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King's Stairs Gardens

Location

Jamaica Road, SE16
Entrances - Jamaica Road, Mayflower Street, Elephant Lane, Fulford Street and Paradise Street

How to get there

Tube - Bermondsey or Rotherhithe Station
Bus - 47, 188, 381, C10, P12
Cycle - the National Cycle Network runs through the park and responsible cycling is encouraged along the larger paved and tarmac paths (watch your speed and be aware of pedestrians/children)

Facilities and features

  • dog walking - the playground is a dog free zone; dog walking is allowed everywhere else in the park, but look after your dog(s), behave responsibly and clear up dog mess
  • playground for children up to age 14
  • walks - the Thames Riverside Path and Jubilee Greenway run along the river in front of the park
  • accessible to wheelchairs, mobility scooters, prams and buggies

About the park

This beautiful riverside park is a popular area for recreation and relaxation.

The park forms a peaceful green oasis between the busy Jamaica Road and the River Thames. The restored green hill area is a favoured spot for picnics and, along with the riverfront walk, boasts unrivalled views along the river towards Tower Bridge, St Paul’s and the Shard. 

The park has a fenced-off children's playground with play equipment and safety surfaces. Outside the playground, grassed areas are ideal for informal sports and games.

The park is an important wildlife habitat and home to a wide variety of plant, animal, bird and insect life. Mature trees include oak, ash, cherry, sycamore, maple and silver birch. Recent ecological enhancements include the creation of wildflower meadows and butterfly borders within the park. These benefit many invertebrates and pollinators. Many bird species may be spotted in the park, among them house martins, green finches, great tits, jays, crows, greater spotted woodpeckers and green parakeets. Several bat species, including the rare Nathusiuspipistrelle, also live in or near the park, where bat boxes are being installed. They forage here or use it as a commuting route to Southwark Park. The park as a whole is designated a Local SINC - a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.

In 2012, King’s Stairs Gardens was awarded official Village Green status, and also became a Queen Elizabeth II Field, both in recognition of the park’s full, open access and its importance as a recreational facility for the local community and visitors. Together with the nearby remains of the 14th century manor house of King Edward III, the park forms the Edward III Rotherhithe Conservation Area.

The paved riverfront on the banks of the Thames at King’s Stairs Gardens features a striking Jubilee Stone commemorating the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Her Majesty unveiled the original stone on the occasion of her Silver Jubilee in 1977. To coincide with the Summer 2002 restoration works in the park and nearby Southwark Park, a new memorial stone was unveiled by the Earl and Countess of Wessex marking Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee that year. The Earl returned to King’s Stairs Gardens to reveal a new Diamond Jubilee inscription in 2012.

Page last updated: 11 October 2023

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