Visitor Information

The information on this page can also be viewed in the Visitor Information leaflet below. This leaflet contains a more detailed map of the Alexandra Park layout and the park's various features.

Alexandra Park - Visitor Information leaflet (.pdf)

About the Park

Alexandra Park is a 109-acre, Grade II Designated Site in the "Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest".

The park was officially opened on 26 June 1884 by the Prince and Princess of Wales (Princess Alexandra). It was originally bought by Hastings Cooperation in 1864 and was called St Andrews Garden. In 1877 Robert Marnock, one of the outstanding Horticulturalists and garden designers of the 19th century was paid £250 to design the park we see today.

The park is large and incredibly diverse, ranging from formal areas, natural landscapes of ancient woodland, gill streams and water areas in the more northern parts.

The park has a boating lake, toilets, two cafés, information shelter, bandstand, two well equipped playgrounds and a miniature railway.

The park is famed for its arboretum (tree collection) and has one of the best collections of trees in Britain.

The park's historic timeline and photos can be viewed at Hastings Parks - Alexandra Park

Wildlife

Known as "Old Roar Gill" the northern end of the park is a Local Nature Reserve. Mallard ducks, Egyptian geese, grey wagtails, moorhens, to name but a few, breed throughout the park and can be seen any time of the year around the number of reservoirs, ponds, lake and waterways.

Wildflowers grow within various locations and on the grassy banks of the park.

Ranger Office

Located centrally for ease of access (see map below), our Park Ranger is enthusiastic and experienced with a knowledge of local natural history. Feel free to knock on their door.

Friends of Alexandra Park

The Friends are considered a valuable asset of community contribution and participation. Details on the group and how to join can be found on the groups Facebook page: Friends of Alexandra Park

The Alexandra Park Greenhouse Group

In 2013 a group of volunteers had the vision and enthusiasm to transform the derelict Victorian greenhouse to its former glory. By 2023 their vision was achieved with the result of a wonderful and vibrant place for the whole community to enjoy. The greenhouse is open to the public as a charity plant shop twice a week. For more details and how to join, see the group’s website: www.our-greenhouse.org

Arts on Prescription

The group have been granted a lease by the council to use the footprint of the bowls green and pavilion within the park. Arts on Prescription are a group of wellbeing practitioners, therapists, artists, makers, creatives, performers and musicians who passionately believe in the arts as a healing balm for good health and wellbeing. They provide activities and confidence building workshops. Full details can be found on the group’s website: www.artsonprescription.org

Enjoy the Park Safely

We want you to enjoy the park so please respect the need of the anglers, wildlife and park users by following these byelaws:

• Do not enter the water.
• Do not disturb or harm wildlife.
• Please respect the flower and shrub borders.
• Keep dogs under control & on leads during specified times in the park.
• Dogs are not allowed in the water, children’s play areas, multi-use games areas or tennis courts.
• Clear up after your dog/s.
• No cycling

Further information on the Council's Byelaws can be viewed by visiting: Parks management Byelaws

Alexandra Park Map

The key to the numbered locations can be found below the map. The Visitor Information leaflet below shows a more detailed map of the Alexandra Park layout and the park's various features.

Alexandra Park - Visitor Information leaflet (.pdf)

1. Buckshole Reservoir (fishing)
2. Shornden Reservoir
3. Harmers Pond (fishing)
4. Cafe (toilets, accessible access)
5. Miniature Railway
6. Playground
7. Toilets (accessible access)
8. Greenhouse
9. Display Garden
10. Peace Garden
11. Rose garden & Flower Garden
12. Multi-use games Area
13. Tennis Courts
14. Ranger Office & Toilets (accessible access)
15. Cafe (toilets, accessible access)
16. Bandstand
17. Playground
18. Toilets
19. War Memorial