The Rye

The Rye is situated in the town centre of High Wycombe, a short walk from the High Street. In 2013 it was awarded the prestigious Green Flag award which recognises excellence in park management. The park covers an area of more than 22 hectares (53 acres) and is the second largest park in the district.

 

The park includes the grassland area formerly known as Rye Mead, on which historically the townspeople of High Wycombe had the right to pasture their cattle, and additional areas which were formerly part of the Wycombe Abbey Estate once owned by the Carrington family. The park also extends to include the area of Holywell Mead, the site of a Roman villa and former watercress beds.

 

There are two children's playgrounds in the park and football pitches are laid out on the grass during the season. 

 

The Dyke on the Rye is large stretch of open water which is fed by water from the Abbey School grounds and allows permit fishing along part of the lake with pleasure craft for hire at the western end. The water spills over a waterfall and into a stream that flows out of the park toward the east.

 

Public toilets are situated at the car park, approached from Bassetsbury Lane, a turning off of the A40 London Road which borders the park.

 

Formal flowerbeds are situated at the Manor and at Pann Mill, on the London Road. The mill is opened occasionally through the summer and still grinds its own flour. It also has a nature garden with some interesting wild flowers.

 

Dog walkers are reminded that red bins are provided for the removal of dog faeces. Co-operation is greatly appreciated and helps to make our parks clean and safe for all.

 

For further information please see the website.