantly renovated in 2011.
A patch of green in the urban bustle
Victoria Park was originally built to act as a respite for the massive overcrowding, unsanitary conditions and polluted air of 1800s London. However, these days it’s simply a much-loved spot for locals and visitors alike.
One of the things that makes Victoria Park special is its location. It’s situated in the upmarket Victoria Park Village, which is just a short walk from central London. This makes it one of the most convenient parks in the city for residents and visitors alike.
Around nine million visitors come to Victoria Park each year, making it one of the most popular parks in London. The park is home to a number of events and festivals throughout the year. This includes the world-famous Hackney Carnival, which takes place every August.
Victoria Park is a great place to come for a walk, run or cycle, and in the summer months, you can also enjoy a paddle in the boating lake. The park also has a playground, cafés and restaurants, and hosts a number of events throughout the year.
Where to live near Victoria Park
Victoria Park is located in the borough of Tower Hamlets, and is surrounded by a number of vibrant and diverse neighbourhoods. If you’re looking for somewhere to live near Victoria Park, then these are some of the best places to consider:
Mile End is a bustling neighbourhood with a great selection of shops, restaurants and cafés. It’s also home to a number of schools, making it a great place to live if you have children.
Bethnal Green is another lively neighbourhood with plenty to see and do. It’s well-connected, with good transport links into the city centre, and has a number of parks and green spaces.
Shoreditch is a creative neighbourhood with a vibrant nightlife. It’s home to many of London’s best bars and clubs, as well as a number of independent shops and businesses.
Hackney is a bohemian and eclectic neighbourhood with a strong sense of community. It’s home to a number of independent businesses and art galleries, as well as a number of parks and open spaces.
Best new build developments near Victoria Park
If the idea of living near one of London’s most iconic parks appeals to you, then take a look at these highly rated new build developments near Victoria Park. All our ratings come from verified residents, so you can be sure you’re getting an accurate picture of each development.
More options in the area
If you’re looking for more options in the area, then be sure to check out our full guides to nearby locations. We’ve got something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a luxury development or something more budget-friendly.
HomeViews is the only independent review platform for residential developments in the UK. Prospective buyers and tenants use it to make an informed decision on where to live based on insights from carefully verified resident reviews. Part of Rightmove since February 2024, we’re working with developers, house builders, operators, housing associations and the Government to give residents a voice, recognise high performers and to help improve standards across the industry.
Featured image credit: Stevekeiretsu
