Abbey Park

Hugging the banks of the River Soar in the north of the city is Abbey Park – a beautiful green space to relax and admire Leicester’s riverside scenery.

Those looking to get active can take advantage of the parks many sporting facilities, including a bowling green, five hard surface tennis courts, orienteering courses, a lavender maze and Ping! table tennis tables – perfect for those looking to try something new or get in some extra practise.

Heritage lovers will enjoy a stroll around the remains of the twelfth century Leicester Abbey and the ruins of Cavendish House, a 17th century mansion. The Abbey was founded by the second Earl of Leicester, Robert le Bossu. It became one of the wealthiest Augustinian abbeys in the country, but closed in 1538 when Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. Whilst converting the overgrown abbey grounds into a public excavations revealed the remains of the abbey church and the other main building ranges, which can be seen in the park today. Look out for the heritage interpretation panels to learn more about the historic site.

Pets Corner is a favourite with all visitors to the park – an area to interact with a variety of small, domesticated animals. The area includes an aviary with a collection of exotic birds, as well as small enclosures housing  hens, guinea pigs, rabbits, goats and pygmy goats.

There is also a miniature railway in the park, offering rides at weekends and for special events, weather permitting.  As well as train rides, the miniature railway includes a station building, platforms and workshop.

If you're feeling peckish after all that fun, visit Peppercorn's cafe at the centre of the park for refreshment and a well earned rest! There are also changing facilities and toilets within the park grounds.

Abbey Park is easily accessible on foot from the city centre. There are also bus routes travelling from the city centre along Abbey Park Road, along the edge of the park. There are three car parks available for visitors to use, accessible from Abbey Park Road and St Margaret’s Way.