Parks and Open Spaces in St Albans and Hatfield
This page gives information on parks and open spaces in St Albans and Hatfield, which are in alphabetical order by name. Parks are open all year round, unless otherwise stated. If you would like a park added please do get in touch.
Bricket Wood Common
Bricket Wood Common is a valuable area of semi-natural habitat within a significantly built up part of Hertfordshire, rich in wildlife. The Common’s diverse habitats include ancient semi-natural woodland; hornbeam coppice woodland; wet lowland heath/acid grassland; and ponds and seasonal streams. The Common supports an array of wildlife including great crested newts, butterflies, heather, fungi, blue bells and Heath Spotted Orchids.
Clarence Park: St Albans
Open from dawn till dusk all year. Clarence Park is located in the heart of the city of St Albans and, like the original park layout, is still divided into two distinct compartments. The formal park includes a wide range of features that still exist from the original park. These include rose and flower beds, extensive tree and shrub planting, the Aberdeen granite drinking fountain and the park keeper’s lodge. The recreation ground compartment, provides a number of sports facilities such as Cricket, Football, Tennis, Bowls and Hockey.
Howe Dell Stream Woods: South Hatfield
This woodland reserve in south Hatfield lies between Woods Avenue and the railway line; access is via Howe Dell or Honeysuckle Gardens. A meandering stream lies at the bottom of a deeply incised valley clothed in woodland comprising mature hornbeam, oak, and beech. The stream disappears into a large swallow hole at the north end. At times of high winter water, a lake forms in the reserve, only to disappear again as the water drains away into the chalk aquifers. Level paths lead along both sides of the reserve, which is well known locally for its bluebells.
Nomansland Common: St Albans/Wheathamstead
Nomansland Common is a very popular recreational area for dog walkers, horse riders, flying kites & model airplanes, and families who enjoy a picnic. The Common is also a haven for wildlife and the heathland on the north side of Ferrers Lane is some of the best in South Hertfordshire and continues to support a wealth of rare plants. Nomansland Common is situated between the villages of Wheathampstead and Sandridge, approximately 2 miles north of St Albans.
Oxleys Wood: Hatfield
Nature reserve in the south of Hatfield. This small woodland lies south of Deerswood avenue and is important for its woodland plants. Tree species such as oak, elm, willow, and poplar provide good habitat for insects, which in turn support a number of common bird species. There is a pond in the northern wetter part of the wood. The woodland often floods in wet weather but a circular path that leads around from Deerswood Avenue in south Hatfield is accessible most of the year.
The Wick Local Nature Reserve: St Albans
The Wick is used by the community as a place for quiet relaxation, a pleasant walk to the shops, safe route to school, play area and informal ball games. The Wick comprises 3.3 ha of woodland and 1.5 ha of informal playing field, with areas of meadow. It also has a seasonal pond, historic field boundaries of bank and ditch and old Hornbeams. St Albans, AL1 4BQ.
Verulamium Park: St Albans
Verulamium Park is set in 100 acres of beautiful parkland close to the city centre. The Park is named after the Roman City of Verulamium on which it stands and you will discover large sections of the Roman city wall still intact. You will also find a well preserved mosaic which once formed part of large town house. The park is the perfect place for play and enjoyment. Children will love the splash park and play area, while people of all ages will enjoy both the golf course and crazy golf course. Pay and display parking is available at the Verulamium Park Car Park, off St Michaels Street.
