In the late 1880s, Bristol City Council purchased 51½ acres of land from the affluent Smyth family of Ashton Court, for £20,678 (or just over £2,000,000 in today’s world!). The local schools were built in 1885, and within two years the park had fencing, paths, shrubberies and flower beds and an early children’s play area (instantly popular with the local children!). In 1891, the residential streets around the park were laid out and houses built. By 1898 the park had four permanent Rangers, a bandstand, two drinking fountains, a Crimean cannon and a railed circular pond. In the early 1900’s swimming baths, tennis courts, a bowling green and quoit ground were added – none of which has survived to the present day. There are, however, some enjoyable contemporary features including an unusual water maze built in 1984 based on a design from a medieval roof boss in the nearby St Mary Redcliffe church. Nowadays, Victoria Park is a local community hub with an abundance of activities and events taking place all year round including exercise classes, art displays, Easter egg hunts, bonfire night and Christmas carols. There is a skate park and children’s play area, a bowling & tennis club, three marked runs as well as the popular Mrs. Browns café. A short walk into the residential streets surrounding the park and you will stumble across The Victoria Park Pub & Kitchen who serve locally sourced food, craft ales, and good quality wines. Victoria Park is a gateway into the city and provides a picturesque and safe commute for city workers that wish to avoid the busy roads.
https://www.bristol.gov.uk/museums-parks-sports-culture/victoria-park
https://en-gb.facebook.com/VictoriaParkBristol
https://www.vpag.org.uk/
https://www.victoriaparkp.bristol.sch.uk/
https://www.stmaryredcliffeprimary.co.uk/