[A] Battersea Park (83 hectares/200 acres) was opened to the public in 1854 in recognition of the need to provide green open spaces in a London that was becoming increasingly populated and overcrowded: the population increased from 1.1m to 7.2m. as the industrial revolution spread across the country from 1801 -1911. It was the first park in London established as a public park, as opposed to previous parks which had been Royal Parks. The park still retains its original layout of a perimeter carriage drive, trees and shrubberies, tree-lined avenues, winding walks and a serpentine lake. It was noted for its horticultural displays, and now includes children's play areas, sports facilities, a nature reserve, boating lake and refreshment facilities. In 1951 15 hectares /37 acres were laid out as the Festival Gardens for the Festival of Britain.Many of the park's 19th and early 20th century features have recently been restored, funded principally through a grant awarded by the Heritage Lottery Fund in 1998, the work being completed in 2004. As well as ducks and geese, herons, cormorants and grebe can be seen on the lake.
[B] Sub-Tropical Gardens. These were an early highlight in the Park inspired by plant-hunting expeditions to India undertaken by the first Park Superintendent John Gibson when he was a pupil of Joseph Paxton, head gardener of the Duke of Devonshire's estate at Chatsworth in Derbyshire.
[C] Three Standing Figures: is the work of Henry Moore, Sculptor. Created in 1947-1948, they were destined originally for the Museum of Modern Art in New York, but instead were commissioned by the Contemporary Art Society and presented by the London County Council to form part of the first open air exhibition of Sculpture in Britain held in Battersea Park in 1948.
[D] The Bowling Green
[E] The Bandstand: dates back to the official opening of the Park by Queen Victoria in 1858. It originally had seating for 1,000 people.
[F] Fountain Lake: This Garden was a focal part of the Festival Pleasure Garden laid out for the Festival Of Britain 1951. The Fountain play every hour on the hour for 15 minutes while the Park is open.
[G] Grand Vista: was designed by John Piper and Osbert Lancaster.
[H] The Festival Pleasure Gardens comprise 37 acres which include flower gardens laid out by one of the greatest garden designers of the 20th Century, Russell Page (1906-1985), who designed many gardens in Europe and America; an Old English Garden, the Grand Vista, and Fountain Gardens , all of which have been recently restored.
[I] Views of Albert Bridge and Chelsea Physic Garden across the river.
[J] Albert Bridge: now a Grade II* listed road bridge, the bridge was designed and built by Rowland Mason Ordish and opened in 1873. Over the years major modifications have been instigated in order to strenghen the structure, resulting in an unusual hybrid of three different design styles. Originally a toll bridge, it has the only surviving examples of bridge tollbooths in London.
[K] Chelsea Physic Garden: was founded in 1673 by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries as a place where apprentice apothecaries could study plants and learn to tell the difference between those that could be useful in treating illnesses and those that would be harmful. The site was chosen as it offered direct access by their barge from their headquarters further down river by Blackfriars Bridge. At the time the garden was opened there was no Embankment and the river came right up to the edge of the garden where the large wrought iron gates can be seen between two large gateposts. This entry is rarely used now with the visitor entrance located in Swan Walk.
[L] The London Peace Pagoda : was built in 1985 and was created by the Nipponzan Myohoji Order of Japanese Buddhist monks.with assistance from the Greater London Council, to celebrate the GLC Year of Peace. The Pagoda is one of many around the world dedicated to the promotion of world peace and was the seventieth such pagoda to be completed. The first were built in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The original driver for these was Nichidatsu Fujii (1885 – 1985) the founder of the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order. He had met and been inspired by Mahatma Gandhi in 1931, and in 1947 began instructing his followers to erect Peace Pagodas to promote peace throughout the world. The Pagoda is still looked after by a Buddhist Monk.
[M] Battersea Power Station: Built in two stages during the the 1930s and 1950s, this coal-fired power station is now a Grade II* listed building and one of London's best known landmarks. It is the largest brick building in Europe and is notable for its original and lavish Art Deco interior fittings and decor. It ceased generating electricity in 1983 since when it has the subject of numerous development proposals, none of which have yet reached fruition. Meanwhile the structure is seriously deteriorating and its future the topic of much debate.
[N] Western Pumping Station: designed by Joseph Bazalgette the Pumping Station was part of London's sewerage system built to address what was known as 'The Big Stink' in 1858 and following the cholera outbreaks prevalent in the mid-19th century.
[O] The Carabiniers Memorial commemorates the men of the 6th Dragoon Guards who fought and died in the Boer War. The Bronze plaque is designed by Adiran Jones.
[P] Grosvenor Waterside: a new development comprising housing, a marina, office space and community facilities.[
Q] Victoria Coach Station; the hub for coach services throughout the UK.
[R] Victoria Rail Station : mainllne rail services to south-east England, and London Underground Victoria, Circle and District lines.
[S] Grosvenor Gardens: was laid out in the 1860s by Thomas Cundy III and comprises tall, grand 19th century terraces, flamboyantly detailed in Renaissance style. There are three small mews at the rear of the terraces. Between the terraces are two triangular gardens containing mature trees and shade for weary tourists!