Abbey House, of Georgian style, was built in 1751. The house and gardens stand on the site of part of King Alfred’s Nunnaminster.

The grounds were bought by Winchester City Council in 1890 and converted to a Public Pleasure Ground. They are now laid out with formal flower beds, a rose garden, a scented garden and an enclosed children's play area. The River Itchen runs through the gardens providing habitat for a variety of wildlife having once fed fishponds and powered the mill of the Nunnaminster.

 The works to refurbish the play area in Abbey Gardens was undertaken in two phases – removal and replacement of the paths, play equipment and surfacing followed by the installation of new play equipment and surfacing.

An inclusive swing – high backed with built in restraint: We’re still committed and look forward to, including an inclusive swing in our play area at Abbey Gardens. However it is a new design from the play company and the product testing needed before it comes to market is taking longer than anticipated. We’re now expecting this to be installed early in the New Year – please check back here for latest updates…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the meantime a temporary inclusive swing will be installed. Users who require assistance for safety when using the swing will need to provide their own straps.

Public consultation was undertaken in June/July 2022 both on site and online. The results can be viewed here.

The refurbishment is part of a play area improvements programme with works to the play areas at North Walls and KGV due to be undertaken in 2023/24.

The brick planter contains edible plants provided and maintained by Incredible Edible.

Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust