Ellington Park

Ellington Park is situated centrally within the town of Ramsgate and is accessed by foot, cycle and public transport. The park’s name originates from the former small hamlet of Elinton and is mentioned in documents dating from 1270. The Ellington Estate was privately owned until 1866, when Edward Hales Wilkie acquired Ellington House (now demolished) together with twelve acres of land. In 1893 the estate was acquired by the Ramsgate Corporation (now Thanet District Council) and opened as a public park, designed and laid out by the landscape gardeners, Joseph Cheal & Son, who created a rolling Victorian landscape incorporating over 400 trees.

In 2021 the park was lovingly restored by The Friends of Ellington Park and Thanet District Council with the support of National Lottery Players through the Heritage Lottery Fund and its ‘Parks for People’ Programme.

As part of the project, a new multipurpose cafe and toilet building was created, along with a children’s playground, improved access for the park's miniature railway, which was installed in 1969. Historic pathways, flint terrace and balustrade have been restored, as well as the 120-year-old bandstand, manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Company Ltd (pattern No. 279), which remains a key heritage feature and centrally located performance hub for the park. The formal heritage axis includes the bandstand, a walkway lined by heritage planting which leads to the sweeping steps to the terrace promenade and balustrades.

Ramsgate residents and visitors are overjoyed to see this public park returned to its rightful place on the list of Ramsgate’s beautiful heritage attractions .