Victoria Park & Watercress Fields, Ashford
Victoria Park, which includes the Watercress Fields, is Ashford’s largest and most central park and offers a sculpture trail and plenty of spaces to relax. The park has been upgraded as part of a £5 million+ project delivered by Ashford Borough Council and the National Lottery Heritage Fund, aiming to improve and protect Victoria Park for the local community.
Iconic Features
Hubert Fountain Upgrade: The iconic Grade II Listed Hubert Fountain, pictured, has been upgraded. Made in France for the International Exhibition in 1862, it was gifted in 1910 and later restored in 1977 to celebrate the Queen’s Silver Jubilee.
Fountain Piazza: There is also an updated fountain piazza, featuring new access and seating, improved surfacing and lighting, and new formal planting.
Natural Heritage
The Watercress Fields name derived from the 19th Century when watercress was grown commercially in the chalk stream and transported to London markets. The chalk stream in the park is an internationally rare habitat. Running through the chalk beds of the Downs, it supports a rich mix of flora and fauna, including water voles, kingfishers, and white-clawed crayfish.
Upgraded Additions
As part of the £5 million project, several new attractions have been added:
New Playground: Includes a climbing frame, swings, trampolines, a zip-wire, and more.
Community Hub Building: Featuring a café.
Sensory Garden: A colourful and fragrant garden set within a woodland meadow, creating a space perfect for mindfulness.
Seasonal Wetland Area and River Corridor: This opens up the riverbank and natural woodland, allowing users to enjoy the River Stour from a picnic area and viewing platform.
Pump Track: a hard-surface track for BMXers, skaters, and all other mini-wheels users. Designed and built by the team behind the London 2012 Olympic BMX track and with input from Ska8side users.

Opening Hours
Park
From dawn to dusk.
Toilets
1st May to 30th September
8am–6pm
1st October to 30th  April
8am – 4pm
Car Park
8am at the latest, closed at 10.30 pm.

Train
Ashford International - 10-15 minutes.

Bus
Bus routes stop on Jemmett Road.

Facilities
Toilets • Changing Places Facility

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Picture Credit: © Ashford Borough Council

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