Frequently Asked Questions

Knowle Park was generously donated by Nick and Rowena Vrijland, who also funded the creation of the public country park. Today, the park is owned by Knowle Park Trust, a registered charity run by voluntary Trustees. Day-to-day care of the park is led by our Park Ranger, supported by a brilliant team of volunteers who give their time to keep everything looking its best.

Yes! We are very proud to have an official Changing Places Toilet at Knowle Park. As well as the features you would expect in an accessible toilet, it includes extra space, a peninsular toilet, an adult changing bench and a hoist. Please note that no sling is supplied. These facilities are essential for people who need the support of a carer or cannot reasonably use a standard accessible toilet. The Changing Places toilet is available during opening hours using a Radar key. If you forget your key, please ask at the Heartwork kiosk and we will happily lend you one.

If you have lost something, please first check with Heartwork Coffee or Moooh! Ice Cream at their kiosks by the adventure playground. Items handed in during the day are usually kept there. At the end of the day, lost property is moved to our workshop. We keep items for one month. After that, they are donated to local charity shops. If you would like to check whether we have your item, please email hello@knowlepark.org.uk.(mailto:hello@knowlepark.org.uk)

Yes, well behaved dogs are very welcome, provided they are under close and effective control at all times. Dogs must be kept on a lead in areas north of public footpath 393, which runs through the middle of the park between Knowle Lane and Alfold Road. Dogs must be kept out of the lake, Littlemead Brook, and ditches around the park, to protect wildlife. Please always pick up and dispose of dog waste properly in all areas of the park. We provide dog waste bins around the park, and you can place bagged dog waste in any bin.

Our car park is open from 6am to 8pm, and it is managed by Euro Carparks. The parking tariff is 80p up to one hour, £1.50 for two hours, £2 for three hours, £3 for four hours, and £3.50 all-day (until 8pm). Additional fees may apply when using parking apps. The car park is managed with fixed and mobile automatic numberplate recognition cameras. Please read the terms and conditions carefully, and do not park in the car park after 8pm/before 6am, to avoid receiving a Parking Charge Notice. 5 disabled parking spaces are available for Blue Badge holders, but standard parking charges apply. 100% of the car parking tariffs are paid to Knowle Park Trust to help pay for the management and maintenance of the park, although we do not receive any revenue from Parking Charge Notices. Thank you for parking with us, your payment helps to keep Knowle Park beautiful and welcoming for all our visitors!

Yes! There’s a baby changing unit and nappy bin in the right-hand side toilet.

Yes, cyclists are welcome! Please ride considerately, give way to pedestrians and avoid excessive speeds. Cycle racks are available near the playground and lakeside lawn. We ask that cyclists do not ride down the amphitheatre terrace or around the children’s playground.

No. E-scooters are classed as motor vehicles under the Road Traffic Act 1988 and are not permitted in the park or on the public footpath that runs through the middle. Anyone found riding an e-scooter in Knowle Park will be reported to the police.

Yes, the park itself is open at all times! The car park closes at 8pm and reopens at 6am. When visiting the park outside of daylight hours, please keep noise to a minimum and give due consideration to our neighbours.

The toilets are usually open from 8am to 5pm, or 4pm during the winter months. Opening times may vary slightly depending on the availability of our cleaners and volunteers. The Changing Places toilet is accessible during these hours with a Radar key.

Yes! Local independent businesses Moooh! Ice Cream (https://www.moooh.co.uk/)and Heartwork Coffee (https://www.heartworkcoffee.co.uk/)provide delicious food and drink in Knowle Park. You can find their purpose-built kiosks between the adventure play ground and lake. Heartwork Coffee Opening Times: Winter (from the end of October half term until clocks change in March): Monday - Friday: 9am - 1pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 3pm ​ Summer (from clocks changing in March until the end of October half term): Monday - Sunday: 9am - 4pm Please check their social media for updates. Moooh! Ice Cream Opening Times: Re-opens for the school holidays on Saturday 28th March!   Monday - Friday: 11am - 4pm Saturday & Sunday: 9am - 4pm

No. Swimming is not permitted in the lake. This is to protect the ecology of this sensitive environment, prevent damage to lakeside planting and ensure visitor safety. This includes dogs. Chemicals from flea treatments can enter the water and harm wildlife, and swimming dogs can disturb wildfowl and other species that rely on the lake.