Westmead Open Space, Chippenham

A riverside green space for walking, wildlife, and wellbeing – free and open all year

About Westmead Open Space

Westmead Open Space is a well-loved 16 hectare natural area on the edge of Chippenham, just a short walk from the town centre. Owned and managed by us at Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, this peaceful riverside retreat sits alongside the River Avon and offers a perfect escape into nature.

The space features a diverse mix of wooded areas and natural grasslands that support a wide range of wildlife, including kingfishers, red kites, bees, and butterflies. It’s an ideal location for walking, cycling, and wildlife watching.

Paths & Accessibility

Path Network

Explore a variety of informal paths, from riverside routes to gently sloping grass tracks and woodland paths.

Accessibility

A short circular route from the main car park is wheelchair and pushchair friendly during dry conditions. Upper paths remain accessible year-round, though surfaces may become muddy or slippery after rain.

Seasonal Considerations

Lower routes lie within Chippenham’s natural flood plain and can become impassable during high water or heavy rainfall. Please check the government flooding service before visiting during such times.

Special Features

Woodland Tree Sculpture Trail

Discover 12 beautiful wooden animal sculptures carved from tree trunks as you explore the area. Find out more about the trail here.

Community Forest

In 2017, 6,000 trees were planted by members of the public in a massive community effort to re-naturalise the space, thanks to trees donated by The Woodland Trust.

Connections & Routes

Access under the A4 Bypass

A designated footpath with underpass provides safe passage under the A4 bypass for both pedestrians and cyclists, connecting directly to Westmead Playing Field and The Arc.

Cycle & Walking Network

Westmead Open Space is on Route 403 of the Sustrans National Cycle Network and the Avon Valley Walk, offering scenic, traffic-free links between Chippenham town centre and surrounding countryside.

Onward Exploration

Woodland and riverside paths lead south to Mortimores Wood, with public footpaths continuing to Lacock, a historic National Trust village.

The Arc – Perfect Addition to Your Visit

Just a short walk from Westmead Open Space, The Arc offers:

High rope indoor and outdoor climbing and indoor bouldering)
Dog-friendly café
Outdoor skatepark
Natural wooden play park

All just minutes from central Chippenham, making it easy to combine outdoor adventures with additional activities. Find out more about The Arc here.

Practical Information

Access Points

Via Westmead Playing Fields [skip.river.tester]
Through Westmead Open Space car park entrance on Pewsham Way [making.using.sheep]
Along the Chippenham-to-Lacock public footpath

Safety Note: Pewsham Way (A4) is a busy road – please take care when crossing on foot.

Parking

Limited free parking at Westmead Open Space car park
Height restriction barrier in place – no high-sided vehicles
Please park considerately
Additional paid parking is available in Chippenham town centre

Dogs Welcome

Dogs are welcome but must be kept under close control. Please clean up after your dog using the waste bin provided in the car park. If the bin is full, please let us know. We kindly ask that in this event you take your waste bag with you and dispose of it responsibly elsewhere.

Contact & Emergency Information

Site Management: Chippenham Borough Lands Charity

Phone: 01249 658180
Email: admin@cblc.org.uk

Events and Commercial Use: Get in touch with us to submit an enquiry for commercial use of the space or to organise community group events.

Emergencies: Call 999 and proceed to nearest exit.

Safety Note: Life buoy stations are located at either end of Blue Bridge on Avon Valley Walk. The nearest defibrillator would be located at The Arc.

Site Rules

This land is privately owned by Chippenham Borough Lands Charity. We look after this land for everyone’s enjoyment – please follow the Countryside Code: