Parks and Open Spaces in Hitchin
This page gives information on parks and open spaces in Hitchin, 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.
Bancroft Recreation Ground: Hitchin
With its pleasant surroundings, the recreation ground houses many specimen trees, shrub and flower beds. The park also supports a bowling club as well as a tennis club. There is a well equipped play area providing exciting play opportunities for a wide age range of children. The recently installed water splash park operates throughout the summer months. In the centre of the park is a band stand, used by Hitchin Town Band in the summer months. At Bancroft, Hitchin, SG5 1NJ.
Broadmead Play Area: East Hitchin
An enclosed play area which can be accessed from either Broadmead or Oakfield Avenue. The play area has junior swings, senior swings, four spring animals, a junior and a senior climbing frame. The site also has a picnic bench and grass areas so there is plenty of room for games and picnics.
Burymead Springs: North Hitchin
Burymead Springs is an ancient riverside meadow of around 2.4 hectares on the northern edge of Hitchin, located between the river Hiz, the Hitchin railway flyover and a scrap yard. Despite this industrial setting, its diverse range of habitats in a small area makes it well worth exploring, with beautiful walks towards Ickleford and Gerry’s hole.
Cadwell Lane Playing Field: Hitchin
Cadwell Lane Playing Field is a 2.3 hectare open space with a full sized football pitch surrounded by amenity cut grassland. With it being so close to the River Hiz, there are brilliant opportunities for the whole family to go on a walk to Walsworth Common, Burymead springs or even Ickleford. At Cadwell Lane, Hitchin, SG4 0AE.
King George V Recreation Ground: Hitchin
The site contains a number of football and rugby pitches along with a range of other recreational activities. A walk or run around the site covers 1458 Mts. There is a well equipped play area which includes a high tunnel slide and a zip wire. There is a separate exercise zone containing a range of outdoor gym equipment. There is also a recently extended metal skate park along with a tennis court and flood lit multi use games area. At Old Hale Way, Hitchin, SG5 1XL.
Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve: Hitchin
Oughtonhead Common is a Local Nature Reserve with a wide variety of wildlife habitats and countryside walks. The River Oughton flows alongside the common. Park seats are installed at various locations making it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy. The common is divided into compartments where English Longhorn Cattle can be seen to graze. The compartments give you the option to either walk with the cattle or avoid them. At Hitchin, SG5 3RP.
Purwell Meadows Local Nature Reserve: Hitchin
Purwell Meadows Local Nature in the centre of Hitchin. The mosaic of dry grassland, marshy grassland, hedgerows and scrub along the river at Purwell Meadows are home to a wide variety of plants, birds, animals and insects. The meadows provide a “stepping stone” for the movement of wildlife along the valley such as Water Voles and Otters. The clear, mineral rich water of the river keeps the low lying land of Purwell Meadows damp, creating marshy wet grassland and wet hollows which support a rich and distinctive variety of wildlife. At Purwell Lane, Hitchin.
Ransoms Recreation Ground: Hitchin
In addition to the formal football pitch this site offers a well equipped recently refurbished play area and a multi use games area. There is also a community run garden which visitors are welcome to explore. At Grove Road, Hitchin, SG5 1SG.
Smithson Recreation Ground: Hitchin
A small closed in site containing a play area for younger children. The grass area provides the ideal location for younger childrens games. The site contains a number of shrub beds and the seating provides area to sit and relax. No on site parking but 5 mins walk from pay and display mlti story car park. At Upper Tilehouse Street, Hitchin, SG5 2EE.
St. Johns Recreation Ground: Hitchin
In addition to the formal sports pitch this is a great site for informal recreation. A walk or run around the perimeter covers 780Mtr. There is a well equipped play area for toddlers and juniors. A free outdoor gym provides challenging exercise opportunities for adults. There is no on site parking but parking is available in adjoining roads. At St John’s Road, Hitchin, SG4 9DE.
Swinburne Avenue Playing Fields: Hitchin
Playing field with two grass pitches and ample grass areas for informal play. A great start for a dog walk with free car parking and direct access onto Oughtonhead Common. At Swinburne Avenue, Hitchin, SG5 2RR.
Walsworth Common: Hitchin
A registered common with sports pitches and conservation meadows. river Purwell flows through the site providing pleasant riverside walks. The play area was refurbished in 2015 and the site has a basketball court and small skate park. There is free on site parking. At Woolgrove Road, Hitchin, SG4 0AT.
