The city’s largest green area, Preston Park, has a lake, children’s playground and vast forest. The site consists of 63 acres (26 hectares) of pleasant parkland. Visit for its regular outdoor events, such as music performances, circuses and family activities. Enjoy a picnic on a lovely green patch in the shade of a tree while you watch the kids at play.
The park is an ideal spot to take the family, with its two play areas that have a picturesque backdrop of woodlands. Hidden between the trees are two quaint cafés. Enjoy a few drinks with your family and friends while relaxing. Get involved in the sports, such as cricket and soccer, which take place in the large patches of open space. Pay a fee to enjoy a game of tennis on the modern hard-surface courts.
Admire the beds of colourful floral arrangements dotted around the green lawn. Go jogging through the scenic surroundings of the park and its lake. Capture photos of the water as it reflects the changing hues of the sky at dusk.
Look for the charming garden with elegant walking paths at its centre. Amble past the shrubs and roses of the garden before venturing into the woods to discover the Preston Twins. These are considered to be some of the oldest elm trees in the world.
Many events and groups focus on gardening, including the Preston Park Rock Garden Conservation & Gardening Group, which meet regularly. There are also one-off events, such as the Grow Your Own day.
The park dates back to the end of the 19th century. Visit any time. Entrance is free.
Preston Park is located beside Preston Park Railway Station in the northwestern part of the city. Walk a couple of minutes from the station or take a 10-minute bus journey from Brighton Railway Station. The city centre is 2 miles (3 kilometres) southeast of the park, which is near the Booth Museum of Natural History.
