Background

Eaton Park

4.7 (4200)

Norwich's 80-acre Green Flag haven: playgrounds, railways, sports, boating pond, and meadows for family fun, serene walks, and events in a historic Grade II* park.

Eaton Park is Norwich's largest green space, spanning 80 acres of formal gardens, woodlands, and meadows. Opened in 1928, this Grade II* listed park offers family-friendly attractions including a vast playground, miniature railway, crazy golf, skate park, tennis courts, model boating pond, and café. Free entry with paid parking and activities provides endless recreation for all ages in a historic setting.

A brief summary to Eaton Park

Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Eaton Park.

  • Visit early mornings or weekdays to avoid parking crowds; Blue Badge holders park free in designated spots.
  • Check miniature railway schedule for Sundays/bank holidays; bring cashless payment for crazy golf and pitch & putt.
  • Explore the model boating pond regattas April-October; join free parkrun Saturdays at 9am.
  • Café open 9am-4pm daily except Christmas; toilets seasonal, accessible facilities at pavilion.
  • Dogs welcome on leads; floodlit skate park and tennis great for evenings.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Unlock the Best of Eaton Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Bus

    First Bus 25 (University to city centre/railway) stops South Park Ave; 26 (Hospital/University via Earlham Rd to centre) stops North Park Ave. 10-15 min ride from Norwich centre, £2-3 adult single.

  • Car

    Two on-site car parks off South Park Ave; £2 (up to 4hrs), £5 (5hrs), £6 (6hrs), £8 (over 6hrs) 9am-9pm Mon-Sun excl Christmas, contactless only. Free Blue Badge parking. 10 min drive from city centre.

  • Walking/Cycling

    20-30 min walk from Norwich centre via Unthank Rd; cycle paths connect, free bike racks on-site. Public transport accessible.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

  • Restrooms
  • Drink Options
  • Food Options
  • Seating Areas
  • Sheltered Areas
  • Picnic Areas
  • Trash Bins
  • Information Boards

Discover more about Eaton Park

History and Design

Eaton Park opened in 1928 as a post-World War I public works project to combat unemployment, designed by Captain Arnold Sandys-Winsch with a formal geometric layout blending active recreation and natural beauty. Officially inaugurated by the Prince of Wales (later Edward VIII), it spans 80 acres and holds Grade II* status on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens, reflecting Norwich's commitment to civic green spaces.

Family Attractions and Play Areas

The enormous children's play area caters to toddlers through young adults with diverse equipment for various abilities. Nearby, an 18-hole pitch and putt course, crazy golf, and putting green entertain all ages. The miniature railway runs on Sundays and bank holidays from Easter to September, with an accessible carriage for wheelchairs and prams. A floodlit skate park and BMX track meet national standards, ideal for evening sessions.

Sports and Outdoor Activities

Sports facilities abound: four floodlit tennis courts, basketball court, outdoor table tennis, pétanque terrain, bowling greens, croquet lawns, cricket pitches, and football fields available for casual play or booking. The model boating pond, one of Europe's best using 960,000 gallons of fresh water, hosts regattas from April to October. Woodland trails, meadows, lily pond, and rose garden offer peaceful walks and picnic spots.

Practical Facilities

A café operates daily except Christmas (9am-4pm), serving hot drinks and light meals. Toilets, including accessible ones, are available seasonally with varying hours. Two car parks charge £2-£8 (9am-9pm, contactless only), free for Blue Badge holders. The park hosts events like summer bandstand concerts, nature walks, Norwich 5k parkrun, and volunteer gardening.

Access and Events

Open 24/7 year-round with free entry, Eaton Park is easily reached by bus (services 25/26) or car. It earned the Green Flag Award for excellent management. Community groups maintain its heritage through restorations, ensuring a vibrant, inclusive space for picnics, sports, and relaxation amid Norwich's urban landscape.

Busiest months of the year

Busiest hours of the day

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Norwich

File:Norwich Cathedral Facade.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Explore Norwich, where medieval charm meets modern vibrancy, offering a blend of historic architecture, cultural richness, and natural beauty in East Anglia.

Tell me more about Norwich

Select Currency