Vines Park is a beautiful well maintained park situated between the River Salwarpe and the Salt Way.
It was here that most of the brine pits and wells were situated. The early and medieval pits were Netherwich, Middlewich and Upwich. Excavation of Upwich (The Great Pit) in 1983/84, showed that it had been rebuilt around 1264. The previous pit had deteriorated to such and extent that the town was in grave danger of defaulting on its yearly payment of £100 to King Henry III, through loss of the brine income. The pit was surrounded by salt making houses which were known as Seals. The salt making season lasted from June to December and the salt fairs were held each year on the 1st October and 1st December.
By the beginning of the 20th century, the salt works and workers' cottages had deteriorated - the whole area had become a slum. They were demolished and the park was developed to commemorate the Jubilee of George V. Unlike the Lido Park, Vines Park had no entrance fee.
The Droitwich Canal passes through the park which has facilities including a children's play area, a bowling green and picnic benches. There is plenty of opportunity for visitors to experience the town's fascinating heritage with the salt history mosaic; the statue of St. Richard; and the replica of the Great Upwich Pit.
The Wyche barge replica has some informative panels about the town's salt history. It is still possible to see brine, which overflows into the River Salwarpe.
The notice board in Vines Park shows the locations of The Great Pit and the statue to St Richard de Wyche.
Vines Park is the start of walking routes to the Wychavon Way, Droitwich Diamond Jubilee Walk and the John Corbett Walk (further information available from Droitwich Spa Heritage & Information centre). National cycle route 46 passes through the park, making it an ideal stop for a rest.