Parks and Recreation
Tewkesbury Borough has a wealth of parks and open spaces for the public to enjoy. From the formal riverside gardens of Tewkesbury, to the Natural beauty of the commons on Cleeve Hill - the recreational opportunities are endless.
The Mill at Victoria Gardens
The Borough Council, in conjunction with the Parish Councils, are responsible for the management of local recreation facilities such as public open spaces and children's play areas. Conservation and enhancement have always had a high priority within the management strategy for our parks and open spaces, and the Borough is continually involved in planting programmes and welcomes suggestions from groups or individuals for future projects, e.g. environmental schemes, play areas, bulb planting, etc. Advice is also available for those with tree related problems.
Victoria Gardens
Victoria Gardens is a peaceful, formal garden, containing floral bedding displays, for which the Borough has received numerous compliments, including those of the Britain in Bloom judges who visited the Town last year. The gardens are bordered by the a river, the Mill Avon, which is patrolled by swans, ducks and kingfishers. Overlooking one end of the garden, next to the weir, is the beautiful Abbey Mill with its working water wheel. Beyond the Mill Avon lies The Ham, a pretty meadow area.
Both the gardens and meadow area can become flooded by the rivers Severn and Avon during very wet weather. Across the bridge over the weir by the mill are footpaths to the River Severn and its confluence with the Avon. There is also a pretty riverside walk along the Mill Avon to the centre of Tewkesbury. The whole area is a haven for both anglers and bird watchers alike. Access to the gardens can be gained via Mill Street, which is opposite the main entrance to Tewkesbury Abbey.
The Vineyards
The Vineyards is a large open playing field to the rear of Tewkesbury Abbey, where there is a car park, children's play area, landscaped picnic area with tables and a camping and caravan site, managed by the Caravan Club. The Vineyards is a wonderful place to either relax or for the more energetic 'let off some steam' against the beautiful backdrop of Tewkesbury Abbey. You can access the Vineyards via Gander Lane, which is a left turn, 300m along the Gloucester Road from The Cross in the centre of Tewkesbury Town.
Lassington Wood
Lassington Wood is a mature, mixed woodland with pleasant walks around a network of footpaths. The Borough manages the wood with help from various groups, including the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust. Guided walks are held annually, covering various topics relating the the flora and fauna of the wood. In the centre of the wood is a huge hollow trunk of the 'Lassington Oak', which is all that remains of this once mighty specimen. This wood is located to the east of Highnam and is well signposted from Oakridge, which is a turning off the B4215 north of Gloucester.
For details of the guided walks call our Leisure Services section on 01684 272091 or E-mail: Leisure services