Abbey Park
ABBEY PARK IS SO CALLED AS IT STANDS ON THE SITE
OF THE OLD LEICESTER ABBEY.
CARDINAL WOLSEY DIED AND WAS BURIED HERE. A MEMORIAL
TO HIM STANDS
ON THE SPOT WHERE HE IS THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN BURIED.
Above photograph taken by Leicester's Pete Zuke (Soul Reviver)
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.
THE PAVILION WAS DESTROYED BY FIRE ON 29TH APRIL 1992
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.
Chinese 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.
Historical Interest
The Abbey and surroundings are of historical interest and a ‘Scheduled
Ancient Monument’. The 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.
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.
Parking and Access
Information
There is a large car park with places for blue badge holders. The park has
level tarmac pathways throughout. The café has ramped access or eight
steps and there are fixed and removable seats.
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.
Play Area
There is a large play area suitable for children of all ages and grassed areas
for ball games.
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.
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.
Link to more information about the Scale Model Boat Club
Sporting Facilities
Boating lake with rowing boats and pedalos available
for hire from March to September
Bowls Green
Tennis court
Cricket pitches
For more details please contact the Sport on Parks office on
Leicester 0116 252 7369.
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.
For more information
Please telephone Abbey Park on
Leicester 0116 2221000 Fax: 0116 2221003
Abbey Park Music Festival
This festival is now in its thirteenth year, and is one of the largest, most
popular music events in the East Midlands. Showcasing a range of music and
arts activities for all ages and cultures, offering a non-stop ten hour celebration
of the best groups and performers from all over the country and beyond.
Dates:
10 August '02
Key Contact Info: Teri Wyncoll 0116 270 4007
Festival Website: www.abbeyparkfestival.co.uk
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