River Park
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Location
Gordon Road, SO23 7DD (Hyde)
Attractions and facilities
River Park Pavilion
The pavilion looks out across two cricket pitches and placed within a beautiful park setting. The pavilion is a multifunctional space suitable for parties, wellbeing classes, educational groups, in addition to sports pitch hire. Please contact sbookings@winchester.gov.uk If you would like to submit a booking enquiry, please follow the link to our online form or complete and return the attachment.
Grass pitches, outdoor tennis and 3G football pitch hire
The outdoor tennis courts, grass pitches and 3G football pitch are available to hire. Please follow the link to book pay and play sessions and to find out about our annual tennis memberships, or email your enquiries to: sbookings@winchester.gov.uk
Cricket
New, fully enclosed practice nets and stumps available to use within the recreation ground for free. No booking required, just bring your bat and ball to enjoy the facility.
Skate park and Play area
Winchester parkrun
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event held every Saturday at 9am. There is also a junior parkrun event. For more information, visit: www.parkrun.org.uk/winchester/
Former Leisure Centre Site
For the latest update on the former leisure centre site, visit: www.winchester.gov.uk/former-leisure-centre-site
Perimeter path project
*UPDATED - 28 July 2026*
We are committed to providing a diverse range of accessible opportunities in this popular park. As well as the many sports that take place in River Park, we also want to support informal recreation and health and wellbeing.
The concept of a new path was supported by the majority of local residents, as part of our work to develop the River Park Plan, which we adopted in 2021.
The path will:
• improve accessibility for walkers, people using buggies or mobility scooters, and those less able to walk on uneven ground
• reduce grass damage and mud caused by heavy use, especially in winter
What stage is the project at now?
This project was approved by the council's Cabinet and will be funded by Community Infrastructure Levy. We’ve now begun the process of finding a specialist contractor to undertake the works. Once appointed we will work with them to refine the final design using their knowledge and expertise as well as the research and specialist advice we have received to date.
What will the path look like?
As we have been developing the design of the path we have chosen to use a permeable ‘resin-bound’ surface, which is a superior surface to the hoggin originally proposed.This surface is better for both accessibility and also for the impact on trees. We have also specified that the path should be 2m wide. We're committed to giving consideration to the Equalities Act 2010, alongside the proposed path's environmentally sensitive location and close proximity to tree roots, sports facilities and the River Itchen.
What route will the path take?
The draft visual site plan sets out the proposed route of the path (orange line)
What is being considered?
Special consideration will be given to the paths close proximity to Winnall Moors and the River Itchen. Tree officers have also considered the path’s location to address any concerns about the proximity to tree roots. We’ve also spoken to cricket teams and surveyed any impact the path may have on their usage. All this feedback has helped determine the design and route of the path.
What happens next?
Works on the new path are expected to begin in late 2026. We will keep this webpage updated with information, including any key dates about the path and its construction.
Disabled access
There are seven disabled parking bays in the car park
The main routes around the park and river are well maintained and fairly flat
There is a disabled toilet opposite the play area
The pavilion is wheelchair friendly
Public transport
The park is around 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, and around 15 minutes’ walk from Winchester train station
Stagecoach run buses between Winchester and Alresford, Alton, Andover, Bishops Waltham, Eastleigh, Fareham, Petersfield, Romsey, Twyford, Whitchurch and lots of other places in between.
Bluestar run buses between Southampton and Winchester.
Parking
River Park car park, Gordon Road, SO23 7DD. This car park is a Zone 2 park and walk car park.
Toilets
Public toilet facilities are situated opposite the children’s play area
Events
Various annual events take place at River Park, including the annual firework display. For more information on events across the district, visit: www.winchester.gov.uk/events
Report a problem
Report an issue at River Park via our website or email: naturalenvironment@winchester.gov.uk
River Park Plan
The park plan was formally adopted in early 2022. Click here to view the Park Plan, which was developed using the feedback from residents and stakeholder groups.