The Big Meadow — Attraction in Stratford-on-Avon

The Big Meadow, a tapestry of green, Unfurls beneath a canopy of oak, And horse chestnut, their branches interlaced, A dappled shield against the summer sun.

A boundary drawn by nature, not by man, A line of sloe bushes, dark and tightly packed, Whispers secrets to the passing breeze.

This land, a legacy, a gift bestowed, By Countess Dudley, on the village heart, A place for all to wander, play, or dream, A birthright held in perpetuity.

But shadows fall, where once the sun held sway. The Parish Council, with a modern hand, Has grasped the reins, and steered a troubled course, Their changes met with furrowed brows and sighs.

Vandalism's touch, a blight upon the bloom, Petty crimes like whispers in the night, Anti-social whispers turn to shouts, A disharmony within the verdant frame.

Yet still the Avon flows, a silver thread, Uncaring of the turmoil on its bank, The birdsong fills the air, a joyful hymn, And insects hum, a lullaby for all.

The faces now, a mosaic of the world, Reflect the changing times, the shifting tides. From classic dress to styles unknown before, A global village mirrored in the green.

The Big Meadow stands, a stage for life, With echoes of the past and hints of change, May peace return, beneath the sheltering trees, And harmony once more...

Ok today was cold and icy windy on 12-02-23 there is a small carpark in winter months poss accommodates 10+ cars but during summer the gates are open and for a nominal low price you can drive and park in its enormous space by the banks of the Avon river -- you can walk your dog -- horse in its vast space - there is a free fitness gym for all ages and the facilities for children in the play area are excellent there are table tennis tables (free) - the toilets are closed during winter but just over the bridge there are shops pubs --- an ideal cheap entertainment day out I would highly recommend this park further down the lane is the Bideford gliding club with its gliders often seen soaring high in the sky so silent and serene yep a good place to visit during summer the main toilet block closes at about 5:30ish but there are portaloos and at still £3 for parking all day it is a great place to visit well done Stratford council?👍and we visited again today the 17th June 2023 the weather was great and there was a burger van on site today even selling milkshakes and...

Had to stop here for granddaughter to use the toilet facility at just after 5pm 23rd July 2025. Ticket machine not available, and no access to pay on-line. Only stayed for half hour, most of which involved cleaning dog crap off from granddaughters shoes on return from toilet. Relieved parking fine of £100 today in post (16th August) fine date issued 8th August, so already lost 8 days of the 14 days allocated to pay reduced fine of £60. I will NEVER park here again, and advise all others to be very wary of parking here if you find no accessible way to pay. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THIS IS YET ANOTHER DISREPUTABLE PARKING COMPANY THAT TRICKS MOTORISTS INTO...