Queen's Park, Loughborough

The History

In June 1899, Queen's Park was opened by Mr W.B.Paget to celebrate Queen Victoria’s diamond jubilee and to promote a healthy town. Four acres of land were laid out as a park. In 1902 the Bandstand was officially opened, and by 1914 it had been moved to it's current position. Between 1905 and 1907 an additional 6 acres of land were acquired from the adjoining dye works and development continued. In 1916 the final piece land was purchased to complete the park as the size and shape we know it today. On 22nd January 1922 the foundation stones were laid for the Carillon tower which was opened on 27th July 1923.By 1928 the stone balustrade around the Carillon tower was in place as well as the ornate New Street gate. Since this time the park has remained largely unchanged in its layout.

Queen's Park today is well used as a place to play, relax or learn. Being in the centre of Loughborough it is easily reached by foot, bicycle, car or bus. Pay and display car parking is available adjacent to the park off Granby Street.
The Park houses a variety of facilities and attractions for all the family including:

• Under 12s Destination play area installed in 2008
• Challenging activities for young people involving balancing, swinging and climbing.
• Bowling Green
• Carillon Tower War Memorial and Museum
• Bandstand
• Aviaries
• Swan Maze

Access to the Charnwood Museum and Café

Got to the County Council's About the Museum web page for times and further details.

Queen's Park also hosts a range of events including Bandstand concerts and Picnic in the Park.

Following public consultation in 2006 a programme of developments began in Queen's Park to make substantial improvements and in a bid to achieve the Green Flag Award. The Green Flag Award is a mark of excellence which is awarded to parks and green spaces. It is similar to the Blue Flags awarded to beaches across the UK and Europe.
Queen's Park has won the Green Flag Award every year since 2008.

The improvements include:

• Park Wardens on duty since 2007 providing information and security and ensuring that all visitors can enjoy the park with confidence and in safety.
• Refurbished toilets in 2008.
• New Destination children's play equipment for under 12s, and in 2008 (partly funded by the Big Lottery Fund).

• The Planting Improvement Plan was established in 2008 and has been implemented since March 2009, with significant help from the Friends of Queen's Park.

Queen's Park in the future

• Implement the remaining Planting Improvement Plan works.
• Redesign and replace Aviary.

To contact a Park Warden call 07894 175368

If you would like more information regarding the Queens Park Management Plan, please contact Mr Colin Bailey on 01509 632530 or email: parks@charnwood.gov.uk

The Carillon

Recitals throughout the year go to http://www.loughboroughcarillon.com/ for times and further details.

“Friends of Queen’s Park"

The Friends of Queens Park is a volunteer group of local people devoted to the care and protection of Queen’s Park.

Their aim is to restore this lovely example of a Victorian Park and ensure that it remains true to its original concept which is to provide a peaceful, beautiful and enjoyable green place for people of all ages to enjoy now and in the future. In July 2011, the Friends funded a new cantilever swing for the teen area through an Awards for All grant.

New members are always welcome. Meeting are bi-monthly, and if you would like to know more about the Friends of Queen's Park, please contact Diana Brass (Chair) on 01509 261477.

The Leicestershire & Rutland Garden Trust have 18 historic images of Queen’s Park

http://www.lrgt.org/postcards.php

See management plan below.

Queen's Park Management Plan (PDF Document 5.64 Mb)

Cafe contact number: 01509 233750

Address for Queens Park:

Granby Street
Loughborough
Leicestershire
LE11 3DU