Parks and Things to Do with Kids in Catford

What is the main park in Catford?

Mountsfield Park is the one Lewisham Council's Catford page names first among the area's parks. The council's park page lists a play area, ball court, tennis courts, football pitch, outdoor gym, bandstand, meadow and ornamental garden, with views west over Catford towards Crystal Palace. It says toilets, including disabled facilities, are open Saturday and Monday 11am to 4pm, and that there are weekly parkrun events and a Friends of Mountsfield Park volunteer group. The park is served by bus routes 160 and 202, according to the council. Glendale Grounds Management looks after it, with a contact number of 020 8318 3986.

Are there smaller parks close to the centre?

Ravensbourne Park Gardens is described by the council as a small green space in Catford in a residential area near St Dunstan's College, a short walk from Catford Bridge station, with entrances from Ravensbourne Park and Ravensbourne Park Crescent. The council's page does not list facilities. The Catford page also names Ladywell Fields among the area's parks.

Where can the kids play in Bellingham?

• Bellingham Green, in the heart of the Bellingham Estate, has a multi-sports ball court, a play area for children under seven, a play area for older children and a dog exercise area, plus CCTV. The council says it holds a Green Flag award.
• Bellingham Play Park is a play area with CCTV, reached from Winsford Road and the Waterlink Way, and adjoins the Riverview Walk and River Pool Linear Park.

What about a bigger day out?

Beckenham Place Park is described by the council as the largest green space in the borough, at 98 hectares, with ancient woodland, a lake, a mansion with grounds and a BMX track. Its council page says it has a Green Flag award, that the park is open to pedestrians at all times, and that vehicle gates close at 9.30pm daily. It lists bus routes 54, 208, 181, 136, 320 and 354, and Beckenham Hill, Ravensbourne and Beckenham Junction stations as ways to get there. The car park uses pay-and-display charging from 8am to 5pm daily. See our Catford buses guide for routes.

What help is there for young families?

The council's Hither Green page names three children's centres serving the area, St Swithun's, Marvels Lane and Torridon, and its Catford page names Torridon Children's Centre. The children and families information service covers family hubs, childcare and a provider directory, and links to the holiday activities and food programme, youth clubs and adventure playgrounds.

Is there anything indoors for families?

The Broadway Theatre on Rushey Green, SE6 4RU, is a Grade II listed venue that has operated since 1932. Its website lists a mix of theatre, comedy, music and tribute acts, and says its 2026 pantomime is Cinderella, now on sale. Catford Library also has a children's section; see our libraries guide. For more events, see our what's on guide.