View a virtual tour of Vines Park on the Visit Droitwich Spa website
Vines park is located in the historic town centre of Droitwich Spa. The park offers an attractive community space on the banks of the River Salwarpe and the Droitwich barge canal. The park is easily accessible with wide, mostly flat paths and there are no steps on the main routes.
Wildlife and Habitat
Lucky visitors may spot a flash of blue as Kingfisher hunt on the Salwarpe. More commonly Mute Swans, Mallards, Coots, Moorhens and Canada Geese frequent the canal. There is a duck refuge area on the banks to provide them some tranquillity. The park has some areas of woodland, scrub, reed margins and pollinator friendly shrubs.
History
The brine pit replica and interpretation panels within the park provide an insight into the valuable resource and architecture hidden beneath the feet of visitors. The park is a designated Scheduled Ancient Monument and conservation area due to the significance of its connection to prehistoric salt production.
In the mid-13th century, the brine springs dried up. Saint Richard, who was born in Droitwich is credited with blessing the brines to make them flow once more. Today a statue stands in his honour.
An audio trail is available about the history and restoration of the local canals.
Recreation
Three walks around local countryside start from Vines park (from 6 to 40 miles). Information panels within the park provide an overview of the routes. View the visit Droitwich Spa website for more information from the tourist information and heritage centre.
The canal was reopened in 2011 by Caroline Spelman MP after many years of restoration work. Visitors enjoy the sight of narrow boats as they negotiate the canal, swinging bridges and locks in the park.
Please contact Droitwich Angling Centre for details on which areas of the Salwarpe are available for fishing (charges do apply) phone 01905 779300. Fishing is not permitted on the canal within the park boundaries
The cycle way follows the widened path from Kidderminster road entrance to the Vines lane bridge
The park hosts the annual Salt Fest and other events. Find event information on the Vale and Spa website.
Green Flag Award
Vines Park has held the Green Flag award continuously since 2013, a celebration of the high quality of the park.
Park Opening
Every day of the year.
Parking and travel
Pay and Display car parking is available on the opposite side of the Saltway at Waitrose. The park is an easy 7-minute walk from Droitwich Spa train station and 5-minute walk from the bus station area by the tourist information office. There is also a main bus stop on the Saltway road that borders the park.
Toilets
There is a toilet at Waitrose, just across the road from the park. The nearest council ran public conveniences are in Lido Park and St Andrews Square. For more information see our Public Toilets page.
Facilities
- Play area
- Picnic areas
- British Waterways moorings at Netherwich basin
- St Richard's statue
- Interpretive Brine Pit replica
- Roman style mosaic
- Carved signpost with ornate details
- Mature trees, ornamental beds and shrubberies
- Fishing at designated places on Salwarpe river
- Wych barge seating area
- Start point of three medium to long distance country and heritage walks
Environmental management and Safety
Recycling bins are available in the park. Please separate your glass bottles, cans and paper in the clearly marked recycling bins.
Please collect up after your dog. Dog waste bins are provided
The park is a great place for children but adult supervision of young ones is especially important here due to the proximity of main roads and open water
Lifebuoys are located along the canal inside red cases. For more information see our Lifebuoys page.
Area
Approx. 3 hectares.
Further information
For more information the visit Droitwich Spa website has a dedicated page to Vines Park.
Contact the Parks Team
Wychavon District Council
Telephone 01386 565000 - between 9am-5pm, Monday - Friday
Email
