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Kenilworth’s main park is set in the dramatic valley of the Finham Brook and enjoys views of the historic town, the castle and the parish church. Grassy slopes, the lake, historic buildings, old trees and hedges recall Abbey Fields’ past – the farmland of St Mary’s Abbey, whose ruins adjoin the park.
Map showing location of Abbey Fields
NEW - children's play area under redevelopment
The council, with the support of Kenilworth Round Table and The Friends of Abbey Fields, have raised funds for the redevelopment of the children's playground as the old area needed updating. After a consultation with the children of Kenilworth, various schemes from playground suppliers were submitted. The winning company was Playdale who offered the most popular design as chosen by the group. It was also decided to move the younger children's area to the site of the old bowling green and provide fencing all around. After receiving consent from English Heritage and the Environment Agency, work started just before Easter. It is anticipated that the new area will be open in May 2013. In the meantime some equipment has been left for the children to use. Plans are in place for an official opening when the new play area is completed.
Things to enjoy
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Walking – Ramble round the park. Stroll along the brook and round the lake.
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Playing – fun for children of all ages in the up-to-date play area.
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Eating indoors or outside at the swimming pool café.
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Bird life on the lake. Feeding the ducks.
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Wildflowers and fine trees.
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Swim and sunbathe – Heated outdoor pool and sundeck in summer.
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Discover the history – follow the Kenilworth Abbey trail from the ‘Barn’
Games and sports
Fees and charges apply
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Swimming – 25 metre heated indoor pool and outdoor pool in the summer
Weather permitting!
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Jogging – varied terrain, bags of room.
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Kite-flying – try the open grassy areas off Forrest Road and Castle Road.
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Sledging – open slopes for an exhilarating run, when we get any snow! Avoid trees.
Sorry, but…
- Some steep slopes and rough grass are limiting for wheelchairs and pushchairs
- No cycling in the park
Events
Regular events are listed below. For other events see What’s On
Summer and autumn
- Kenilworth Lions Grand Show
- Kenilworth Carnival
- Orienteering organised by clubs
Winter and spring
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Service of Remembrance at the War Memorial, Forrest Road / Abbey Hill
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Duck Race along the Brook, Boxing Day, in aid of charity
How to get there
Walking and cycling – Entrances on Abbey Hill, Forrest Road, Castle Road, High Street and Bridge Street.
Bus:
- 12, 112: Travel West Midlands
- 539, 540, 541, 543: Johnsons of Henley
- X12, X16, X17, X18: Stagecoach
- More on buses to parks
Cars and motor-cycles – Free car park off Bridge Street. Limited on-street parking in High Street and Forrest Road.
Rail – Kenilworth buses from Coventry rail station and Leamington Spa town centre.
Nearby
Kenilworth Castle – Magnificent red sandstone ruins date back to Norman times. An English Heritage property. Ticket office, Castle Green. Parking at The Brays, Castle Road, and Castle Green. Events – see What’s On page
Free access to the grounds on foot from the Brays car park, Castle Road, and from Purlieu Lane off Castle Green.
St Nicholas’ parish church and churchyard – Footpaths from the north side of Abbey Fields lead through the old churchyard to High Street.
Kenilworth Common – Follow the Finham Brook on foot downstream to this local nature reserve – mixed woodland on sandy soil, rugged terrain in places.
High Street – Restaurants, pubs, boutiques, attractive old buildings.
Abbey End and town centre – Tourist information, shops, restaurants and pubs.
Castle Farm, off Fishponds Road – Skateboard Park. Recreation Centre. Play area. Large boules terrain. Playing Fields. Footpath from Castle Road. See Sports Facilities
Map
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