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Parks

Southampton's parks make it the greenest city in Southern England. Close to the Old Town are seven formal parks which were originally common land where the medieval townsfolk grew crops and grazed their animals, converted into elegant parks in the early Victorian period.

These Grade II listed parks are now fully restored and have their traditional bandstand, rose gardens, elaborate fountains and imposing sculptures which evoke the city's history and civic pride.

Why not have a game of tennis, putting or croquet in East Park? You can just turn up and play by reporting to the pavilion.

The Common
The huge 326 acre Common, just a short walk from the city centre, is a haven for flora and fauna and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre, based on The Common, gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the local ecology and wildlife.

The rest of the Common is home to an abandoned race course and the site of the gallows, the Victorian lake and the country's deepest artesian well.

For more information please contact the Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre on +44 (0)23 8067 1921.