Forster Memorial Park - Image 1

Forster Memorial Park

London, United Kingdom•4.5(466)•City Park, Nature Reserve, Playground

Explore 42 acres of ancient woodland, open grassland and children's play areas in this historic London park with free year-round access.

Forster Memorial Park is a 17-hectare public park in the London Borough of Lewisham, located between Bellingham Road and Whitefoot Lane in Catford. Opened in 1922 in memory of H.W. Forster's sons who died in World War I, the park offers a unique blend of urban green space and natural heritage. The park's distinctive layout features a central area of open grassland surrounded by relict ancient woodland containing ash, hornbeam and oak trees, along with the rare wild service tree species. This makes it unusual for an urbanised area and provides excellent opportunities for nature exploration. The woodland has been actively managed since 1999 by the borough's environmental taskforce to restore natural landscapes and remove invasive species. Families can enjoy a children's play area, BMX track, cycle route and cycling proficiency area, as well as a football pitch. The park is open from 8am to sunset year-round and offers free entry to all activities. An active Friends of Forster Memorial Park group organises regular community activities and events in collaboration with local partners, making it a vibrant community hub for outdoor recreation.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 08:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 08:00 – 16:30
Wednesday: 08:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 08:00 – 16:00
Friday: 08:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 08:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 08:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly
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Google Reviews

4.5(466 reviews)
R
Richard Alford

Richard Alford

2 months ago

Nice park and cafe. However, the non-turf cricket wicket is not suitable for a decent club game as there is at least a 6 inch step onto the pitch at one end. could be mitigated by bowling all overs from the cafe end.

J
jeff benjamin

jeff benjamin

11 months ago

Established as a park in 1922 from land bequeathed by Lord Forster. A narrow perimeter of remnant forest encircles the central main field area and the smaller ancillary parcels of secondary grassland, “The Meadow” and “Piggy Island.” Some gestural formal bedding, a rockery and an attractive small community garden. The amenities include a café, toilets, playgrounds, BMX track, sport fields, all-weather courts and an outdoor gym. A high level of maintenance evident here especially in the historic woodland corridors, making for a noteworthy suburban park that exceeded my expectations.

S
Son R

Son R

2 years ago

Absolutely lovely park. Like the woods area surrounding the main park. Early morning walks are nice and quiet. There are few dog walkers here and there, but it depends on when you go. Busy at the weekends. Like the new gym area, would be nice if there were more apparatuses but can't grumble too much about the current selection.

E
Eduina Broshka

Eduina Broshka

3 years ago

Lovely local park. Great for picnic, sports, walks,exploring. Woodland walks bring you so much closer to nature. You will find sports facilities, gym equipment,children area, cafe and many more attractions to really make your day.

N
Nick Gazard

Nick Gazard

5 years ago

There is so much going on in this almost-hidden park. On a map you might see a big field with a strip of trees around the edge, but there’s much more going on. The grassy main area is the size of several football pitches with a tarmac path all the way round that’s perfect for kids to bike / scooter on. It has two playgrounds, slightly annoyingly separated by the toilet/changing block. There’s also a nature space. The trees around the side are deeper than expected and verge on a wood on the western side with their own paths, separate from the main area. Two secondary grass areas are perfect of you want to be a bit more secluded, have a picnic under trees, etc. The park can be accessed from all sides via paths, though Longhill is probably the best for parking as you don’t have to walk uphill and it is closed off at the southern end, so quiet.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Forster Memorial Park

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Forster Memorial Park

Is Forster Memorial Park free to visit?

Entry to Forster Memorial Park is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

Is Forster Memorial Park dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Forster Memorial Park.

Is there parking at Forster Memorial Park?

Yes, Forster Memorial Park has on-site parking.

Is there food at Forster Memorial Park?

Yes, food is available on site at Forster Memorial Park.

Is Forster Memorial Park pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Forster Memorial Park is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Forster Memorial Park?

Forster Memorial Park is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Forster Memorial Park by public transport?

Forster Memorial Park isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
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