Abbey Park Road and St Margarets Way
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.
For more information contact: Parks Services
Map of Leicester's parks
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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 on this site in 1530. Open 364 days of the year.
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Abbey Park boating lake is a major attraction for visitors to the park and pedal 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
- Lavender Maze
Read here for more information about Sport On Parks facilities.
For further details please contact Sport On Parks 0116 233 3028.
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Education Centre
Abbey Park Education Centre is situated in the centre of the park and is available to hire for seminars, conferences and educational school bookings, during office hours.
For more information and prices contact 0116 2333025
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.
The park is included in the Passport to Parks scheme - can you find the plaque?
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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.
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There is a large car park with places for Blue Badge Holders.
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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