Charlton Park
Charlton Park is a large, level green space beside Charlton House, combining open lawns and historic gardens with football and cricket facilities, a playground, skate park, outdoor gym and table tennis. It is useful for everyday walks, family play, organised sport and exploring one of Charlton’s most distinctive heritage settings.
About Charlton Park
Worth knowing
Why visit?
Visit for an easy local walk, a family play session or a practical dose of outdoor space close to Charlton village. The park works well for mixed-age groups because the playground, skate park, outdoor gym, sports pitches and open lawns offer different ways to spend time outdoors. The historic setting adds interest: Charlton House, its walled gardens and sensory planting give the western end a more intimate character than the broad sports areas. It is also a useful starting point for walking routes through Charlton and the wider Green Chain network.
History & character
Charlton Park survives as part of the former estate associated with Charlton House, the large Jacobean mansion built for Sir Adam Newton between 1607 and 1612. Historic maps show the house and its surrounding park and gardens by the eighteenth century, although the precise layout of the earliest grounds is not fully documented. The house is Grade I listed and remains the key heritage feature beside the park. The modern public park developed in the twentieth century. Charlton House and its estate were acquired by Greenwich Borough Council in 1925, and the park was formally opened for public recreation in 1929. Its sporting history included tennis courts, athletics, football and cricket. The former running-track area has since evolved into modern training and sports facilities, while the historic gardens around Charlton House have been retained and adapted for public use.
Gallery
Images are shown with source/photographer credit where supplied.
Useful visitor tips
Frequently asked questions
Is Charlton Park free to visit?
Yes. Charlton Park is a public open space and general entry is free. Some organised sports facilities, such as football pitches or the floodlit training area, may require booking or hire charges. Café, kiosk and other nearby refreshments are separate from park access.
Are dogs allowed in Charlton Park?
Dogs are allowed in Charlton Park if kept under control and cleaned up after. The playground and floodlit training areas are no-dog zones, and dogs may need to be kept on leads where signs or authorised staff require it. Check current notices for any temporary restrictions.
Is Charlton Park suitable for children?
Yes. The park has a children’s playground with integrated wheelchair access, open grass and space to watch sport. The skate park and active sports areas are also popular but need supervision, particularly when organised sessions are taking place.
Are there toilets at Charlton Park?
Yes. Standard and adapted toilets are available near the café area, with baby-changing provision recorded in the adapted toilets. Facilities may follow park or café operating arrangements, so check locally if toilets are essential to your visit.
Does Charlton Park have parking?
There is an open-air car park accessed from Charlton Park Road, including designated Blue Badge spaces. Current general parking charges, time limits and restrictions were not confirmed in the available information, so visitors should check signage on arrival and expect limited availability during busy sports periods.
How do I get to Charlton Park by public transport?
Charlton is the nearest mainline station, with Southeastern services. From the station, the park is reached on foot via Charlton’s streets towards Charlton Park Road. North Greenwich is the nearest Underground station for the wider area, with an onward bus or other connection needed. Check current TfL and National Rail information before travelling.
Is Charlton Park wheelchair accessible?
The park has wheelchair access, step-free entrances and step-free access across much of the site. The playground includes integrated wheelchair access, and adapted toilets are available. Some surfaces are uneven, and certain kiosk approaches include slopes or steps, so visitors may prefer the most accessible entrance from Charlton Park Road.