Arrow Nature Reserve, Alcester – Paddling, Playgrounds & Hidden Trails

This spot in Arrow Valley Nature Reserve is such a brilliant find for a full-family kind of outing; think nature trails, a river to splash in, a playground and skatepark nearby, and loads of open space for running wild.

🌿 The Walk to the Stream
To get to the paddling spot, park at Moorfields Car Park on School Road (free!) and head out the car park turning right, then right again through the gate into the allotments.

From there, just follow the path with the river on your right, it's an easy, peaceful walk through the reserve with two little bench stops along the way.

After a few minutes, you’ll reach a little opening by the river at [649H+X2M Alcester] or ///suits.fizzled.upwardly and you're there!

💦 What’s it like?
Shallow, clear water perfect for paddling, stone throwing, and a bit of mini net fishing if you bring your gear. It's completely covered in shade with a pebble "beach" for setting up a picnic or just watching the kids get gloriously soaked. Perfect for those summer days when you need to get out the house but also keep them out the sun!

🛝 Play Area & Skatepark
There’s a fab little playground and a concrete skatepark just across the river by the community centre. We did try to find a way to cross from the stream side, but it was just that bit too deep to wade across (unless you’ve got waterproof boots or a “YOLO” attitude). Probably easier to walk the long way round if you want to do both.

🛞 Accessibility Notes

• The path to the river is flat-ish and doable with an off-road buggy

• No formal bridge over to the playground from the paddle spot

• The river bank is a bit sloped so not great for wheelchairs

• Best to bring wellies or water shoes for littler ones

✅ Facilities & Need-to-Know:

• Free parking at Moorfields Car Park (School Road) or at Eric Payne Community Centre which is where the playground is but it's the opposite side of the river to the paddle spot

• Toilets available at the community centre side (if open)

• Playground, skatepark, and playing field on the opposite bank

• Nature reserve trails with lots of space to explore

• Dog-friendly, just keep them on lead near the river and play area

• Great picnic potential (bring a blanket!)