Hastings Urban Playgrounds

Frimley Park Hastings: Playground, Rose Gardens and Sports Fields

Last updated June 2026

Frimley Park in Hastings is a historic reserve featuring an inclusive playground, formal rose gardens and sports fields. The park spans 19.78 hectares and is laid out in an Old English style with more than 5,500 roses and many rare trees. It serves as a popular community space for families, walkers and sports groups. Recent upgrades have improved the playground and pathways while the former pool site is being returned to open grass. Visitors enjoy the combination of play equipment, shaded picnic areas and well-maintained gardens in a central Hastings location.

Practical Information

Location Frimley Road and Lyndhurst Road, Frimley, Hastings
Size 19.78 hectares
Playground Inclusive equipment including wheelchair-friendly roundabout, swings, slides, rope climb, bongo drums, talk tubes and scooter path
Gardens Over 5,500 roses in formal Old English style gardens
Sports facilities Football and cricket fields, petanque court
Parking Street parking on surrounding roads; no formal vehicle parking inside the park
Dogs Permitted on leash in designated areas; not allowed on sports fields
Hours Open during daylight hours
Toilets Public toilets available

About Frimley Park

Frimley Park was established as a public reserve with a traditional Old English landscape design. The formal gardens contain more than 5,500 roses and a collection of rare and notable trees that create a scenic setting for visitors. The park functions as both a heritage landscape and an active recreational reserve managed by Hastings District Council.

The playground was upgraded to provide inclusive play for children of all abilities. Equipment includes a wheelchair-friendly roundabout, sensory elements and a range of climbing and swinging options. Shaded seating and accessible pathways support family use throughout the year.

Sports fields within the park cater for football and cricket, while a petanque court offers casual play. Walking and running paths wind through the gardens and open spaces, providing pleasant routes for exercise. The park remains open during ongoing water infrastructure works and the decommissioning of the former pool complex.

Picnic tables and shaded areas are scattered near the playground and fields. Public toilets and drinking fountains are provided for visitor comfort. The reserve continues to host community events and serves as a central green space in Hastings.

Playground Features and Accessibility

The playground at Frimley Park includes modern inclusive equipment designed for children of varying abilities. Features such as the wheelchair-friendly roundabout, talk tubes, bongo drums and textured surfaces support sensory and physical play. Brightly coloured ground surfaces and clear sightlines help with navigation and supervision.

Active and quieter zones allow different play styles, while nearby seating provides rest areas for caregivers. The design reflects community feedback and council efforts to create welcoming play spaces.

Gardens and Rose Collection

Frimley Park’s formal gardens follow an Old English style with structured rose beds and specimen trees. More than 5,500 roses provide seasonal colour and fragrance. The gardens offer a peaceful setting for walking, photography and quiet relaxation away from the play areas.

Well-maintained paths connect the gardens to the playground and sports fields. The landscape also supports local wildlife including birds and insects. Ongoing garden renewal projects aim to maintain the quality of the perennial borders.

Sports and Recreation Facilities

Frimley Park contains dedicated sports fields used for football and cricket. A petanque court is available for casual games. Shared pathways link the park to nearby areas and support walking, running and cycling.

The former Frimley Pool site is being converted to grassed open space following its closure. The park remains a venue for organised sport and informal recreation for the Hastings community.

Access, Parking and Facilities

Entrances are located off Frimley Road and Lyndhurst Road. Vehicle access inside the park is restricted, with parking available on surrounding streets. Accessible parking spaces are provided near main entrances.

Public toilets, drinking fountains and picnic tables are located throughout the reserve. The park is generally open during daylight hours, and dogs are permitted on leash in appropriate areas but must not enter sports fields.

What Visitors Often Say

Families appreciate the inclusive playground equipment and the variety of activities available for children of different ages and abilities. Many note the pleasant rose gardens and shaded picnic spots as ideal for relaxed outings.

Visitors frequently mention the convenient central location, good walking paths and the combination of play facilities with open green space. Regular users value the sports fields and the peaceful garden setting for both exercise and downtime.

Where to Learn More

Hastings District Council – Frimley Park: Official page with facilities, location details and current updates.

Frimley Park Reserve Management Plan 2022–2032: Detailed council document covering history, management and future plans.

Frimley Park Project: Information on current works including pool site redevelopment and water infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the playground at Frimley Park inclusive?
Yes, the playground features equipment designed for children of all abilities, including a wheelchair-friendly roundabout, sensory elements and accessible surfaces.

Are dogs allowed in Frimley Park?
Dogs are permitted on leash in designated areas but are not allowed on the sports fields. Owners must clean up after their pets.

Is there parking at Frimley Park?
There are no formal vehicle parking areas inside the park. Street parking is available on Frimley Road and Lyndhurst Road, with accessible spaces near entrances.

What sports can be played at Frimley Park?
The park has fields for football and cricket plus a petanque court. Bookings may be required for organised use.

Are there toilets and picnic facilities?
Public toilets and picnic tables with shaded seating are available throughout the park.

What are the opening hours?
Frimley Park is open during daylight hours for general use.

Is the former pool still operating?
No, Frimley Pool has closed and the site is being returned to grassed open space.

Are guided tours available?
No guided tours are offered. Visitors can explore the gardens and playground independently.

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