VICTORIA PARK, SALISBURY

The oldest and most traditional park in Salisbury, Victoria Park is in the north of the city and has a wide variety of activities on offer.

Opened in 1887 to celebrate Queen Victoria's Jubilee, the park was a result of the Public Parks Movement which swept Britain in the 1830s. £1550 was raised by public subscription to fund this open space for the residents, to give them a green space to stroll, exercise and get some fresh air.

In its prime it had several structures including a bandstand and an ornate drinking fountain, although only traces of these still remain.

In 1943, boxing legend Joe Louis fought in an exhibition match in a boxing ring constructed for the occasion in the park, and later on during World War II, Glen Miller played here to entertain the American troops stationed on Salisbury Plain before the D-Day landings.

The park now has a football pitch, basketball court, boules club, a kids play park and several tennis courts.

Victoria Park Community Tennis has six courts, four of which are floodlit, a pavilion with showers and a changing area, and a refreshment area. They run coaching courses for all ages, as well as operating a 'pay and play' system where courts can be booked online. Every Saturday morning between 11am - 12.30pm, the courts are free to use for all ages.

There is an active group of gardening volunteers, the Friends of Victoria Park, who keep the park looking its best, and the park is also the base for The Pantry Partnership, a social enterprise group who use surplus food to provide great meals at pop up cafes, snack shacks and for events.

The same view in 1904 and 2021

Victoria Park is an excellent place to take the kids in Autumn, as the formal gardens are planted with plenty of horse-chestnut trees, so young kids can enjoy the thrill of hunting for conkers.

Next to Victoria Park is the Salisbury Secret Spitfires Memorial which is well worth visiting, and just beyond that you will find Old Sarum, both providing fascinating and historical walks.

Visiting Victoria Park

How to get to Victoria Park

Postcode: SP1 3NE

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Public Transport: There are several buses which will take you from the city centre to the park, which leave every few minutes and only have a five minute journey time, (get off at Queensberry Road stop).

Parking: If you do drive, there is a free car park at what3words: budget.salads.debit.

Visiting Salisbury?

Our Salisbury City Guide has information on where to stay, places to visit, walks to do, kids activities and lots more.