Admirals Park
🏟 Playground & park · Waterhouse Farm, Chelmsford
Admirals Park
A large, well-maintained riverside park and Local Nature Reserve by the River Can, with a children's play area, outdoor gym and sports pitches.
🕑 Opening & entry
🌱 The park is open at all times. · Free · No booking needed
📍 Location & directions
🗺️ Show map ▾
Address: Rainsford Road, Chelmsford, CM1 2PN
Plus Code: 9F32PFR3+3V
About Admirals Park
Admirals Park is a large, attractive and well-maintained park on the western edge of Chelmsford city centre, run free of charge by Chelmsford City Council. The River Can runs through the site, which was declared a Local Nature Reserve by Natural England following a decision by Chelmsford City Councillors at a Cabinet meeting in July, recognising its importance for wildlife. The river corridor supports a rich range of species, and visitors may spot kingfishers, otters, woodpeckers, squirrels and butterflies along the walks. Alongside its nature value the park offers plenty for families and sports players, including a well-equipped children's play area, an outdoor gym, a cricket square, football pitches and tennis courts, set among landscaped garden areas and picnic spots. The park adjoins Central Park and Tower Gardens, and riverside paths link all three, with the Chelmsford parkrun route passing through on Saturday mornings. A community book box library adds a neighbourly touch. Parking is shared with the neighbouring Tower Gardens car park off the Rainsford Road side, and toilets are available. Its mix of open space, sport and protected wildlife habitat makes it a reliable free day out close to the city centre.
⭐ What makes this place special
- cricket square
- football pitches
- tennis courts
- picnic areas
- community book box library
- River Can corridor wildlife walks
🏞 Facilities
- Free entry
- Parking: Yes – car parking is shared with the adjoining Tower Gardens, with 65 standard spaces and 3 disabled spaces (2.1m height barrier).
- Toilets on site
- Accessibility: Good walking and cycling access, with disabled parking available.
🧒 Ages & play
- well-equipped children's play area
- outdoor gym
📍 Nearby places to play
- Central Park · approx 0.7 miles · City Centre
- Melbourne Park · approx 0.8 miles · Melbourne
- Oaklands Park · approx 1.2 miles · Moulsham
Explore more:
❓ Frequently asked questions
Is Admirals Park free to visit?
Yes. Admirals Park is a public park run by Chelmsford City Council and entry is completely free.
Is there a children's play area at Admirals Park?
Yes. There is a well-equipped children's play area, along with an outdoor gym.
What are the opening times for Admirals Park?
The park is open at all times.
Is there parking at Admirals Park?
Yes. Car parking is shared with the adjoining Tower Gardens, with 65 standard spaces and 3 disabled spaces, and a 2.1m height barrier.
Is Admirals Park a nature reserve?
Yes. Admirals Park has been declared a Local Nature Reserve by Natural England, and the River Can corridor supports kingfishers, otters, woodpeckers and more.