Belmont Park Exeter

Imagine a cozy green oasis hidden from the city bustle in the Newtown area. Belmont Park is a charming public park located in the city of Exeter, United Kingdom. Opened back in 1886, it evolved from a disused quarry into a favorite leisure spot for locals, now covering an area of about 10 acres.

Belmont Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

One of the main highlights of this place is the unique Sensory Garden. Established in 1939, this space became one of the first gardens in the world for the blind, where the emphasis is on aromas and tactile sensations. Walking here, you will experience the wonderful fragrance of flowers and herbs specially selected to delight visitors throughout the year.

Today, the park offers excellent facilities for family recreation and sports. There are spacious lawns for picnics, playgrounds for children of different ages in a dog-free zone, as well as courts for basketball and football. The peaceful atmosphere and well-maintained paths make it an ideal spot for those who want to slow down the pace of their journey for a moment.

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In this park, everyone will find something to their liking. If you are looking for tranquility, head to the Sensory Garden. This place is designed for enjoying aromas: plants with particularly vibrant scents are planted here, creating a unique atmosphere for meditation and relaxation.

For those with an active lifestyle, there are dedicated sports zones. You can warm up on the football pitch or shoot a few hoops on the basketball court. A local bowling club also operates on the grounds, where you can watch a game or try your hand at this classic English pastime.

Travelers with children will appreciate the special play areas, which are divided by age and located in a dog-free section, ensuring cleanliness and safety. And if the weather is nice, bring a blanket — the vast green lawns are simply made for a traditional British picnic in the fresh air.

Getting to this green corner in the Newtown area is quite easy. Belmont Park is located at Belmont Rd, Exeter EX4 6SS, just a pleasant 20–30 minute walk from the very center of the city. This is a great way to combine sightseeing with a relaxing break in nature.

If you prefer public transport, use the buses that stop in the Newtown area. The nearest railway stations are Exeter Central and St Thomas Station, from which you can reach the park on foot in about 10–15 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from anywhere in the city center.

For those traveling by bicycle, there are convenient routes leading from the River Exe. It is worth noting that there is no dedicated parking on-site, so motorists will need to find available spaces on nearby streets (such as Belmont Road or Blackboy Road).

The history of this site began in 1886. Belmont Park was one of Exeter's first public spaces established during the Victorian era. Interestingly, before the lawns turned green, the site was home to a common brick pit. The city authorities purchased the land and spent about £1,400 on its landscaping, transforming an industrial zone into a place for recreation.

The park has frequently been the center of important city events. In 1887, Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee was celebrated here on a grand scale, and in 1902, fun competitions were held to honor the coronation of Edward VII, with citizens competing in sack races and wheelbarrow races. During the mid-20th century, the park's appearance changed when temporary wooden huts were installed; these later served as a technical college.

The park's special pride is the Sensory Garden, opened in 1939. It was the first public garden in England designed specifically for the visually impaired. It was filled with plants featuring particularly strong and pleasant aromas, allowing the beauty of nature to be experienced without the need for sight. In 2007, this unique garden was carefully restored.

For a leisurely exploration of the park, 1–2 hours is usually sufficient. This is enough time to walk along all the paths, visit the fragrant Sensory Garden, and relax on one of the benches while enjoying the peace and quiet.

If you plan to have a family picnic or are visiting the park with children so they can play to their heart's content on the modern playgrounds, it is worth allowing a bit more time. The park is perfect for a short break between visiting the city's main architectural landmarks.

The park is hospitably open to visitors 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can drop by early in the morning for an invigorating walk or during the sunset hours.

Nevertheless, it is recommended to check for current information on the official Exeter city website, as in rare cases, maintenance work or special community events may be held on the grounds.

Exeter is a city with a rich past, and a walk through the park can easily be combined with visits to other historical sites. Nearby attractions allow you to dive deeper into the atmosphere of this ancient English settlement.