Alexandra Park

Description

Alexandra Park is a sporting and recreation venue in the heart of Pietermaritzburg. Perfectly reflecting Pietermaritzburg’s “Garden City” status, the park has a variety of plant life. A stroll through the park will lead you past aloes, azaleas, succulents, Cape chestnuts, cycads, jacarandas, a rose garden, Palm Tree Avenue, a conservatory, various species of indigenous flora, and more.

The Umsinduzi River (also known as the Duzi River) forms a natural boundary to the park and visitors can wander along its banks and cross little footbridges over the water. Pack a picnic and enjoy the braai facilities in the park, or pop in for a Sunday lunch near the cricket pitch. Swimming, cycling, and soccer facilities are provided.

Comprising 86.5ha, Alexandra Park was established in 1863 and named after Princess Alexandra of Denmark when she married King Edward VII. Princess Alexandra later became Queen Alexandra of Great Britain. Alexandra Park is home to the picturesque Cricket Oval with its Victorian Pavilion. Built in 1898 to commemorate 50 years of British history in Pietermaritzburg, the cricket Oval is a national monument with a restaurant and a ‘chinoiserie’ Band Stand.

Aside from international sports fixtures, Alexandra Park is a regular venue for concerts and host to events such as Art in the Park, South Africa’s largest outdoor exhibition of African artists; Cars in the Park, which showcases all types of vehicles, from vintage to future; the 'Martizburg Fantasia Christmas night market; and Alex and Oval Sunday markets.