Burgess Park, ping-pong in Camberwell / Walworth

Photo: Robin Stott

Burgess Park: Ping Pong in Camberwell, London

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Burgess Park, Albany Road, London ยท SE5 0AL

Burgess Park is a big open green space in Camberwell with free outdoor table tennis, no booking and no charge. There are two permanent concrete tables beside the tennis courts and cafe near the Camberwell Road entrance, plus three more tucked in among the play equipment at Chumleigh Gardens. It suits anyone who fancies a casual knockabout in the sun: friends, families, or someone chasing a quick match against whoever rocks up. The one thing to know before you go is to bring your own bats and balls, because the tables are bare concrete and there is no kit on site. It is first come first served, so a warm weekend afternoon can get busy. Grab a coffee from the cafe, claim a table, and play as long as you like.

The ping pong setup

You get two permanent outdoor tables right next to the tennis courts and cafe, near the Camberwell Road entrance. They are solid concrete with a metal or concrete net, so they shrug off the weather and stay out all year. If those two are taken, head over to Chumleigh Gardens where three more sit among the playground equipment. Table Tennis England rates the local standard here on the higher side, so expect the odd serious player alongside the casual crowd. There is no padlock and no sign-up; the tables are just there in the open for anyone to use.

Good to know

It is completely free and you do not book anything, you simply turn up and play. Bring your own bats and balls, as none are provided at the tables. The park is open access like any London park, so daylight hours are your best bet and summer evenings are when it really comes alive. There is a cafe by the tennis courts for coffee and snacks between games. Weekends in good weather draw a crowd, so go early or be ready to wait your turn. Both the courts and Chumleigh Gardens are an easy walk apart if one spot is full.

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Common questions

What is Burgess Park?
It is a large 56 hectare park in Camberwell, in the London Borough of Southwark, with free outdoor table tennis tables alongside tennis courts, a cafe and gardens.
Is ping pong free at Burgess Park?
Yes. The outdoor tables are free to use, subject to availability. There is no charge and no booking.
Do you need to book a table?
No. The tables are walk-in only and first come first served, so just turn up and play.
How many table tennis tables are there?
Two permanent tables sit beside the tennis courts and cafe near the Camberwell Road entrance, plus three more in Chumleigh Gardens playground.
Do they provide bats and balls?
No. You need to bring your own bats and balls, as the tables are bare concrete with nothing supplied on site.
When is the best time to play?
During daylight hours, with summer afternoons and evenings being the liveliest. Warm weekends get busy, so go early to grab a table.

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