Pretty as a picture

Wivenhoe Park is a striking landscape of more than 220 acres. Home to a range of plants and wildlife including some extraordinary and historic trees, this picturesque paradise can only be appreciated fully in person.

World-famous painter John Constable immortalised Wivenhoe Park in his 1816 painting which hangs in Washington DC’s National Gallery of Art. Much of the landscape is older still, from medieval oaks to the grand Wivenhoe House of 1758.

Today, the campus comprises 18 major habitats, with many notable species among its 2,800 trees. Our three artificial lakes provide homes for carp, cormorants, and kingfishers, while 220 acres of grounds support much more fauna, flora, and fungi.

Our tranquil parkland home has been voted one of the top ten green spaces in the UK, in the People's Choice Award - the only university to receive this award over the last 4 years consecutively. Thanks to the caring stewardship of our Grounds team, we are also the proud winners of our sixth Green Flag Award, the only university campus to achieve this prestigious honour.

Sustainability is a core priority for the University. To preserve Wivenhoe Park for the future, our Grounds team is introducing new wildlife areas, reducing chemical fertilisers, and developing a dedicated green space policy.

Wivenhoe park is the perfect place for long walks, exploring natural habits, or losing yourself in tranquillity.