Central Parks

Image of East Park The Green Flag award winning, Central Parks were established between 1854 and 1866 on ancient fields known as Lammas Lands. Lammas Lands were the ancient medieval town fields cultivated privately for six months each year until 1 August (Lammas Day) when they became available for common grazing. The Grade II listed historic Central Parks are made up of five parks - Andrews (East) Park, Hoglands Park, Houndwell Park, Palmerston Park and Watts (West) Park which together cover 21 hectares.

Central Parks are a green oasis in the heart of the city centre. You will find lots to do in the parks with a mini-golf course, a skate park, basketball court and cricket pitches. Events include family and children's activities, guided walks, arts in the park, Mela festival and regular music in the bandstand.

See the management plan below for more details of the parks and what is happening.

Follow this link to see a detailed map of the Central Parks. (Note: it's a large file and download speeds may vary)

Welcome to Southampton's award winning Central Parks

Andrews (East) Park

The cafe in the old pavilion is a great place to enjoy a cuppa and a snack and maybe play a round of mini golf.

Hoglands Park

With a popular skatepark and pavilion which houses a drop-in centre for young people.

Houndwell Park

A excellent example of a lime tree avenue planted in 1862 travels through the centre of the park.

Palmerston Park

Among this iconic garden sits the seven feet high Viscount Palmerston Memorial, former Prime Minster and MP for South Hampshire for many years.

Watts (West) Park

The four metre high stone sculpture ‘Enclosure’ by Paul De Monchaux frames four skyline landmarks in and around the park.

Map of Southampton’s parks and green spaces

View Parks in a larger map

Find your local park by using Google maps.

Use the scroll keys + or - to zoom in or zoom out. Use your mouse cursor to drag the map around in any direction. If you want to see a larger map then click on the link provided underneath the map.