The stunning locations were recognised through the prestigious Green Flag Award scheme, which acts as the international quality mark for open spaces.
Managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, the awards highlight parks that are welcoming, safe, well-maintained and sustainably run.
Sites are assessed each year by expert judges against criteria including cleanliness, environmental management, biodiversity, community involvement and visitor facilities.
READ MORE: These south east London food spots have been dubbed ‘hidden gems’
Beckenham Place Park (Image: Lewisham Council)
This year, a total of 77 Green Flag Award-winning parks and green spaces were recognised across the boroughs of Southwark, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley and Bexley, with Southwark leading the way after retaining all 30 of its awards.
This was followed by Lewisham with 19 Green Flag parks, Greenwich with 14, Bromley with 13 and Bexley with one.
Some of the parks in Southwark that made the list were Burgess Park, Dulwich Park and Peckham Rye Park, helping the borough secure the highest number of Green Flag Awards in south east London.
Retaining its Green Flag accreditation for another year is Lewisham’s Beckenham Place Park, with its mix of historic buildings, woodland walks, wild swimming lake and landscaped gardens.
Wisteria at Well Hall Pleasaunce (Image: Emily Davison)
Other parks on the list include Bromley’s Scadbury Park, known for the remains of its medieval moated manor house and woodland walks, and Greenwich’s Well Hall Pleasaunce, home to a Tudor barn and historic moat once enjoyed by author E. Nesbit.
Meanwhile, Bexley’s Lesnes Abbey Wood remains the borough’s sole Green Flag site, combining the ruins of a 12th-century abbey with ancient woodland and convenient Elizabeth line connections.
Here’s how each borough did:
- Southwark – 30 Green Flag parks and green spaces.
- Lewisham – 19 Green Flag parks and green spaces.
- Greenwich – 14 Green Flag parks and green spaces.
- Bromley – 13 Green Flag parks and green spaces.
- Bexley – 1 Green Flag park and green space.
Use our interactive guide to find the nearest Green Flag park or green space near you.
