South Hill Park’s Award-Winning Grounds
South Hill Park Arts Centre is set in beautiful Green Flag Award-Winning parkland south of Bracknell town centre. The large, historic grounds are open to the public and include landscaped gardens, lakes, children’s play areas and woodland, all of which surround the Grade II listed building.
The grounds of South Hill Park were restored back to their former glory thanks to a £2.3 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund in 2008. Over the course of four years, the park was vastly improved for the benefit of the public and wildlife. Restored original features include a Yew Walk and Italian Garden. The total cost of this ambitious project amounted to £4.4 million, which paid for works on-site and then 10 years of ongoing maintenance.
You can find out more about the restoration project and Conservation Management Plan by contacting John Morris, South Hill Park Head Gardener, on 01344 352000.
South Hill Park is a two-times Green Flag awarded site and winner of Best Local Authority Park, Thames and Chiltern In Bloom, 2013.
Facilities and key features:
- Italian Garden restored to the original designs of architect Temple Moore,
- Four way-marked trails to guide your way around these historic grounds,
- Two balancing ponds that are popular for fishing and are home to an array of wildlife,
- New paths and improved access points,
- An amphitheatre which is popular for outdoor performances,
- Small Rose Garden which leads onto a Yew walk, with a rose strewn arcade,
- Sculptures including the Rings of Pachamama by Lucy Strachan,
- Toddler garden including natural play features,
- Café – for opening times visit our Eat & Drink page,
- Woodlands of birch, lime, oak and sweet chestnut.
Management of the grounds is a partnership between Bracknell Forest Council, Bracknell Town Council and South Hill Park Arts Centre. The area to the south of Ringmead is owned and managed by Bracknell Forest Council, while the northern area is managed by Bracknell Town Council. Both lakes are owned by Thames Water and act as balancing ponds for the town, by storing excess water during periods of heavy rainfall.
For more information about the grounds, please visit the Bracknell Forest website: www.bracknell-forest.gov.uk/parks-and-countryside/parks-visit/south-hill-park
What’s on in the Grounds?
A wide programme of events and activities take place in the South Hill Park grounds throughout the year including treasure hunts, family fun days, wildlife evenings and nature days.
Also check out our orienteering course in the grounds – perfect for all ages. Learn how to navigate without the aid of a mobile phone or google maps, get out in the fresh air, and have fun! You can collect maps and answer sheets from the South Hill Park Arts Centre Box Office. This is a FREE activity – all you need is a pen and a zest for life. Click on the links below for information, maps of South and North lake courses, and answer sheets.
Orienteering leaflet – April 2016
The park is also Bracknell’s leading venue for large public events, such as the half marathon, annual Food Festival and music festivals.
Check out our Shows & Events page (and filter on Grounds) for a full list of events.
Visitor information
Please help keep South Hill Park a safe and welcoming space for everyone to enjoy
- Don’t feed bread to birds (please use grain only), as this can cause serious harm both to the birds and the surrounding environment,
- Protect plants and wildlife,
- No BBQs or fires are allowed anywhere on site,
- Use the bins provided or take your litter home,
- Keep dogs under control, keep them on the lead on the terrace by the café and around the lakes to prevent them from approaching or chasing wildlife,
- Please clean up after your dog,
- Please consider other users of the park,
- Be safe – follow any signs and take care when crossing the road at the front entrance.
Environmental Warden
Bracknell Town Council employ environment wardens to protect the environment around Bracknell, which includes the ground at South Hill Park.
If you have any environmental questions or concerns about the park please contact them on environment.warden@nullbracknelltowncouncil.gov.uk