Gheluvelt Park is a First World War memorial park in Worcester, with formal grounds, a wildlife conservation area and space for walking, play and sport. It’s about a 23-minute walk from Boutique By Browns, making it a practical green-space outing during a Worcester stay.
- Location: Worcester, beside Barbourne Brook and the River Severn.
- Park hours: the formal park is open from dawn till dusk; the Riverside Conservation Park is open 24 hours.
- Getting there: pedestrian entrances are on five roads, with a bus stop on Barbourne Road.
Where Gheluvelt Park is
Gheluvelt Park lies in Worcester, where its grounds straddle Barbourne Brook and extend towards the River Severn. The eastern side is a formal park; west of the brook, the Riverside Conservation Park is managed for wildlife conservation.
The park commemorates the 2nd Battalion of the Worcestershire Regiment and its part in the Battle of Gheluvelt, fought on 31 October 1914. It was built as a memorial to those who died in the First World War and opened in 1922.
For a broader city visit, pair the park with this walkable Worcester itinerary.
How do you get to Gheluvelt Park?
You can reach Gheluvelt Park on foot, by bus or by bicycle, with several entrances around its edges.
Pedestrian entrances are on Barbourne Road, Lavender Road, Tower Road, Waterworks Road and Barbourne Lane. A bus stop is on Barbourne Road; ask for Gheluvelt Park when boarding. For other local connections, see this guide to Worcester stations and public transport.
National Cycle Route 46 runs through the park between Waterworks Road and Tower Road. Cycle racks are available in the park, and the council site map shows their locations. If you’re driving, Waterworks Road car park, WR1 3EZ, has 37 free spaces, including two disabled parking spaces. Disabled parking is also available on Barbourne Lane.
Facilities and access
Gheluvelt Park combines recreation facilities with paths and open green space, and most paths are surfaced and wheelchair accessible.
Facilities include a play area, tennis courts, a nature trail, streams and a small pond. The Splashpad is free to use and opens daily between May and September each year.
Well-behaved dogs are welcome. Keep dogs on a lead in the formal park east of Barbourne Brook; dogs are not allowed on the Splashpad. For further accessibility information, the council’s park page links to AccessAble.
When to check local conditions
Opening hours vary between the park’s two areas, and the Splashpad operates on a seasonal schedule.
The formal park runs from Barbourne Road to the footbridge over Barbourne Brook by the tennis courts and is open from dawn till dusk. The Riverside Conservation Park stretches from that footbridge to the Pump House Environment Centre and is open 24 hours. The Splashpad’s usual operating period is May to September.
Before setting out, check the official site before you go for current information; Worcester City Council provides the park details.
FAQs
Can you cycle through Gheluvelt Park?
Yes. National Cycle Route 46 passes through the park, and cycle racks are available inside.
Is parking free at Gheluvelt Park?
Yes. The Waterworks Road car park has free spaces, and disabled parking is also available on Barbourne Lane.
Can dogs visit Gheluvelt Park?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome, with lead rules in the formal park and no dogs allowed on the Splashpad.