Battersea Park has once again been named one of the best green spaces in the UK after retaining its Green Flag award status.

In its 21st year, the prestigious award, often described as “the jewel in the crown of London’s parks”, recognises and rewards well managed green spaces and sets the “benchmark standard” for the rest of UK and around the world.

The award list for this year, from environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy, was announced on July 18.

Battersea Park attractions include a boating lake, sports courts, an Olympic quality running track, bike hire, a popular children's zoo, lakeside restaurant, Victorian bandstand, tennis courts, all weather floodlit sports pitches and a peace pagoda - a unique London landmark complete with gold-coloured Buddhas overlooking the River Thames.

Wandsworth’s environment spokesman Councillor Jonathan Cook said: “Battersea Park truly is one of London’s most popular and attractive open spaces.

“No other park in the capital offers so much to see, do and enjoy. I am delighted it has won a green flag yet again.”

International Green Flag Award scheme manager Paul Todd said: “Each flag is a celebration of the thousands of staff and volunteers who work tirelessly to maintain the high standards demanded by the Green Flag Award.

“The success of the scheme, especially in these challenging times, demonstrates just how much parks matter to people.”

At about 200 acres, Battersea Park was opened by Queen Victoria in March 1858.

It was created out of fields and marshland to provide a place of healthy recreation for the huge numbers of people who moved to London during the Industrial Revolution.

Although the park has been through a lot- two World Wars and general disrepair- it has once again been transformed into a much-loved space.

For more info about the park go here