🌳 Abbey Park: A Tranquil Oasis in Leicester
Abbey Park, nestled along the gentle flow of the River Soar, is a verdant gem within Leicester. Managed by the Leicester City Council, this park has a rich history and diverse attractions.
What Stands Out: Victorian Elegance: On the eastern side of the river, the park unveils its Victorian charm. Evergreen shrubberies, stately trees, and meticulously planted flower displays create a picturesque scene. Boating Lake: Glide across the serene waters of the boating lake, surrounded by lush greenery. It's a delightful spot for a leisurely paddle. Petting Zoo: Pets corner adds a touch of whimsy. Meet friendly animals and share a moment of joy. Miniature Railway: All aboard! The charming miniature railway chugs through the park, delighting visitors of all ages.
Historical Echoes: Medieval Remnants: The western side holds the fascinating Abbey Grounds, remnants of the twelfth-century Leicester Abbey. Explore the ancient walls and imagine the abbey's past. Cavendish House Ruins: Nearby, the ruins of Cavendish House, a seventeenth-century mansion, evoke a sense of mystery.
Tips for Visitors: Parking: Ample parking is available, but it's wise to arrive early. Lavender Maze: Get lost (in a good way) in the fragrant lavender maze. Tennis Courts: Bring your racket and challenge a friend to a match.
Abbey Park is more than just green space; it's a place where history, nature, and leisure...
Read moreAbbey Park is honestly one of the best parks in Leicester! It’s a fantastic place for a family day out, a peaceful walk, or just a sunny afternoon picnic. The park is huge and has loads of different sections, whether you want to run around, get your steps in, or relax with nature.
There’s a really cute café/shop inside the park that sells ice cream, coffee, and food, and it’s dog friendly, which is always a bonus. The park is beautifully maintained, and there are even historic ruins and a lovely lavender area, which add a unique and educational touch.
For just £1, you can buy bird food to feed the geese and ducks, such a fun little extra! There are toilets in the middle of the park, and even a small railway that runs for a fee, perfect for families.
During school holidays, there’s often a funfair or food festivals (ticketed), but the park itself remains open and spacious enough to enjoy without feeling crowded. The children’s playground is great too, with areas for both younger and older kids.
There are tennis courts (now fee based), and parking is available for a small charge, totally worth it for the experience. Even just walking through to get to the town centre is a scenic route.
All in all, it’s a gem of a park with something for everyone....
Read moreAfter not visiting this beautiful park for a number of years due to moving area, I went for a walk expecting to see the previously manicured park of my youth. What a disappointment! The river banks, previously mowed to a length enabling the visitor to sit and watch the river gently flowing by, were overgrown with weeds, so much so that I couldn't see the river at all. When I managed to reach a spot where I could see the river I was astounded. There were dead trees, fallen into the river and left with weeds growing round them. The previously lovely clean, fairly fast flowing river was covered in water lilies, surface weed and other rubbish. Definitely not what I remembered. Weeds were everywhere, especially at the entrance I used. I understand that there is a policy for "rewilding" areas, but there are miles of river and canal banks flowing nearby that could serve as restaurants for bees, butterflies, moths, bats and other wildlife. The park also boasts lovely formal gardens that provide such creatures with food. The park could also provide a large area where wildflowers could be planted as a project. There were lots of areas that had been left unattended. The councils website calls it Leicester's premier park. I was definitely not impressed. The...
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