Image 1. Vauxhall Park
Vauxhall is a great little place in which there are plenty of places to relax and have a pint. On the riverside, almost right across from the Houses of Westminster, Westminster Abbey and Big Ben it would take you about 10 minutes to walk here from those locations. It is a good hub for the public transport system especially busses and you can take the bus for £1.65. There is also the south western railway which can take you well… south-west, or get closer to central London as it is one stop away from Waterloo Station. The last transport to mention is the tube line in which in Vauxhall is the Victoria line! But before you jump on one of those, let me tell you more about Vauxhall as this quaint place is a good day out.
Image 2. Vauxhall Station
Vauxhall is of big importance to the LGBT+ community as the historical Royal Vauxhall Tavern (RVT) is located right at the end of the pleasure gardens (more on that coming up). The RVT was built more than 150 years ago and throughout the decades has kept its long-established cabaret performances by a variety of drag queens. Rumour has it, Diana, Princess of Wales visited the venue. The RVT still thrives today and you can come to drink, relax and catch a drag show. Moreover, there is more queer theatre just right next to the RVT where you can catch plays, musicals, cabaret, readings, comedy and entertainment at “Above the Stag.” There is a great large outdoor space which is great for large socials meet and is dog friendly. Unfortunately as of updating this [09/08/22] ATS has shut down in Vauxhaul and is now being relocated, but its legacy here should be remembered. If you are still looking for other LGBT+ venue check out “The Eagle”
Image 3. Royal Vauxhall Tavern
Image 4. Above the Stag [Closed down 07/08/22]
Looking for some more food too? Vauxhall Food and Beer Garden during the day has about 5 different food vendors (also keep an eye out for the bottomless drag brunches from experience I can tell you it is massive fun) and at night it doubles down as a queer and straight nightclub - Fire and Light. Whist this spot is notoriously known for its late-night entry parties (they open up at 11 pm) in which you can still enter this venue at 5 am and continue your night up until 10/11 am - #dontstoptheparty. This is not the only nightclub in Vauxhall that closes that late…? early…? whichever one is the proper one to use haha. Whilst it is fun to stay out do remember to drink responsibly and check the public transport timetable to make sure to get back safely.
Also, there is an outside urinal which you can use at any time during the day or night right next to the public transport hub. It should be noted that there is also (free) men’s and women’s restroom across from the train station. This can be good to use as the two parks I am to mention do not have any toilets.
Image 5. Vauxhall pleasure gardens
At the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, there are open spaces for sunbathing, tress to get away from the sun and 2 basketball courts to shoot some hoops, or you can use it as a football field. Be on the lookout because at this spot there are concerts, outdoor cinemas and funfairs and one particular historical funfair event based on old tradition “Victorian Vauxhall” and it is about fun games found back in the 1900-century and is usually during the end of summer. So this park does have a lot of extra activities! Also, there is a FREE city farm! This allows for a great day out in the sun and you get to see a lot of animals including birds, alpacas/llama and hogs to mention a few.
Image 6. Donkey!
The mayor of London x Thames Water is about giving water for free so save money and plastic by bringing your refillable product as it is plenty more to see.
Image 7. Water refill station
Less than a 5-minute walk there is a second garden which has recently been renovated and is turned into a family-friendly park, Vauxhall Park. I was surprised by how great their newly built children’s play park was as it had so many different play park structures for children. Most impressively is the variety of attractions such as multiple one-person trampoline platforms, spinning attractions, three monkey gyms, swings and well-created objects inside or outside the park.
Image 8. Playground
As mentioned previously the Vauxhall Pleasure Gardens, Vauxhall park has a basketball court or soccer. Additionally, there are two tennis courts and a dog park. A herb garden where you can see and perhaps taste the lavender.
