The Recreation Ground (or 'Rec' as local people know it) on Swan's Nest Lane in Stratford-upon-Avon is a large expanse or public open space and is a great place to play, meet up and have fun in Stratford!

The space offers a range of facilities and makes available a large grass area for informal sports activities and general recreational use. Below is a list of facilities which are available on the Recreation Ground.

Outdoor Gym Equipment

• Seated chest press
• Cross country skier
• Seated leg press
• Arm pedal cycle
• Bicycle
• Pull down challenger

Play Area and Paddling Pool

The Recreation Ground Play Area will temporarily close on Monday 12th January 2026 for a major redevelopment of the area. We are delighted to announce an improved sand pit and paddling pool plus new play features, many of which will be fully inclusive. The project is planned to complete in time for the Easter Holidays (weather permitting)

Paddling Pool

A free-to-use facility for young children to enjoy.

The paddling pool is open daily from 1 May to 30 September (11am-7pm), weather permitting.

The paddling pool may be drained for cleaning, repair or maintenance, a process that may take up to six hours, so please be mindful of this if you are planning a visit.

There is a strict monitoring regime at the paddling pool:

• We check for debris, broken glass and trip hazards three times a day.
• We test chlorine levels three times a day, adjusting when necessary.
• We clear litter from the site and empty the litter bins on a daily basis.

The address of this facility is:

The Recreation Ground
Swans Nest Lane
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 7LS

Advice to Keep You and Your Children Safe

• The paddling pool is for the use of young children only.
• Babies and children should not wear nappies in the paddling pool but can wear a purpose-made costume for swimming pool use.
• All children inside the paddling pool enclosure must be accompanied by a responsible person who is in charge of the child at all times.
• Take care: paddling pools can be hazardous. Water presents a risk of drowning and injuries can occur from hitting the hard surround.
• Children should only be allowed to enter the paddling pool area when the gate is open. When the gate is closed, access is not permitted.

Important Information

• The nearest public telephone is at Stratford Leisure Centre, Bridgeway, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6YX.
• A first aid kit is also available at Stratford Leisure Centre.
• A defibrillator is located at the side of the nearby Sports Pavilion.
• Public toilets are located by the entrance to the play area.
• No dogs; no glass/china; no diving; no running; no food or drink; no skateboards, rollerblades or BMXs.

Natural Play Area

Our natural play area has the following equipment for you to enjoy:

• Cableway
• Embankment slide
• Junior multi-play
• Balancing logs
• Play panel
• Rope swing
• Totem poles
• Trim trail

Cycle Track

A cycle track on the south-eastern corner of the Recreation Ground which provides a safe environment for young riders to learn how to cycle and prepare for the roads while being free from the dangers of other vehicles.

The layout of the track is a stylised version of the town centre roads to give some authenticity to it, as are the road signs and names. The track also contains road markings, pedestrian crossings, a mini-roundabout and working traffic lights to make it as realistic as possible.

The area includes new tree planting, the provision of suitably cut tree trunks to form rustic/natural seating, longer swards of grass and wildflower planting.

To report an accident, fault or damage to any of these areas, please contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council:

• Telephone: 01789 267575
• Email: leisure@stratford-dc.gov.uk