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Public Parks in Worcester

Parks in Worcester

Pitchcroft

Purchased for the people of Worcester in 1899 by Worcester Corporation. Pitchcroft is a 100-acre recreation area pleasantly situated on the Severn's east bank.

Worcester's largest public park is just under one mile long and a third of a mile wide. A perimeter footpath covers 1.8 miles.

There are four well-utilised football pitches, in the central area.

Many public activities are held here including sponsored walking, firework displays, a circus and fair and even a popular beer festival.

The Swan Theatre is close to Pitchcroft, and accessed from Severn Terrace. The Swan opened on 22nd June 1965 is Worcester's only Theatre.

Worcester rowing club (formed in 1876) and Worcester canoe club both have boathouses adjacent to Pitchcroft

Worcester Racecourse

Pitchcroft has also been used as a racecourse for many years, possibly centuries and Worcester Races are still held here several times annually.

The racecourse is maintained to a high standard, by a team of dedicated employees, a group of workers can be seen walking the course after each meeting busily repairing surface damage. The birch jumps and fences also need maintenance.
An operator driving a special tractor with a front mounted mower regularly trims the course grass to a precise length.

A sprinkler irrigation system waters the entire racecourse during dry spells.

Pitchcroft is open daily, to free public access, except on race days when entry points are monitored, and admittance fee is payable.

Gheluvelt Park

Situated near the junction of Droitwitch and Ombersley Roads, adjacent to Pitchcroft, The Severn and the environment centre.

Gheluvelt Park was named to commemorate a gallant stand made by the Worcester Regiment in Belgium during the 1914-18 war.

Housing for ex-servicemen are situated in the grounds.

A pleasant feature is Barbourne brook that flows through the park to the river, attracting ducks and even a swan has taken up residence.

Cripplegate Park

Situated near Worcester Bridge and opposite Worcestershire County Cricket club in New Road

Cripplegate Park; transformed from a refuse tip, now has pleasant gardens and neat lawns; there are bowling greens and tennis courts.

A feature is a magnificent ornamental fountain made in cast iron by local iron foundry Hardy and Padmore (1814-1967) the fountain has recently been refurbished.

HRH Edward Prince of Wales opened the widened Bridge and Cripplegate Park on October 28 1932.

When the bridge was widened, part of the original stonework was salvaged and can be seen erected as a monument in the park.

Fort Royal Park

Fort Royal Park situated on Fort Royal Hill, the location of the second battle of Worcester, was originally part of the Commandry but given to the City in 1913 and opened as a public park in 1915.

Panoramic views of the city can be seen from the park slopes.