Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens London

Vauxhall's chill space

Harry from London

About me I'm a reporter at a national newspaper based in London. Aside from writing, I love exploring where I live and finding the best and most exciting places around. Why London? London is always changing, never a dull day. Often places you love close down, and that's sad but fear not because here in one of the most vibrant cities in the world it's only a matter of time...

"Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow."

London's Vauxhall is proud to be "different", a statement that adorns the tunnels and signage around this misunderstood part of town. One of London's main LGBTQ+ districts, it is a place where expression is encouraged and everyone is welcome.

At the heart of it all is Vauxhall Pleasure Garden, a green centre point amongst the noise and bustle of this crucial interchange. In the shadow of MI6 and Vauxhall's ever-changing (and ever taller) skyline, the pleasure garden offers a beautifully maintained and ever-peaceful moment to breathe while keeping the excitement of the city in a clear, tantalising view.

Birds sing while trains rumble along atop the parallel railway arches, old men play boule in the shade and planes skim overhead on approach to Heathrow. Around the edges of the park bars like Mother Kelly's, the Black Dog and the famous Vauxhall Tavern cabaret provide an atmosphere of a summertime square, the clink of glasses and gentle chatter unmissable on a Friday night.

At its centre sits the Tea House Theater, a former gentlemen's club turned laid-back spot for a nice bite to eat and a refreshment, alcoholic or otherwise.

Take a trip, have a lie in the sun, and live life as the locals do.

Relaxing

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London Spotter Harry

About this spot

Arch 70 Albert Embankment

free

Oct 31, 2025

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