Find a Southwark park and get to know its facilities and history.
King’s Stair Gardens is designated a Site of Importance for Nature Conservation.
It is also within the Edward III Rotherhithe Conservation Area, along with the nearby remains of King Edward III's 14th-century manor house.
It forms a peaceful green oasis between the busy Jamaica Road and the River Thames. The restored green hill area is a popular picnic spot and, along with the riverfront walk, has views along the river towards Tower Bridge, St Paul’s and the Shard.
The park has a fenced-off children's playground and its grassed areas are ideal for informal sports and games.
King’s Stairs Gardens is an important wildlife habitat and home to various plant, animal, bird and insect life. Mature trees include oak, ash, cherry, sycamore, maple and silver birch.
There are wildflower meadows and butterfly borders in the park. These benefit many invertebrates and pollinators. Many bird species can also be spotted, including house martins, green finches, great tits, jays, crows, greater spotted woodpeckers and green parakeets.
Several bat species, including the rare Nathusiuspipistrelle, also live in or near the park, where bat boxes are being installed. They forage here or use it as a commuting route to Southwark Park.
In 2012, King’s Stairs Gardens was awarded official Village Green status, and also became a Queen Elizabeth II Field, both in recognition of the park’s full, open access and its importance as a recreational facility for the local community and visitors.
The paved riverfront on the banks of the Thames at King’s Stairs Gardens features a Jubilee Stone commemorating the reign of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, unveiled by Her Majesty on her Silver Jubilee in 1977.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex unveiled a new memorial stone in 2002 for Her Majesty’s Golden Jubilee and a Diamond Jubilee inscription in 2012.