Hilly Fields

Is this the first park on TP? There could be a reason for that...

Hilly Fields is a small park/common in Brockley. It is, as the name suggests, pretty hilly and sits at one edge of the Brockley Conservation Area.

Its a great place for a stroll, along one of the pathways. Theres also a medium sized kids playground, a "field" where they only cut the grass twice a year, 2 tennis and basketball courts, public toilets and a modern stone circle. In the middle of the park is the imposing Prendergast Victorian School building. Weekends see amateur football teams take up the northern side of the park for matches.

From the crest of the hill you are afforded great views of Canary Wharf, the City and the Dome (even if you think they are all ugly, its still impressive). One Sunday in the month also attracts a small, expensive farmers market to the park.

Hilly Fields is great for November 5th for the views across South East London and Kent. You can literally see 100's of firework shows going off across the region on a clear night.

A little bit of history - in the late 19th century the fields were saved by local residents concerned by the deterioration of working class people's lives as London urbanised. This small piece of green space was bought up and converted by London County Council from old brick-pits to improve the standard of living for locals. It officially opened in 1896. The stone circle was built in 2000 by local artists.

I wouldn't bother travelling to Hilly Fields from afar, but if you are in the area and fancy a break from the grey concrete - take 20 minutes and have a stroll.