Wensum Park
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Wensum Park

4.3
·919 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant riverside park in Norwich, offering abundant wildlife, a fantastic playground, and community events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy nature's best

CrowdLow
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Wensum Park

Wensum Park

Best Time

Summer mornings

Enjoy nature's best

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant riverside park in Norwich, offering abundant wildlife, a fantastic playground, and community events.

4.3
(919 reviews)

"A beautiful park, would get 5 stars if only was cleaner."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐦 Feed the Birds

Bring some birdseed to feed the ducks and swans. It's a highlight for many visitors!

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the river and exploring the park's paths.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

River Wensum Wildlife

River Wensum Wildlife

Riverbanks

Watch and feed ducks, swans, and geese along the picturesque River Wensum. A true natural spectacle!

Playground Adventures

Playground Adventures

Play Areas

Enjoy a fantastic play park with a sandpit and a new additional play area for endless family fun.

Wensum Park Circus Jam

Wensum Park Circus Jam

Open Green Spaces

Experience vibrant community spirit at the Tuesday evening circus jams. All skill levels welcome!

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Wildlife (and Their Mess)

Wensum Park is a haven for ducks, swans, and geese, offering delightful feeding opportunities. Be prepared for natural droppings, especially after recent improvements to the park's pathways. While rats were an issue, new tarmac has helped mitigate this.

Check for Events & Activities

Beyond its natural beauty, Wensum Park hosts community events like circus jams on Tuesday evenings. Keep an eye out for local happenings that can add an extra layer of fun to your visit.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Enjoy nature's best
Crowd
Low
When
Tuesday evenings
Why
Circus jam fun
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Family fun
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Missing my student city already 📚 Here’s how I would spend the perfect day in Norwich! 🤍 click the link in my bio to view events in your city on Skiddle @skiddleuk #AD #Skiddle #SkiddleStudent #dayinthelife #Norwich #student #studentlife
@lia.sophiex
2.8K likes • 143.2K views

🐦 Feed the Birds

Bring some birdseed to feed the ducks and swans. It's a highlight for many visitors! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the river and exploring the park's paths. Instagram

Rain or shine, Norwich is the perfect day out. 📍☀️ From iconic landmarks, museums and galleries to beautiful Green space and independent shops. There always something happening in the #CityOfStories 🙌 #VisitNorwich #Norwich #Norfolk #England #VisitEngland #Citybreak #CityVibes #BeautifulDestinations #HistoricalPlaces #traveltok #wheretogoinnorwich #thingstoseeinnorwich
@visit_norwich
989 likes • 56.4K views
Wensum Park, one of the most beautiful playgrounds around ✨ It has everything from an amazing play park with a sandpit, the beautiful river wensum with so many wonderful wildlife and now a new additional play park being built on the other side 😍 So excited for all these norfolk park renovations, this summers going to be a good one ✨ #norfolkplayparks #wensumpark #riverwensum #norfolkparkrenovat...
the_harrod_adventures_
19 likes • 1K views

🎪 Check for Events

Look out for community events like the Tuesday circus jams for extra entertainment. Instagram

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a leisurely meal amidst nature. Plenty of green space for a relaxing picnic. Instagram

WENSUM PARK & GARDEN Norwich UK DUCK PARK Apna Business Harpreet Singh
ha.rpreetsingh7708
3 likes • 80 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐦 Feed the Birds

Bring some birdseed to feed the ducks and swans. It's a highlight for many visitors! Reddit

👟 Comfortable Shoes

Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the river and exploring the park's paths. Instagram

🎪 Check for Events

Look out for community events like the Tuesday circus jams for extra entertainment. Instagram

🧺 Pack a Picnic

Enjoy a leisurely meal amidst nature. Plenty of green space for a relaxing picnic. Instagram

🧼 Toilets Available

Public toilets are on-site, though cleanliness can vary. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(919 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Wensum Park is a beloved green space in Norwich, praised for its abundant wildlife, especially ducks and swans, and its excellent playground facilities for children. While many appreciate the recent improvements and natural beauty, some visitors note that cleanliness, particularly of the public toilets, and general maintenance could be enhanced. Despite minor drawbacks, it's considered a valuable and enjoyable park for relaxation and family fun.

"I have read both high and low star ratings with interest, as there is truth on both sides. Having lived opposite the park for nearly 30 years, I have witnessed the ups and downs of its history. It is true that many of the fixtures and landmarks fell into disrepair, mainly due to significant funding cuts.

However, I am pleased to say that the local authority has since made considerable repairs and improvements to the park.
It's also true that the park attracts a wide variety of wildlife, particularly seagulls, swans, ducks, and geese.

On the downside, a large number of ducks and geese naturally leads to a substantial amount of droppings. Additionally, feeding the birds tends to attract a community of rats and mice, which I used to frequently see emerging from beneath the decking to grab leftover food. Fortunately, the decking has been replaced with a tarmac path, effectively eliminating a habitat for the rats.

The park is a beautiful place to visit, especially during the summer with young children, allowing them to experience nature. It’s also an ideal spot to relax and enjoy the sunny weather. I visited the park today and noted the great efforts and improvements made by the council.

Overall, I believe a score between 4 and 5 would be a fair rating."

Raymond Bewry

"Always a nice little trip here with the children, play park, river with ducks and swans you can feed. Toilets available, although not the cleanest and could do with a repaint, my son came out and had read a very disturbing sentence off of the wall which he asked me to explain. It was vile what someone had wrote. Please throw some paint over the awful stuff written in there."

Laura B

"Beautiful park, would get 5 stars if only was cleaner"

Francesco

What People Like

Abundant wildlife
Great playground
Riverside walks

What People Dislike

Toilet cleanliness
General maintenance

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Wensum Park is easily accessible in Norwich, Norfolk. Many visitors arrive by car, with nearby accommodation offering private parking and free street parking. Instagram Public transport options are also available within the city. TikTok

Yes, Wensum Park is ideal for walking. The park features a river Wensum, and pathways that have been recently improved with tarmac, making it pleasant for strolls. InstagramReddit

Cycling is permitted in Wensum Park, offering a great way to explore the green spaces and riverside. Remember to be mindful of other park users.

Wensum Park is located close to the heart of Norwich. Depending on your starting point, it's often a pleasant walk or a short bus ride from the city centre. TikTok

While Wensum Park itself may not have dedicated parking, nearby accommodations often provide private parking spaces, and free street parking is available in the vicinity. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Wensum Park is a public park and therefore free to enter. Enjoy its natural beauty and amenities without any admission cost. Instagram

As a public park, Wensum Park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific hours may vary, but it's typically accessible throughout daylight hours.

No, tickets are not required to visit Wensum Park. It's a public space open for everyone to enjoy at their leisure.

Generally, there are no major restrictions, but standard park rules apply regarding littering and respecting wildlife. Events may have specific guidelines. Instagram

Wensum Park is typically open during daylight hours. While not officially closed, it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety and to fully appreciate the park's features.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Wensum Park is a haven for diverse wildlife, including numerous ducks, swans, and geese. You might also spot other local bird species. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! Wensum Park boasts a wonderful playground with a sandpit and a newer play area, making it a hit with families. Instagram

Feeding the ducks and swans is a popular activity, but it's best to use appropriate bird feed. Avoid feeding them bread, as it's not healthy for them. Reddit

Yes, public toilets are available within Wensum Park. However, reviews suggest they could benefit from more frequent cleaning and maintenance. Reddit

You can enjoy walking, picnicking, feeding the wildlife, playing in the playground, and even participating in community events like the Tuesday circus jams. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Wensum Park does not have on-site cafes or restaurants. It's recommended to bring your own food for a picnic or dine at nearby establishments in Norwich.

The park offers numerous grassy areas perfect for picnics, especially along the River Wensum, providing scenic views. Instagram

Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park. Remember to dispose of your litter responsibly.

While not directly in the park, the surrounding areas of Norwich offer a variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants for dining options.

Generally, consuming alcohol in public parks is subject to local bylaws. It's advisable to check current regulations for Norwich parks.

📸 📸 Photography

Wensum Park offers beautiful natural scenery, including the River Wensum, wildlife, and lush greenery, perfect for photography. Instagram+1

Yes, with its abundance of ducks, swans, and geese, Wensum Park is an excellent spot for wildlife photography. Instagram

Early mornings and late afternoons often provide the best natural light for photography, creating softer shadows and warmer tones. Instagram

Drone usage in public parks is often restricted. It's essential to check local regulations and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.

The River Wensum itself, the bridges crossing it, and the various wildlife provide picturesque subjects for your photos. The playground also offers fun shots. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Wensum Park is a fantastic destination for families. The well-maintained playground with its sandpit and additional play area is a major draw, ensuring hours of fun for children. Instagram You can also enjoy feeding the ducks and swans along the River Wensum, a classic family activity that kids adore. Reddit Pack a picnic to enjoy on the spacious lawns, and be aware that while toilets are available, they might not always be pristine. Reddit

Consider visiting during summer mornings for pleasant weather and fewer crowds. The park's natural beauty provides a wonderful backdrop for family outings, offering a chance for children to experience nature up close. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples

For solo travelers or couples seeking a peaceful retreat, Wensum Park offers a serene escape. Take a leisurely walk along the River Wensum, enjoying the tranquil atmosphere and observing the local wildlife. Instagram+1 The park is also a great spot for photography, with picturesque views of the river and its inhabitants. Instagram+1

If you're looking for a bit of local culture, check out the Tuesday evening circus jams for a unique and lively experience. Instagram It’s a chance to soak in the community vibe or simply enjoy a relaxed evening surrounded by nature.

🐶 Dog Owners

Wensum Park is generally dog-friendly, allowing you to bring your canine companions along for a walk. The open green spaces and riverside paths provide ample room for dogs to explore. Remember to keep your dog under control and on a lead where appropriate, especially near the wildlife and playgrounds. Always clean up after your dog to help keep the park pleasant for everyone. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Wildlife of Wensum Park

Wensum Park is renowned for its vibrant wildlife population, particularly its abundance of waterfowl. Visitors frequently enjoy observing and feeding the ducks, swans, and geese that inhabit the River Wensum. InstagramReddit While this offers a delightful experience, it's worth noting that a large number of birds can lead to a significant amount of natural droppings. The park's recent improvements, including replacing decking with tarmac paths, have helped to mitigate some environmental concerns, such as the presence of rats that were attracted to leftover bird food. Reddit

The presence of wildlife is a major draw for visitors, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to connect with nature. The park's ecosystem supports a variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Remember to bring appropriate bird feed if you plan to interact with the animals, and always be respectful of their habitat. Instagram

Community and Events at Wensum Park

Wensum Park is more than just a green space; it's a hub for community activity. A notable recurring event is the Wensum Park Circus Jam, held on Tuesday evenings. Instagram This informal gathering welcomes performers and spectators alike, fostering a unique and inclusive atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned performer or just curious, it's an opportunity to witness or participate in a lively display of talent and creativity.

Beyond the circus jams, the park is a cherished spot for families. The well-equipped playground with its sandpit and newer play area is a constant source of joy for children. Instagram The park's accessibility and natural beauty also make it a popular choice for picnics and leisurely strolls, allowing residents and visitors to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Instagram The ongoing efforts by the local authority to make repairs and improvements further enhance the park's appeal as a community asset. Reddit

Park Maintenance and Visitor Experience

Visitor feedback on Wensum Park highlights a mix of appreciation for its natural beauty and concerns regarding maintenance. While many praise the greenery and the river setting, some reviews mention that the park 'has seen better days' and that certain areas, like the old column building, could benefit from more attention. Reddit The public toilets are noted as being available but could be cleaner and in need of a repaint, with one reviewer mentioning disturbing graffiti. Reddit

Despite these points, there's a clear recognition of the improvements made by the local authority, particularly the replacement of decking with tarmac paths, which has addressed issues like rat habitats. Reddit The park's play area is consistently highlighted as a positive feature for families. Reddit Overall, the sentiment leans towards a park that is well-loved and undergoing positive changes, with a fair rating often falling between 4 and 5 stars. Reddit

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