Abbey Park
Abbey Park Road and St Margarets Way
- For more information contact: Parks Services
Abbey Park is Leicester’s premier park and lies approximately one mile north of the City centre. The River Soar divides this beautiful park into two distinct areas: to the east of the river lies the highly decorative Victorian part of the park with its evergreen shrubberies, trees, lakes and formally planted flower displays and to the west of the river lies the fascinating Abbey Grounds. Within this area are the remains of the twelfth century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a seventeenth century mansion.
Development of the Park
Opened in 1882, this 57 acre park still reflects the Victorian era with formal gardens and bandstand. Later additions include the Chinese garden, model railway, pets corner and a large play area for children of all ages. There is also a cafe, and large grassed areas suitable for ball games.
In addition, the 32 acre Abbey grounds feature the reconstructed site of Leicester Abbey and the memorial to Cardinal Wolsey who was laid to rest in the grounds. Founded in 1143, St Mary de Pratis (St Mary of the Meadows) or the Leicester Abbey was built for regular canons of the Order of St Augustine. The Abbey stood for 395 years and became the 2nd wealthiest Augustinian abbey in the country. For talks and guided walk explaining life in a medieval abbey telephone 0116 222 1000.
Development of the Park
Opened in 1882, this 57 acre park still reflects the Victorian era with formal gardens and bandstand. Later additions include the Chinese garden, model railway, pets corner and a large play area for children of all ages. There is also a cafe, and large grassed areas suitable for ball games.
In addition, the 32 acre Abbey grounds feature the reconstructed site of Leicester Abbey and the memorial to Cardinal Wolsey who was laid to rest in the grounds. Founded in 1143, St Mary de Pratis (St Mary of the Meadows) or the Leicester Abbey was built for regular canons of the Order of St Augustine. The Abbey stood for 395 years and became the 2nd wealthiest Augustinian abbey in the country. For talks and guided walk explaining life in a medieval abbey telephone 0116 222 1000.
The Abbey and surroundings are of historical interest and a Scheduled Monument. Abbey Park is also officially designated as a park or garden of special historic interest (grade II).
Landscape Features
One of the main attractions of this delightful park are the vibrant flower displays and wide variety of trees and shrubs. The lakes are quiet and tranquil and a haven for wildlife.
Friendship Garden
Officially opened in 1989, many of the plants in this area are of Chinese origin and the paintings on the ceiling of the ‘Pagoda’ were actually painted in Taiwan.
Redland Garden of the Senses
This Garden has been specially designed to appeal to all the senses. It features plants chosen for their colour, foliage and scent. There is a sound garden with water feature, wind chimes and plants that pick up the sound of the breeze. There are also sculptures that can be seen and touched. The Garden appeals to all visitors but with its good access and raised planters it is particularly enjoyable for people with a sensory or physical disability.Please contact the park for details of opening hours.
Pets Corner
This unique area of the park provides a variety of animals for visitors to enjoy. You will find everything from familiar family pets such as rabbits to the less familiar. So go along and make some new friends.
Model Railway
The Leicester Society of Model Engineers was founded in 1909. In 1949, the Parks Committee gave the Leicester Society of Model Engineers permission to install a miniature railway for model engines on Abbey Park. The railway is open to the public most Sundays throughout the summer.
Scale Model Boat Club
The Leicester & District Scale Model Boat Club moved to Abbey Park in June 1977.
The Club meets every Sunday afternoon throughout the year and hold various competitions and fundraising activities for the RNLI (Lifeboats) at the park's lake.
All visitors welcome.
Café
The recently refurbished café provides visitors with a wide range of refreshments in a welcoming environment. The café is located close to the river, in the parks pavilion, which was built in 1931. In front of the café stands the statue of Cardinal Wolsey who took his final refuge here in 1530. Open every day during summer months, reduced hours during the winter, telephone 0116 262 4405 for specific opening hours.
One of the main attractions of this delightful park are the vibrant flower displays and wide variety of trees and shrubs. The lakes are quiet and tranquil and a haven for wildlife.
Friendship Garden
Officially opened in 1989, many of the plants in this area are of Chinese origin and the paintings on the ceiling of the ‘Pagoda’ were actually painted in Taiwan.
Redland Garden of the Senses
This Garden has been specially designed to appeal to all the senses. It features plants chosen for their colour, foliage and scent. There is a sound garden with water feature, wind chimes and plants that pick up the sound of the breeze. There are also sculptures that can be seen and touched. The Garden appeals to all visitors but with its good access and raised planters it is particularly enjoyable for people with a sensory or physical disability.Please contact the park for details of opening hours.
Pets Corner
This unique area of the park provides a variety of animals for visitors to enjoy. You will find everything from familiar family pets such as rabbits to the less familiar. So go along and make some new friends.
Model Railway
The Leicester Society of Model Engineers was founded in 1909. In 1949, the Parks Committee gave the Leicester Society of Model Engineers permission to install a miniature railway for model engines on Abbey Park. The railway is open to the public most Sundays throughout the summer.
Scale Model Boat Club
The Leicester & District Scale Model Boat Club moved to Abbey Park in June 1977.
The Club meets every Sunday afternoon throughout the year and hold various competitions and fundraising activities for the RNLI (Lifeboats) at the park's lake.
All visitors welcome.
Café
The recently refurbished café provides visitors with a wide range of refreshments in a welcoming environment. The café is located close to the river, in the parks pavilion, which was built in 1931. In front of the café stands the statue of Cardinal Wolsey who took his final refuge here in 1530. Open every day during summer months, reduced hours during the winter, telephone 0116 262 4405 for specific opening hours.
Parks Sporting Facilities
Abbey Park boating lake is a major attraction for visitors to the park. Both rowing and pedalo boats can be hired for a half hour duration. The boating lake is open from Easter Good Friday, all Leicestershire School Holidays and Bank Holidays, and every weekend, weather conditions permitting.
Other facilities include:
- Bowling green
- 5 Hard surface tennis courts
- Cricket
- Changing facilities
- Boating Lake
- Orienteering courses
Read here for more information about Sport On Parks facilities
For further details please contact Sport On Parks 0116 233 3028
Play Area
There is a large play area suitable for children of all ages and grassed areas for ball games. A recent addition is the Park for Life - a state of the art playground which has been developed through a £100,000 donation from local employer Walkers, part of PepsiCo.
How to Get There
The Park is easily accessible from the City centre with access from St Margaret’s Way and the main car park located on Abbey Park Road. Buses run regularly from Leicester City centre and the Park also forms part of the central section of the Riverside Walk and cycle route.
Parking and Access Information
There is a large car park with places for Blue Badge Holders. Cars are allowed on the park with prior arrangement.
The park has level tarmac pathways throughout, including the pets corner. The cafe has ramped access or eight steps and there are fixed and removable seats.
The Park is easily accessible from the City centre with access from St Margaret’s Way and the main car park located on Abbey Park Road. Buses run regularly from Leicester City centre and the Park also forms part of the central section of the Riverside Walk and cycle route.
Parking and Access Information
There is a large car park with places for Blue Badge Holders. Cars are allowed on the park with prior arrangement.
The park has level tarmac pathways throughout, including the pets corner. The cafe has ramped access or eight steps and there are fixed and removable seats.
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