Parks and Gardens

Quick Links: Grosvenor Park | Alexandra Park | Westminster Park | Water Tower Gardens | Opening Times | Horticultural Standards

Grosvenor Park

Also see: The History of Grosvenor Park

The sixteen acres, which form Grosvenor Park, was given to the City by Richard, the second Marquis of Westminster.  He also paid for the design and laying out of the 'pleasure park' by the famous Mr Edward Kemp, Landscape Designer and former pupil of Joseph Paxton, the architect of Crystal Palace. 

Grosvenor Park is now regarded by many as one of the finest and most complete examples of Victoria Parks in the north west of England, if not internationally.  Although many changes have taken place since its official opening in 1867, much of the original design and features set out by Kemp have been retained.

Included within the Park there is a statue of the second Marquis, sculpted by Thomas Thornycroft.  In the south western corner of the park, near to the entrance to the 'Groves' you will find Chester's medieval buildings including the old Shipgate which formerly stood in the west of the Bridgegate at the bottom of Lower Bridge Street and an archway from St Mary's Nunnery.

Many features and building within Grosvenor Park were designed by the leading Victoria architect John Douglas.  These include, Grosvenor Park Lodge, the canopy to 'Billy Hobby's Well' and the boundary wall and gateways into the park.

Grosvenor Park Lodge, designed in the late 1860's, is a black and white timbered building decorated with statues representing William the Conqueror and the Norman Earls of Chester.

Statues on Grosvenor Park Lodge

Moving around the house from left to right, the first statue is:- 

William the Conqueror 5. Randle II (1128-1153)

Hugh Lupus (1070-1120) 6. Hugh II (1153-1181) 

Richard (1101-1120) 7. Ranulph (1181-1232)

Randle (1120-1128) 8. John the Scot (1232-1237)

After John the Scot's death King Henry III annexed the Earldom to the Crown of England and it became a title conferred upon the Sovereign's eldest son when he became created Prince of Wales, Earl of Chester.

Grosvenor Park Today

Grosvenor Park is the main ornamental park in Chester and is extremely popular to residents and visitors to the City alike.  It is typically Victorian in its layout with formal avenues lined with trees, statues, large sweeping lawns surrounded with ornamental shrub beds and display bedding, for which the park has become well know.  The bedding displays are planted twice yearly to provide a spectacular and colourful display throughout the Spring and Summer months.

More recently, the park has become the focus for many significant cultural and horticultural events, including the Summer Music Festival, 'Art In The Park', 'Eggopolis' and the annual prize-giving show for 'Chester In Bloom' and Allotments competition.  However, despite this annual frenzy of activity, Grosvenor Park continues to retain its peaceful character and charm with visitors enjoying more informal activities in this attractive setting.

Trees in the Park

The mature trees, including the avenues of Holly and Lime, were planted during the development of the park in the 1860/70's.  The Lime trees lining the main avenues have been traditionally maintained in keeping with the Victoria fashion for creating a pyramidal form, which gives rise to their rather strange appearance during the Winter months!

Many new specimens have been introduced since then including two Californian Redwoods, (Sequoia Sempervirens), planted in the mid 1970's.  These two trees were raised from the seeds of the famous Giant Redwood names 'General Sherman' growing in the Californian National Park whose recorded height is 275ft with a circumference of 83ft.  Luckily the two Redwoods planted in Grosvenor Park will not attain such astounding dimensions, but may nevertheless develop into very  large specimens.

The Rockery and Waterfall

The rockery along the southern edge of the park overlooking the River Dee, was built during the 1950's by Park's staff.  The waterfalls, streams and fountains in the pond take their water from the River Dee and is pumped via a system of pipes and returns to the river through the drainage system.  Sadly, due to extensive leaks in the whole systems, the waterfall and streams no longer operate and will require a scheme of restoration over the next few years.

Other Info

All accidents and any hazards found should be reported to the parks staff working in the park or at the lodge.

Above all else, there are many things to see and do in Grosvenor Park, so enjoy yourself and please respect the enjoyment of others.  Chester has a park to be proud of and we welcome everyone who will help us to ensure that this remains so.

 

Alexandra Park

This key Park in Hoole boast excellent building and tennis facilities, putting area.  There are peaceful gardens alongside areas for active children's play.

For details of Tennis Courts, Crown Green Bowling and Putting please contact Diane Gorrell Tel: 01244 402223  

 

Westminster Park

This large park to the south of Chester.  There are excellent sports facilities  including football, cricket, tennis, croquet, bowls as well as the popular 9 hole golf course.

For sports facilities please contact CADSART Tel: 01244 380444.

For Golf booking Tel:  01244 680231

 

Water Tower Gardens

The key City Centre Park sites adjacent to the old Water Tower.

Facilities include bowls, tennis, putting and children's play.

This part is due for refurbishment and development Tel: 01244 402477 for booking details.

 

Opening Times

Grosvenor Park

All Year, 08:00hrs - Sunset

Westminster Park

All Year (except Christmas Day)
October: March 08.00 hrs. Sunset  
April: October 07.00 hrs. Sunset

Alexandra Park

All Year, 08:00hrs - Sunset

Hoole Playing Coronation Field

(including opening and locking gates at Hoole Allotment Colony) 
All Year 08.00 hrs. Sunset

Stocks Lane Bowling Greens

Open start of BST  - Close end of BST: 10.00 hrs. Sunset

Water Tower Gardens

Open start of BST  - Close end of BST: 10.00 hrs. Sunset

The Roodee (Racecourse)

Football Only
October April inclusive 
March & April inclusive (early evening fixtures)
10.30 hrs. 14.00 hrs
Sundays Only2.5 hrs
Evening Cover to be advised by The Supervising Officer

BST = British Summer Time All Gates at each location to be opened within 15 minutes of official opening times

No gate to be locked no earlier or later than 20 minutes after sunset 

Horticultural Standards

The Public Space Team are responsible for the general operational management and day-to-day maintenance of the parks.

Parks are maintained by dedicated teams of staff who pride themselves in delivering a high standard of horticultural maintenance. Mobile gardening teams regularly visit sites to ensure that the defined standards are maintained at district and local parks.

The gardening staff ensures that the quality and range of horticultural features such as:

grass areas
golf course
bowling green
litter collection
flower and shrub beds
hedges
playgrounds
outdoor sports facilities

are all maintained appropriately and that standards of cleanliness and health and safety are achieved by regular inspection.

If you feel that the Horticultural Standards are unacceptable in any area of Chester, please fill out the Horticultural Standards Report form  or call our Customer Service Centre on 01244 402 477.