Folkestone Gardens

Folkestone Gardens is a 2.25 hectare green space in Deptford with varied landscapes including grass areas, woodland sections, and rows of poplars. The park features a concrete skate park, ball court, children's play areas, and a central pond with an island dotted by weeping willows.

The site suffered severe damage from a V-2 rocket strike in March 1945 but was transformed into a public park during the 1970s. This conversion marked the area's recovery after World War II.

The gardens serve as a social hub where locals gather for exercise, play, and rest throughout the day. Different zones like the skate park, ball court, and playground draw visitors of all ages from the surrounding neighborhood.

The park opens daily from 8 AM until sunset and is easily reached via Surrey Canal Road bus stop and nearby rail stations. All areas are accessible and suitable for visitors with different mobility needs.

The island in the central pond was planted with specimens transferred from Hare and Billet Pond on Blackheath, linking two green spaces across the city. This transfer created an unexpected connection between two distant locations with shared botanical heritage.