The history of Victoria Park
The landscape and layout was designed by Alexander McKenzie who also created Finsbury Park, the Victoria, Albert Embankment and Alexandra Palace Park. The original design for the site is an excellent example of a late-19th-century formal garden.
The fountain at the heart of the park is part of original landscape. Victoria Park is also home to nine naval memorials commemorating ships, people and international events linked to Portsmouth’s history. We are working with local historians and community groups to uncover the histories associated with these memorials.
Park visitors have been able to enjoy an aviary, housing rare birds and animals, since shortly after the park’s opening in 1878. The aviary’s location has changed a number of times and the aviary enjoyed by today’s visitors was built after the great storm in 1987.
Find out more about the founding of Victoria Park, the area’s rich history over three centuries, and how we’re celebrating the park’s heritage on the Victoria Park website.