Withy Grove Park is the largest green space in Bamber Bridge, and it is currently being developed as one of South Ribble's major parks. It includes one of the borough's flagship play areas and 2 distinct areas divided by groups of woodland.
The eastern side includes Bamber Bridge Leisure Centre, sports pitches and the playground, and can be accessed from Brindle Road to the east.
The large playground has been designed to contain a range of equipment that caters for all ages across three different zones and is lit until 9pm in the toddler and junior areas and 10pm in the teen area.
Car and cycle parking
Free car parking is available
Park facilities
- children's playground
- woodlands, wildflower meadows and ponds
- sports pitches (although let to teams through the leagues, rather than pay and play for the public)
- new café (coming soon)
- new public toilets (coming soon)
- new cycle parking (coming soon)
History of Withy Grove Park
Withy Grove Park was formally the grounds of Withy Grove House, now in private ownership in the centre of the park. Prior to land being acquired by the council for public green space, the land would have largely been in agricultural use with the former field boundaries still visible in the south and western part of the park.
The name Withy Grove refers to a small wood or plantation of willow, with the stems, or 'withies', harvested for use in thatching, basket making or binding. The wet ground and heavy soil of the area would have been ideal for the growing of willow whilst other crops may have been proved more difficult to grow.
Withy Grove Park address
Brindle Rd, Bamber Bridge, Preston, PR5 6YJ.