Freedom Park

Freedom Park sits in the middle of old downtown Lagos on Lagos Island, on the site of Her Majesty's Broad Street Prison. The British made Lagos a colony in 1861, and the first prison here, built in 1882 of mud walls and thatch, was repeatedly set alight by opponents of colonial rule. In 1885 it was rebuilt with bricks shipped from England. Over the following decades it held ordinary prisoners and many of the political activists who campaigned for Nigeria's independence. The prison was demolished in 1979 and the land was left as a rubbish dump for years.

The architect Theo Lawson first drew up a scheme to turn the site into a public space in 1999, and the park was completed for the 50th anniversary of independence in October 2010. Today it works as a memorial, a heritage site and an arts and leisure park in one. Walking round, you see monuments and reconstructed elements that recall the prison's history, including references to the cell blocks, set among trees and gardens. The design keeps the outline of the old compound while making it an open, shaded place to sit in a crowded part of the city.

Freedom Park is best known now as a cultural venue. Its open-air amphitheatre and event spaces host concerts, plays, film screenings, art fairs and festivals, and it has been a regular home for events such as the Lagos International Poetry Festival, the Lagos Theatre Festival and Felabration, the annual celebration of Fela Kuti. Evenings with live music are often the liveliest time to come. There is a shop selling books, artworks and African clothing, and food and drink stalls operate during events.

The park suits anyone interested in Nigerian history, culture lovers who want to catch a show, and visitors looking for a calmer space on Lagos Island. Allow an hour to walk round and read about the history, or plan an evening around a performance; programmes are announced on the park's website and social media. Daytime visits on weekdays are quieter, while weekends and public holidays can be busy. Bring cash for small purchases and keep an eye on belongings during large events.

The park lies between Broad Street and the Marina on Lagos Island, a short drive from Ikoyi and Victoria Island when traffic is light. Ride-hailing cars can drop you nearby. It is within easy reach of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Tafawa Balewa Square and the museums of Onikan, so it fits well into a day exploring Lagos Island's colonial and Brazilian-era heritage.