Belair Park

Opposite West Dulwich station, Belair Park is a small gem. It’s a popular place for local dog walkers (dogs are allowed off the leash in most of the park) and there’s plenty of parking (although it gets crowded for half an hour in the morning and afternoon with parents doing the school run for DCPS Nursery on Gallery Road). There’s a smallish (dog-​free) childrens’ playground with a large climbing frame in the shape of a ship, and there are communal tennis courts for the summer (first come, first served: no booking). The park surrounds a somewhat disappointing duck pond (avoid the rats) but in its eastern edge lies Belair House, a beautiful Grade II listed building, built in 1785 and designed by architect Robert Adam. Belair House is now home to a snazzy restaurant and bar.