7 Best Parks To Visit In Worcestershire
There are loads of great days out to be enjoyed in Worcestershire – from animal encounters at West Midlands Safari Park to riding on the Severn Valley Railway, this is an area that’s got tons of different options for all the family.
Costs can add up though – and frankly, sometimes the constant activity can get a bit too much, especially for younger kids. Sometimes you need a more low-key activity – and that’s where free fun at Worcestershire parks and playgrounds comes in. Want to walk your four-legged friends? All these parks are dog-friendly unless otherwise stated. Want to let the kids clamber over climbing frames or splash in fountains? Fancy an ice cream by the bandstand? It’s all here in our list of the best parks in Worcestershire.
And of course making a saving on daytime activities means more in the budget for Worcestershire accommodation. And there’s more good news when you have a look at Pitchup’s huge variety of camping options, as prices start at around £15 per person.
Droitwich Lido Park
You’ll need to book two days in advance and pay to get into the open-air saltwater pool itself – it has water cannons, splash fountains and a café too – but there are plenty of free things to do around Droitwich Lido Park, such as knocking a ball around at the tennis courts, letting the kids loose at the play area or simply strolling around and feeding the ducks.
If you’d like to get in a bit of classic British summertime entertainment, come along on Sunday afternoons and listen to jazz and brass bands play at the Victorian bandstand.
Good to know: dogs are not allowed in Droitwich Lido Park.
Gheluvelt Park
Picnic spots, playgrounds and a very popular splashpad… Gheluvelt Park is a very handy place to know about on a summer day in Worcester (and there’s even a free car park at the Waterworks Road entrance).
A lot of thought has gone into the facilities here: the playground has areas for older and younger children (plus covered seating for weary parents), and families can book the tennis courts, play table tennis or up their exercise regime on the outdoor exercise equipment.
There’s plenty of wildlife to spot too; have a stroll along Barbourne Brook and you’ll probably spot mute swans, or explore the wildflower meadows keeping an eye out for squirrels and bats.
St Wulstan’s Local Nature Reserve
For something rather quieter, head to St Wulstan’s, one of Worcestershire’s best nature reserves. This 22-hectare area of woodland, grassland and hay meadow is a great choice for a country walk without too much effort: there are some splendid views of the Malvern Hills from here, and the trails are pleasingly flat for younger visitors and wheelchair access.
As you wander, listen out for woodpeckers in the trees and keep an eye out for all sorts of colourful butterflies. On summer evenings, you might even see glow worms in the grass. To spot more local wildlife, follow seven of the best walks in Worcestershire.
Abbey Park, Evesham
Evesham’s a lovely place to visit, and Abbey Park is certainly part of the attraction. Next to the clock tower that’s the only remaining part of the original 6th-century abbey, this is a central spot that’s handy for time out, picnics and play time.
Smaller kids can spend time at the play area with a trampoline, basket swing, climbing frames and a sand pit, or have a splash in the fountains, and there’s a skatepark for older visitors. Abbey Park is on the banks of the River Avon, and boat trips run from Park Quay in summer. The bandstand plays host to brass-band concerts on summer weekends too.
Abbey Park, Pershore
Not to be outdone by its namesake rival, Pershore’s Abbey Park is a charming place to spend some time outdoors. The historic abbey is built in a mish-mash of architectural styles and has had a long and chequered life – it has survived fires, an earthquake and the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, but still manages to be a fine example of Norman and Medieval architecture. It’s well worth a visit to admire its vaulted nave.
As far as entertaining the kids goes, there are picnic areas, a splash park and skatepark. An accessible community orchard full of bee-attracting wildflowers sits at one side of the park, and there’s also a boardwalk through a wetland habitat.
Sanders Park, Bromsgrove
Out in the west of Bromsgrove and with a brook running through the middle, Sanders Park is the town’s top picnic spot. There are plenty of cool places under the trees or sunnier ones out on the lawns; if the weather’s not up to scratch for eating alfresco, you can retreat to the café in the Pavilion.
For a bit of activity while you’re here, there’s a play area, a skatepark and a couple of tennis courts. The sensory garden is a peaceful place for a bit of chillout time, and summer sees a programme of concerts at the bandstand.
If you’re looking for more things to do as a family, here are eight more things to do in Worcestershire.
Worcester Woods Country Park
Worcester Woods has so much going for it: there are easily accessible woodland trails with points of interest signposted along the routes, cycling and bridle paths as well as designated play areas for kids of all ages, a nature reserve rich in wading birdlife and orienteering courses to encourage kids to read maps – these need booking in advance.
Picnic spots are tucked under the trees, and there’s also a seasonal menu in The Orchard Café (they sell delicious bacon sarnies as well) and barbecues can be hired out for special events.
Building a whole holiday in the Worcestershire area? Find out all you need to know about the region thanks to Pitchup’s detailed area guides to Central England. And when you get round to thinking about where to stay, don’t forget that we have an immense variety of alfresco accommodation on offer, from campsites overlooking the River Severn to caravan parks next to fishing lakes and glamping options with hot tubs.