Description
The riverside Cremorne Gardens were re-landscaped in 1981/2, but commemorate the Cremorne Pleasure Gardens that were on the site from 1845-77. Located in the gardens are the restored Cremorne Gates that once stood at the King's Road end of the original gardens and belonged to Lord Cremorne's house. The gates serve to divide the park into two areas: a cobbled area with raised beds, planters, War Memorial and steps leading to the river promenade; and an area of lawn on undulating ground with shrubs and seating.
Practical Information
| Site location | Lots Road, Chelsea Embankment |
|---|---|
| Postcode | SW10 |
| What3Words | ///effort.haven.crab |
| Type of Site | Public Gardens |
| Borough | Kensington & Chelsea |
| Open to Public | Yes |
| Opening Times | 7.30am - dusk |
| Facilities | Paddling pool, toilets. Cremorne River Activity Centre managed by Sports Development section: 020 7598 4905 |
| Public Transport | Tube: Fulham Broadway (District) |
| Research Updated | 1 May 2013 |
| Last Updated | 18 October 2026 |
Full description
The famous Cremorne Pleasure Gardens opened in 1845 and closed down in 1877. They were named after Viscount Cremorne who had bought Chelsea Farm in 1778, enlarged the house and renamed it Cremorne House. In 1831 the house was purchased by Charles Random De Berenger, Baron De Beaufain who turned it first into a sports club and then opened the pleasure gardens. Entertainment included concerts, fireworks, balloon ascents and galas. In 1874 Monsieur de Groof, known as The Flying Man, attempted a stunt from the Pleasure Gardens whereby he was suspended below a balloon in a birdlike flying machine with wings that he could flap mechanically. Unfortunately the balloon failed to rise sufficiently and, in order to avoid a collision with the tower of St Luke's Church (q.v.), the Flying Man was cut free in the hopes that he would drift into the churchyard, but sadly he landed in Sydney Street and died.
After closure of the Pleasure Gardens in 1877, the site was sold for building and soon built over. The wrought-iron gateway, which had stood at the King's Road end of the original gardens and belonged to Lord Cremorne's house, was incorporated when the riverside park was newly landscaped in 1981/2. By 2007 new buildings had been erected by the adjacent Canoe Club.
The park is separated into two main parts, on entry there is an area that is cobbled, with raised beds and planters and a water feature. A War Memorial stone commemorates employees of Chelsea Borough Council lost in the two World Wars. Steps lead to the river promenade, with a pier, a series of circular planters and hanging baskets. There are a number of ornamental trees including palms and false acacia, and small shelters to the side. The restored Cremorne Gates are free-standing and divide the cobbled area with a more informal area of lawn on undulating ground with shrub border and some seating, including a willow seat. A contemporary artwork has been installed in this part of the garden, commissioned by RBKC, part of the Secret Garden Project curated by ‘up projects'. Created by artists London Fieldworks and titled ‘Spontaneous City' it was designed for the Tree of Heaven in the garden and consists of over 250 bespoke bird and bug boxes, providing shelter, nesting and feeding for local wildlife.
After closure of the Pleasure Gardens in 1877, the site was sold for building and soon built over. The wrought-iron gateway, which had stood at the King's Road end of the original gardens and belonged to Lord Cremorne's house, was incorporated when the riverside park was newly landscaped in 1981/2. By 2007 new buildings had been erected by the adjacent Canoe Club.
The park is separated into two main parts, on entry there is an area that is cobbled, with raised beds and planters and a water feature. A War Memorial stone commemorates employees of Chelsea Borough Council lost in the two World Wars. Steps lead to the river promenade, with a pier, a series of circular planters and hanging baskets. There are a number of ornamental trees including palms and false acacia, and small shelters to the side. The restored Cremorne Gates are free-standing and divide the cobbled area with a more informal area of lawn on undulating ground with shrub border and some seating, including a willow seat. A contemporary artwork has been installed in this part of the garden, commissioned by RBKC, part of the Secret Garden Project curated by ‘up projects'. Created by artists London Fieldworks and titled ‘Spontaneous City' it was designed for the Tree of Heaven in the garden and consists of over 250 bespoke bird and bug boxes, providing shelter, nesting and feeding for local wildlife.
Further Information
| Grid Reference | TQ265772 |
|---|---|
| Size in hectares | 0.5121 |
| Site Ownership | RB Kensington & Chelsea |
| Site Management | Leisure Services, Parks and Open Spaces |
| Dates | 1981/2 |
| On National Heritage List for England (NHLE), Parks & Gardens | No |
| Registered common or village green on Commons Registration Act 1965 | No |
| Protected under London Squares Preservation Act 1931 | No |
| Local Authority | Kensington & Chelsea |
| In Conservation Area | Yes |
| Conservation Area Name | Thames |
| Tree Preservation Order | No |
| Nature Conservation Area | Yes - Metropolitan Importance (Thames) |
| Green Belt | No |
| Metropolitan Open Land | No |
| Special Policy Area | Yes - Thames Policy Area |
| Other LA Designation | Proposed Thames Path. Area of Metropolitan Importance |
Please note the Inventory and its content are provided for your general information only and are subject to change. It is your responsibility to check the accuracy.
Nearby parks and gardens
The World's End Estate was designed for the Metropolitan Borough of Chelsea by Eric Lyons, who sought to move away from the blandness of many high-rise estates in his use of a distinctive many-sided design and exposed decorative brickwork. The estate is effectively a single building, since its 7 tower blocks are connected with 9 low-rise walkway blocks in a figure of 8 formation around two internal courtyards laid out as gardens. The gardens are actually at first floor level since they are directly above car parking below. On the south side of the estate is additional green space, part of which is now an allotment garden tended by residents. Most of the residents have fine views over west London.
* on The National Heritage List for England, Parks & Gardens
This private town garden was designed for Sir Hugh Lane in 1909 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the planting plan by Gertrude Jekyll, as part of the refurbishment of his house at No. 100 Cheyne Walk. The house stands on what was once part of the site occupied by the C17th Lindsey House, famous as the residence of the 3rd Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain to Charles II. Reinstatement of the 1909 plan for the rear garden has been undertaken since 1983.
This private town garden was designed for Sir Hugh Lane in 1909 by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the planting plan by Gertrude Jekyll, as part of the refurbishment of his house at No. 100 Cheyne Walk. The house stands on what was once part of the site occupied by the C17th Lindsey House, famous as the residence of the 3rd Earl of Lindsey, Lord Great Chamberlain to Charles II. Reinstatement of the 1909 plan for the rear garden has been undertaken since 1983.
A church was recorded here from at least the C12th. The Manor of Battersea from the time of the Conquest had belonged to the Abbey of Westminster; the old manor house was east of the church and the main area of the village was to the south. St Mary's Church is in effect an C18th preaching box that was built in 1777 to replace an earlier building. The churchyard is surrounded by fine walls, railings and has ornate gates; it is laid out as a garden with lawns, seating, paths and some fine trees. A few historic tombs remain within the grass as well as gravestones against the boundary walls; among those buried here was William Curtis (d.1799) a well-known botanist. Other famous people associated with St Mary's include William Blake and J M W Turner.