Here you'll find all the latest news and updates on what's happening in Abbey Fields, Kenilworth.
Abbey Fields: 2026 - 2027
Several teams across the council are leading on the improvements at Abbey Fields and working with stakeholders as well as Historic England. This summary is work in progress, with a few projects subject to funding, investigation or statutory consent.
Key improvements and timescales
- October - November 2026: Ground reinstatement in worn areas, installation of temporary play-area fencing and gate, reopening of the existing duck-feeding platform, paddock fencing and Kenilworth Revealed project.
- Starting from November 2026 activity covers outdoor gym equipment, the zip wire or equivalent, signage, upgrading existing heritage interpretation and reintroducing sheep grazing to the paddock area plus five picnic benches. Hedgerow planting starts 26th November.
- Landscaping and heritage: Three plans covering the pool frontage, duck-feeding area and shared path are due in December, with landscaping starting January 2027. Gatehouse-door advice is complete; wider heritage and repair work continues.
- New duck-feeding platform: April 2027 to start work to replace the existing duck feeding platform while stabilising the lake edge area where the public feed the ducks, subject to planning permission. In the meantime, we have reopened the current one.
- Shared path: procurement of project management consultant to be completed in the next few weeks.
Shared path and tennis courts
- Shared path: Preparatory work is planned. A Cabinet report on ownership and maintenance, consent applications and contractor appointment are programmed for Q1–Q2 2027/28. Construction date to be confirmed.
- Tennis courts: The proposed cost for the preliminary investigations is to be funded from the Corporate Assets Reserve. If approved, a further report will present findings, costs and options.
Funding and longer-term projects
- Funding: £25,000 is identified for the zip wire or equivalent. Lake desilting needs an estimated £150,000 additional funding. HS2 is identified for landscaping and the new platform; additional platform funding remains to be confirmed.
- Longer term: Pavilion options and an HS2 application are planned from April 2027 however this may be brought forward, project management resource allowing.
- Brook fencing and footpath work remain under development, with funding to be confirmed. The wider play-area upgrade is earmarked for 2029–2030, subject to funding.
Kenilworth Revealed
Discover a ground-breaking augmented reality experience, revealing the secrets and stories of the Abbey of St Mary.
In 1119, Geoffrey de Clinton, the controversial Chamberlain and Treasurer to King Henry I of England, built the magnificent St Mary’s priory for Augustinian Canons. It was deemed so important that Pope Nicholas IV ordered it to be upgraded to an Abbey in 1447 and its close links with Kenilworth Castle ensured it continued to flourish and play an influential role, right across the region, until it was dismantled on the orders of King Henry VIII in 1538. But who were the power players and what were the stories that made the Abbey so influential?
The new Kenilworth Revealed app will take visitors right back to 1500 to experience the stories and lives that shaped so much local history. You will be able to visit the current Gatehouse and Guest Hall ruins and use the app at each plaque to see what daily life looked and sounded like, whilst answering quizzes and collecting “Relics” to become the masters of the Abbey.
Abbey Fields Management Plan
The Abbey Fields Management Plan was approved by Cabinet on 20 September 2023.