Grosvenor Park
Grosvenor Park is a Grade II* registered park located close to Chester City Centre and together with the riverfront and the neighbouring St. John’s Church and ruins, forms a significant cultural precinct in the heart of Chester. The area has a considerable history prior to the creation of the public park in 1867 and now forms a valuable open space for the local community and visitors to the city.
The design and building of the park was a gift to the city of Chester by the Grosvenor family. It was designed by Edward Kemp in a way that contrasted formality with the picturesque and contains important built structures by the well-known Chester architect, John Douglas. Since it opened in 1867 the park has played an important role in the life of local residents and continues to be a venue for a wide range of recreational activities.
Opening hours
- Summer season (from 1 May): 8am - 8pm
- Winter season (from 1 November): 8am - 6pm
Please note that times are changeable due to events in the park.
Location
Grosvenor Park Road, Chester, CH1 1QQ
Parking and access
There is no on-site parking available at Grosvenor Park.
There are surfaced paths through the park. However, please be advised that there are some gradients, particularly at the south end of the park, which may be difficult for users with pushchairs and wheelchairs. There are wheelchair accessible toilets on site.
Heritage lottery bid
In August 2011, we applied for funding to the Parks for People Programme (funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Community Fund) for the renovation of Grosvenor park. The application was successful, and this document evaluates the project from start to finish, and includes details such as expenditure and outcomes following the project’s completion.
The programme included the relocation of the children’s play area, the restoration of the Lodge and the construction of the new community building known as the Activity Zone. Improvements also included renovation of the pathways, gates and railings, and replacement signage and park furniture. The pond has been re-landscaped and there has been the introduction of a rose garden at the St John’s entrance to the park.
The Activity Zone building is available for community groups to hire for a range of activities and there are opportunities for volunteers to get involved in a number of different ‘micro-volunteering’ 'bite-sized, on-demand, no commitment actions that will benefit the park. Please register your interest by getting in touch using the contact details below.
Grosvenor Park is also home to the Open Air Theatre produced by Chester Performs, the only full time professional open air theatre company outside of London, boasting some of the country’s most respected directors, designers and actors.
Exploring further afield
Grosvenor Park is situated just across the river from The Meadows, a patchwork of grassland and wetlands by the sides of Chester’s River Dee in the heart of the city centre. Summer grazed by cattle to provide the perfect habitat for a range of flora and fauna, it is a popular area for wildlife lovers.