Hertfordshire Parks and Open Spaces
This page gives information on parks and open spaces across Hertfordshire, 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.
Aberford Park: Borehamwood
The park has enjoyed a high level of investment in recent years, with several facilities predominately for teenagers, including a skate park, climbing boulder, teen shelter and the electronic DJ booth to play and mix songs straight from your mobile. These are known collectively as the Action Zone, to promote activity amongst young people. A wide range of other facilities are offered, including community centre, café, toilets, two play areas, multi-sports court, seasonal pond and a cycleway. At Brook Road, Borehamwood, WD6 5HQ.
Avenue Park: Baldock
Avenue Park is a large attractive enclosed park surrounded by mature trees. Its updated leisure facilities cater for young and old alike, whether to enjoy family activities centred around the play area or splash pad or organised sport such as football, cricket or bowls. At West Avenue, Baldock, SG7 5AY.
Baldock Road Recreation Ground: East Letchworth
In addition to the formal sports pitches this is a great site for informal recreation. A walk or run around the perimeter covers 890Mtr. The two play areas provide adventurous activity for children and the skate park provides a great challenge for skateboarders, BMX rider and scooters. A newly installed fitness trail adds a new dimension to the activities of this popular recreation ground. At Baldock Road, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 2EL.
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.
Barclay Park: Hoddesdon
Situated on a gentle hillside overlooking an ornamental lake. Facilities include car parking, picnic tables, a duck pond, toilets, easy access pathway and play equipment. There is a free car park for ten vehicles accessible from Cock Lane, Hoddesdon and on street parking is also available along Park View. At Hoddesdon, EN11 8JX.
Bishops Park: Bishop’s Stortford
The site is divided by a road and has an enclosed young children’s play area on one side and separate sports wall area and space for informal kickabouts on the other. Most of the site is amenity grassland with trees around the edges. Recent improvements to the park have seen installation of an interactive goal wall and upgrading of the existing playground, a new car park and a number of improvements to pathways and lighting to improve park access. At Woodpecker Close
Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4QA.
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.
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.
Broadway Gardens: Letchworth
Broadway Gardens and Walk was developed following receipt of a £1 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund. The layout and design of the gardens reflects the initial aspirations of Ebenezer Howard who was responsible for principals and designs of the world’s first Garden City. Features Broadway fountain, Broadway Walk, Herbaceous borders, Large open space which can host events. At Broadway, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 3PF.
Brooches Wood: Great Ashby
Brooches Wood is an area of Ancient Woodland, meaning that there have been trees here for at least 400 years. Ancient woodland provides a perfect habitat for wildlife, as they have evolved over time side by side. The Robins and other birds in your garden are actually just visiting, the woodland is their real home. Look out for the Hornbeam “coppards” along the boundary of Cleveland Way. At Great Ashby Way, Great Ashby, SG1 6NH.
Broxbourne and Bencroft Woods
Part of Hertfordshire’s only National Nature Reserve (NNR) and also recognised as a Special Area of Conservation of European importance, the Woods are home to a host of woodland wildlife including iconic species. The woods are part of a wider, very large area of Sessile Oak and Hornbeam woodland at the northernmost part of its natural range. Both woods contain protected Sites of Special Scientific Interest. Ancient woodland close to Brickendon Village.
Bunkers Park: East Hemel Hempstead
The area has developed into a mosaic of habitats, including new woodlands, wildflower meadows and a pond, benefiting local residents and wildlife alike. Crisscrossed with footpaths the park is filled with opportunities for walking. The grasses and wildflowers in the park make a wonderful habitat for declining bird species, Bunkers Park is also developing into one of the County’s most important butterfly habitats.
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.
Bushey Rose Garden
A small enclosed garden divided into three sections consisting of the Sunken Garden (a sunken paved area with a fountain and rose beds), the Lawn (a lawn area surrounded by mixed borders), and the Rose Walk (a pathway lined with mixed borders and rose pillars leading from Herkomer Road). The facilities currently provided include a pergola, summer house, cloisters, and disabled access toilets. At High Street, Bushey, WD23 3HH.
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.
Callowland Recreation Ground: North Watford
The recreation ground has a children’s playground, sports court (with basketball nets and football goals), outdoor gym, two football pitches with changing rooms, cricket wicket. At Gammons Lane, Watford, WD24 5HY.
Canal Fields: Berkhamsted
Canal Fields is the main park in Berkhamsted. It is an attractive green space, centrally located between the High Street and Berkhamsted railway station, with a picnic area, skate park and a well equipped play area. The park also benefits from the presence of the River Bulbourne, the Grand Union Canal and Berkhamsted Bowls Club.
Canterbury Way Playing Fields: Stevenage
The playing fields provide a mixture of facilities in the north of Stevenage including, Football pitches, Ball court, Play area suitable for toddlers and juniors, Pavilion with changing and shower facilities. At Ripon Road, Stevenage, SG1 4LW.
Carpenters Wood
On the outskirts of Chorleywood, Carpenters Wood is owned and managed by Three Rivers District Council. The public are free to explore all areas by foot, however access for horse riders and cyclists is restricted to the Public Bridleways which is the area pathed around the perimeter. An ancient woodland, over 400 years old, bluebells are an annual treat for walkers through the wood. The best place to see them is to enter the wood at the Whitelands Avenue entrance (signposted), about half a mile from Chorleywood village shops, down Whitelands Avenue on the left.
Castle Park: Bishop’s Stortford
The former site of Bishop’s Stortford’s Waytemore Castle, the Castle Gardens are now laid out with flower beds, tennis courts and the Town Council’s children’s play areas in the adjacent Sworders Field. The ancient Castle Mound can be seen from within the castle grounds and you can walk from here along the River Stort through Grange Paddocks north to Red, White and Blue open space. At Castle Park and Gardens, Bishops Stortford.
Cedars Park: Cheshunt
Opening times vary throughout the year. Former site of Theobalds Palace close to Waltham Cross. Woodland walks, formal gardens, play maze, ponds, pets’ corner, play trail, an arboretum and a conservation area.
Chells District Park: Stevenage
A mixture of sports pitches and informal open space off of Gresley Way. The site has, Football Pitches, Rugby Pitch, Play area suitable for toddlers and juniors, Pavilion with changing and shower facilities, hall and meeting room for hire. The Park also benefits from links to a six hectare woodland known as Lanterns Lane/Elm Green Wood. At Lanterns Lane, Stevenage, SG2 7HP.
Cheshunt Park
Located approximately five minutes drive from the centre of Cheshunt, the park is easily accessible with plenty of parking, football and basketball areas, refreshment facilities and a play area. Bring a picnic or simply go for a stroll and enjoy the views.
Cheslyn House and Gardens: Watford
Open all year round, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day November to February – 9am to 4pm March and October – 9am to 6pm April to September – 9am to 8pm. Enjoy, Formal, open area, Semi-natural woodland area, Pond, Aviary with budgerigars, quail, assorted finches and other varieties of small birds, Wildlife and plants. At Nascot Wood Road, Watford, WD17 4SL.
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.
Claypithills Woods: Great Ashby
Claypit Hill’s Spring has a lot of dead wood on the floor. This might look untidy, but it is home to lots of small creatures. Inside the logs and under the bark you might find woodlice, beetles, spiders and insect larvae. When a tree dies, the dead wood is a perfect place for fungi to grow. The wood is slowly eaten by mini-beasts and rots back in to the soil, releasing its nutrients for other trees to use. Spaces created mean sunlight can reach the woodland floor. Wild flowers bloom, providing nectar for insects like butterflies and bees. Over many years, tree seedlings will grow up blocking out the light, and the whole cycle starts again. A Woodland Walk leads you around the Great Ashby Estate, taking in five woodlands managed by NHDC. Four of the woodlands have their own short route for you to explore. At Serpentine Close, Great Ashby.
Danesbury Park: North Welwyn
Danesbury is a historic parkland once linked to Danesbury House. It is now managed extensively using rare-breed cattle and occasional cutting. This kind of grassland is now rare in the county as a result of changes in farming practice, losses arising from development and management neglect. Even with this, Danesbury still has a wide variety of flowering plants which support insects and, therefore, also birds. At North Ride, Welwyn, AL6 9SA.
Digswell Playing Fields: Welwyn
A large open space which borders the magnificent and historic Digswell viaduct. The park has a children’s play area, small pond and has river Mimram flowing along one side. Digswell Playing Fields is the home of Digswell Tennis Club. At Station Road, Digswell, Welwyn Garden City, AL6 0DG.
Fairlands Valley Park: Stevenage
Situated within the heart of Stevenage, Fairlands Valley Park provides extensive leisure facilities for all. The Park is renowned for its wide range of water sports facilities, with sailing, windsurfing, angling, kayaking and dragon boating taking place on the 11 acre Main Lake. There is an excellent play area catering for children, toddlers right through to teenagers, located alongside an exciting water play facility. The Park provides a variety of habitats which support a range of wildlife. In addition to the traditional short grass swards, Fairlands Valley Park also benefits from woodland, a network of lakes, long grass swards and grassland. At Six Hills Way, Stevenage, SG2 0BL.
Flamstead End Recreation Ground: Cheshunt
Recreation ground in Cheshunt with football pitches, a basketball court and children’s play area. Also on site is Flamstead End Hall which is owned and operated by Broxbourne Borough Council. Free parking is available at Flamstead End Hall.
Furzefield: Potters Bar
The park is made up of three distinct areas providing informal opportunities such as dog walking and play through to organised sports games. King George V Playing Fields contains two play areas, a skate park, community shelter and football pitches. Furzefield Woods has been managed as a coppice with standard trees for over 300 years and Lower Halfpenny Bottom, once the route of a drovers track is an important grassland and meadow.
Gadebridge Park: Hemel Hempstead
Park open all year, recreational facilities are open between May and September, midday to 6pm daily (dependent on weather conditions). Gadebridge Park is on the northern edges of Hemel Hempstead and is Dacorum’s principal park. The park is divided into two main areas, separated by the Leighton Buzzard Road, with a total area of about 32 hectares. The western park includes a listed excavated and re-interred Roman archaeological site, a play area and the Field of Hope daffodil display and is used for events such as cross-country competitions and fun runs. The eastern side contains the main section of the park, which boasts two bowling greens (one club and one public), a crazy golf course, petanque, croquet, giant chess and draughts, the King George V play area and a skate park. At Leighton Buzzard Road, Hemel Hempstead, HP1 1DN.
Goffs Oak Playing Field
Situated in the heart of Goffs Oak, behind Goffs Oak Village Hall, the park caters for a wide range of sports including tennis, football and basketball. The park also has a play area and a Kickabout Court.
Goodwood Recreation Ground: North Watford
A well presented recreation ground with open areas of grassland, picnic area, a large children’s play area, outdoor gym and woodland. At Minerva Drive, Watford, WD24 5LD.
Grundy Park: Cheshunt
Situated behind the Laura Trott Leisure Centre, this park has a kickabout court for those aged over 11 and a play area suitable for younger children. At Cheshunt, EN8 9RJ.
Haldens Park: North Welwyn
There is a small wildlife pond and an open green space surrounded by pretty woodland, perfect for playing games or chasing around. The main route is a tree-lined path through the centre of the park. At Welwyn Garden City, AL7 1BX.
Hampson Park: Stevenage
The park is the highest point in Stevenage, with great views across the town and surrounding countryside. The park has: Children’s play area, Woodland, Sports pitches, Wheeled sports facility (skateboards, bmx, scooters etc.), Multi Use Games Area, Ball court, Outdoor gym. At Hampson Park, Webb Rise, Stevenage, SG1 5QU.
Hartham Common and Kingsmead: Hertford
Hartham Common is a well established open space, within only 5 minutes walk of Hertford town centre. Hartham Common benefits from a range of facilities including a leisure centre and swimming pool, public toilet, two well equipped play areas, a skate park, football pitches, bowling green, tennis courts, trim trail, ample vehicle parking with CCTV, and extensive riverside and woodland walks. At Hartham Lane, Hertford, SG14 1QR.
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.
Ivel Springs Local Nature Reserve: Baldock
Ivel Springs is a large Local Nature Reserve in Baldock. The springs, which are the source of the River Ivel, provide a diverse area for wildlife including woodland, wetland and pasture. During the summer months Longhorn cattle graze the meadow. At North Road, Baldock, SG7 5BX.
Jackmans Playing Fields: Letchworth
In addition to the formal sports pitches the site offers a range of opportunities for informal recreation. Kick a ball around the multi use games area which is free to use unless you want floodlighting. There is also a toddler play area and a small wildflower area with seating. At Radburn Way, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 2SB.
King George Recreation Ground: Bushey
The park contains many facilities including a 250m2 splash pad, large play area, challenging play equipment for teenagers, multi sports court, kickaround goals, tennis courts, table tennis tables, outdoor fitness equipment, sculptures, meadow with copse, open grassland, a cafe and free car parking.
Car Park, Tennis Courts and Sports Courts open October to March – 8am to 4pm, April to May – 8am to 7pm, June to September – 8am to 9pm, Toilets open Summer – 8am to 6.30pm, Winter – 8am to 3.30pm.
King George V Playing Field: Stevenage
This attractive park is situated between the old town and the busy town centre. The site has: Football pitches, Cricket pitches, Lawn Bowls, Play Area, for toddlers, juniors and teenagers, Pavilion, Millennium Gardens, Parks Events. At King George V Playing Fields, Sish Lane, Stevenage, SG1 3LS.
King George V Playing Field: Welwyn Garden City
King George V Playing Fields is a large grassed area close to QEII Hospital in Welwyn Garden City. The park has a Pavilion and offers a range of activities including exercise classes, 2 tennis courts, 2 floodlit bowling greens, a children’s playground, 2 basketball courts and skate park/multi-games area. At Beehive Lane, Welwyn Garden City, AL7 4BP.
King George V Playing Fields: Watford
Facilities include, Children’s playground, Multi-use sports court (with basketball nets and football goals), Outdoor fitness trail, Five football pitches with changing rooms, Three cricket pitches with changing rooms, Car park is access off Tolpits Lane, Chaffinch Lane, Watford, WD18 9QD.
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.
Leavesden Country Park: Abbots Langley
Leavesden Country Park consists of walking/biking paths, a football pitch, wildlife areas, tennis courts, a children’s play area and an outdoor gym for adults. The north side of the park, which consists of two children’s play areas, three football pitches, an adult outdoor gym, a BMX track and over 20 acres of woodland area. The south side comprises of about 50 acres of typical English parkland along with a variety of apple trees, a pergola and the largest Monkey Puzzle tree in Hertfordshire. At College Road, Abbots Langley, WD5 0NX.
Mardley Heath: Welwyn/Datchworth
This is a large wood extending to 37 hectares, regenerating naturally following gravel extraction in the 20th century. In mediaeval times it was wood pasture common where local people grazed animals, gathered fuel and fed their pigs on acorns. There is a car park on Heath Road, an easy access trail close by and a longer perimeter trail for horse-riders and cyclists. At Heath Road, Welwyn, AL6 0TP.
Margaret Lloyd Park: Hemel Hempstead
Large open space in the Grovehill area of Hemel Hempstead, perfect for playing with the kids or walking the dog. The park has a recently refurbished play area situated off Aycliffe Drive opposite Henry Wells Square.
Mary Forsdyke Garden and Warren Lake: Bushey Heath
May to September 8am-7pm, October to April 8am-4pm. Situated in Bushey Heath opposite St Peters Church, this enchanting garden had extensive improvements carried out in the Spring of 2017. Improvements to Mary Forsdyke Garden and Warren Lake included upgrading the footpaths, planting beech hedging around the perimeter of the garden, new feature trees, adding additional plants and improving the habitat of Warren Lake by removing silt, planting around the perimeters and installing a boardwalk.
Meadow Park: Borehamwood
This park is popular for sport and has a range of facilities including two exciting and inclusive play areas, tennis courts, multi-sports court and kickaround area, basketball court. The outdoor gym includes Kettlebells, resistance straps and core training. The park is often host to local events including Movies in the Park, Families Day, Halloween Funday and the Annual Fireworks display.
Open all year round. The tennis courts are open April, May and October 8am-6pm, June to September 8am08pm, and November to March 8am-4pm. The Splash Park is open 10am-6pm.
Meadway Playing Fields: Stevenage
This small park lies in the Symonds Green area of Stevenage. The park has: Football pitches, Play area suitable for juniors, Pavilion with changing facilities and showers. The park can be accessed from Meadway with the car park at the main entrance. At Meadway Playing Field, Redcar Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2EN.
Moneyhole Lane Playing Fields: Welwyn/Panshanger
Moneyhole Lane Playing Fields provides a variety of outdoor sports activities including; a multi-activity area, 3 youth football pitches, a floodlit tennis court and children’s playground. The fields have open boundaries on the east side that lead to conservation woodland and are bordered by the Lafarge gravel extraction land and Panshanger Aerodrome. At Welwyn Garden City, AL7 2RT.
Newmarket Road Recreation Ground: Royston
Large grass area for informal play ideal for kick-a-bout football. A dog free toddler play area containing a variety of play equipment for younger children. A separate older children’s play area located next to the small concrete skate park. At Newmarket Road, Royston, SG8 7HA.
Nightleys Playing Fields: Cheshunt
Sports based play area close to Turnford School, the park offers full size football pitches along side an enclosed play area, kick about court and dirt ramps suitable for BMX biking. At Mill Lane, Cheshunt, EN8 0JX.
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.
Northern Parkland: Bishop’s Stortford
Northern Parkland is an 8.32 hectare open space, located to the north of St Michaels Mead. The large grassed open space is dotted with small pockets of young plantation woodland. There are two enclosed children’s play areas and goals for informal kickabouts. At Northern Parkland, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4NE.
Norton Common Local Nature Reserve: Letchworth
Norton Common is a large attractive Local Nature Reserve. Its facilities cater for young and old alike, whether to enjoy family activities centred around the play areas, picnic area or walking along the open areas and the woodlands. Features are Local Nature Reserve, Play Areas – junior and senior, Skateboard facility, Picnic area, Two bowling greens, Floodlit Multi Use Games Area, Tennis courts – senior and junior.
Oakmere Park: Potters Bar
Open all year. Toilets are open April to October 7am-9pm, November to March 7am-4pm. Oakmere Park was once the grounds to Oakmere House which is now operated as a restaurant and public house and provides a welcoming retreat with pleasing views across the park. The classic 19th century layout of the park with lakes and specimen trees is still largely intact, although the grand entrance lodges and sweeping carriage way have been removed. At Highview Gardens, Potters Bar, EN6 5PJ.
Old Highway Recreation Ground: Hoddesdon
Known locally as Rye Park, Old Highway is primarily a recreation ground providing play and sports facilities and a large area of mown grass within a residential area. A tennis club and bowls club are based here, and the bowling green is open for public use from May to September between 1pm and 8pm every day. The park covers 5.06 acres and facilities include car parking, toilets, easy access path, community events, play equipment, adult gym equipment, tennis courts, bowling green, and a Multi-Use Games Area for basketball and football. At Old Hwy, Hoddesdon, EN11 0NU.
Orchard Park: Watford
Wander in and you will find a “village green” used by local children for informal and formal games. It is one of Watford’s hidden gems, awaiting discovery. The park has a children’s play area and woodland to be enjoyed and explored. At Gammons Lane, Watford, WD24 5JW.
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.
Oxhey Park: Watford
Oxhey Park is approximately 14 hectares of parkland with a wooded dell and rolling grassy slopes. There are good tarmac footpaths through the park, at river level and at the top of the park: the two footpaths are linked by a long flight of gentle steps in the middle of the park. Childrens play area, Outdoor Gym, River Colne, with cycle and foot bridge, Grassy Slopes. There are entrances to the park on Eastbury Road (playground entrance), Wiggenhall Road (by the river) and Lower High Street (by Bushey Arches).
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.
Peartree Park: Stevenage
Peartree Park provides a play area for toddlers, juniors and teenagers, sports pitches, and an area of informal open space. The site has: Football pitches, Multi Use Games Area, Small Skate Park, Play area suitable for toddlers, juniors and teens, Pavilion with changing and shower facilities. Situated between The Paddocks, Peartree Way and Six Hills Way in Stevenage, SG2 9UA.
Phillimore Recreation Ground: Radlett
Phillimore Recreation Ground is Radlett’s largest park providing 16 acres of parkland, comprising a large toddler and recently refurbished children’s play area, playing fields, a multi-use games area and a woodland area. This well known local park is used by parents and children, fitness fanatics and dog-walkers alike.
8.00am to 9.00pm from 1st April until 30th September and 8.00am to 7.00pm from 1st October until 31st March. At Gills Hill, Radlett, WD7 8AL.
Pix Brook Meadows: Letchworth
The meadows which links Norton Common with Standalone farm brings the countryside into the heart of the Garden City. The Pix brook flows through the meadows, a hard surfaced path follow its route. The meadows contain a small orchard where you are welcome to pick apples and pears.
Prestwick Road Meadows Local Nature Reserve: Watford
Prestwick Road Meadows Local Nature Reserve has some of the most beautiful wildflowers in the district. It is a small place, taking just half an hour to walk around, but there is plenty to see. There is a seasonal pond that attracts frogs and herons in the spring. Summer is the best time to see the meadows in flower. The meadows are cut just once a year at the end of summer. Grass pathways are cut more regularly to allow people to walk easily throughout the meadows. Watford, WD19 6XP.
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.
Red White and Blue: Bishop’s Stortford
Red, White and Blue is a large open space located to the north of Grange Paddocks, linked via a walk through woodland and meadowland along the River Stort. Part of the open space is grazed by rare and traditional breeds of cattle in the summer months. There is a picnic area adjacent to the car park. At Cannons Mill, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2BN.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome Local Nature Reserve
The Aquadrome has a vibrant atmosphere, shown by the wide variety of clubs and organisations that use the facilities at the Aquadrome, such as water skiing, sailing and kayaking. Walks around Batchworth (1.6km) and Bury (1.4km) and an Easy Access Trail through the wet woodland (1.3km) are a great way to explore the site. Car park is open 8am – 9:30pm 1st May – 30th September and 8am – 6pm 1st October – 30th April. At Frogmoor Lane, Rickmansworth, WD3 1NB.
Ridlins End Playing Fields: Stevenage
This large parkland lies in the south east of Stevenage between Gresley Way and Shephall Way. The popular athletics facility is of County and Regional standard and the full range of athletics events are provided for. The site has: Football pitches, Athletics Stadium available for booking, Play area suitable for toddlers, juniors and teens, Outdoor gym equipment, Pavilion with changing facilities and showers. Ridlins Wood is accessible from the playing fields and provides an attractive backdrop to the park. At Ridlins Park, Woodcock Road, Stevenage, SG2 9QZ.
Ripon Park: Borehamwood
Ripon Park has challenging play equipment including a zip wire, climbing boulder, spinning cup and net rotator in addition to a childrens play area, outdoor fitness equipment, basketball hoop and football goals. The park also has large areas of mown grass for informal sport and relaxation as well tree planting and a wildflower meadow. At Ripon Way, Borehamwood, WD6 2ND.
Serby Avenue Recreation Ground: Royston
The play includes elements of natural play. A newly installed zip wire adds an exciting new dimension to this recreation ground. There is also a ball court and a quiet seating area. At Serby Avenue, Royston, SG8 5ED.
Shephalbury Park: Stevenage
The park has Football pitches, Two basketball hoops, Kick wall, Bowling Green with pavilion, A play area suitable for toddlers, juniors and teens, Outdoor gym trail, Changing facilities with showers (Check regarding opening), Tennis, Table tennis and Wildlife habitats, meadow grassland, ancient hedgerows, mature trees. At Shephalbury Park, Broadhall Way, Stevenage, SG2 8NP.
Sherrardspark Wood: Welwyn
An oak and hornbeam woodland which expands for approximately 200 acres. The wood is home to a wide range of local wildlife, including Muntjac deer, foxes, and squirrels. In the tree tops you may catch a glimpse of woodpeckers and hawks, or the more plentiful thrushes, robins, tits, wrens, and jays. There is a small car park on the north side off Rectory Road and many other entrances from residential roads in Welwyn Garden City, including Reddings, Pentley Park and Woodland Rise. located in the north west of Welwyn Garden City.
Singlers Marsh: Welwyn
This wet meadow lies adjacent to the River Mimram, which runs through Old Welwyn. Singlers Marsh comprises a section of regionally important chalk river and low woodland meadows. The mosaic of grassland, willow scrub, and more mature trees attract a wide range of wildlife especially plants of wet meadows, insects, and birds. In the summer months it is also home to visiting wildlife. The marsh can be accessed via several kissing gates along Fulling Mill Lane.
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.
Southern Country Park: Bishop’s Stortford
The park has several distinct areas, with the balancing pond for fishing and duck feeding, the enclosed picnic area and large grassed areas for informal play and kite flying, plus an exciting older children’s play area adjacent to the car park off Thorley Lane East. There are also a wide variety of wildlife habitats and features such as woodland, grazing areas, chalk banks, informal play spaces, streams and a small natural pond. A trip across the boardwalk gives you a chance to get up close to the wetland wildlife that lives in the Reedbed and lake. Look out for dragonflies and damselflies hunting for food above the water during the summer months. Between June and August, the chalk banks become ablaze with wildflowers and alive with bees, hoverflies and butterflies.
Main Entrance: Southern Country Park, Moor Hall Lane, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4GZ. Car Park Entrance: Southern Country Park, Thorley Lane East, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 4BH.
St Nicholas Park: Stevenage
The site has: Football pitches, Basketball hoop, Kick wall, BMX track, Outdoor gym, Play area suitable for toddlers, juniors and teens, The St Nicholas Play Centre and Pavilion with changing facilities. At St Nicholas Park, Pilgrims Way, Stevenage, SG1 4PT.
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.
Stanborough Park: Welwyn
Enjoy a visit to Stanborough Park, a beautiful countryside park, with 2 lakes covering an area of 126 acres, on the outskirts of Welwyn Garden City. Home of Stanborough Park Activity Centre, on the South Lake you can experience Sailing, Kayaking, Canoeing and Stand Up Paddleboarding in one of their many activity sessions. Facilities include: Nature Trail, Childrens Play Area, Watersports Activity Centre, Rowing Boats, Pedal Boats and Water Walkers, Model Boating Lake, Nature walks and orienteering trails. At Stanborough Road, Welwyn Garden City, AL8 6DF. Pay and Display Car Parks available on both sides of the park. Park open all year round. Reception opening time: April to end September – 7 days a week; October to end March – Monday to Friday.
Station Road Recreation Ground: Broxbourne
Popular local park close to Broxbourne Station. The park has lots of open space for ball games along with a playground for younger children. In addition, there is a playbuilder site for those aged 8-13 and some dirt ramps for biking. On street parking is available around the park, on Churchfields. At High Road, Broxbourne, EN10 7BS.
Studlands Rise Recreation Ground: Royston
Whilst this is a small site it has something for the whole family, play area, tennis court and ample grass for informal play. Free on site car park. At Studlands Rise, Royston, SG8 9NH.
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.
Temple Recreation Ground: Letchworth
A small recreation ground offering a range of facilities. In addition to the conventional play area for younger children and a combination goal the site has the only Parkour equipment in the area. At Green Lane, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 1UW.
The Commons: Welwyn
This area lies around the southern boundaries of the QEII Hospital and has a range of habitats inlcuding oak woodland, calcareous fen, meadows, ditches, and ponds. Originally purchased as building land, it is now plays host to a rich diversity of both animal and plant species including slow worms and great crested newts.
The Ridgeway: Hertford
This small park has two distinct areas. The upper area is a more formal urban recreation space with a Multi Use Games Area, children’s play area, ornamental shrub planting and an open grass area ideal for a variety of recreation activities and is a great space to hold events. The lower section, referred to as the Dell, is much more informal with a style of play equipment that reflects this incorporated into the natural landscape. The easy access pathway into the Dell connects to the surrounding environment and provides a wildlife corridor between the woodland areas and adjacent farmland. Parking is available at the adjacent Sele Community Centre. At The Ridgeway, Hertford, SG14 2JE.
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.
Thorley Wedge: Bishop’s Stortford
The open space consists mainly of amenity cut grassland with a scattering of trees along its length. At the eastern end of the site there is an area of mixed woodland and some old oaks, hazel, field maple, ash and blackthorn scrub. Woodland management is undertaken to maintain the woodland for wildlife and people. Thinning and coppicing the woodland on rotation – cutting trees down to ground level and allowing them to regrow, allows more light to reach the woodland floor benefiting the ground flora and creating a more diverse structure to the woodland. There is a well-used surfaced path that runs along the southern site and leads to Bishops Stortford town centre.
Town Centre Gardens: Stevenage
Offering an oasis of tranquillity in the centre of Stevenage. The main features of the park include: Ornamental landscapes with plantings of roses, herbaceous perennials and seasonal bedding displays, An ornamental spring fed pond, marginal and aquatic planting, fountain and bridge, A collection of ornamental, commemorative and memorial trees, A sensory garden, A large open and close mown grassland area surrounded by trees, A fenced and equipped play space for toddlers and young children, A footpath network providing access across the site between the Town Centre and the Bedwell neighbourhood.
Tring Memorial Garden
Only steps away from the busy high street, the garden offers an oasis of tranquillity and quiet reflection for visitors to the town and for the local community, located at the lower east end of Tring’s High street. The site now provides a green area in a built-up environment and is used for informal recreation, dog walking and as an area for remembrance.
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.
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.
Weston Hills Local Nature Reserve: Baldock
Weston Hills in Baldock was officially declared a Local Nature Reserve in July 2012 following the completion of a joint venture to improve the site and protect the wildlife. Improvements include new and improved access for the public, 1.25km of new resurfaced pathways and new signs for people to learn about the local nature. Areas of rare and valuable chalk grassland have been restored for wildlife to protect and enhance their habitat. The grassland which is grazed by Long Horn Cattle is rich in wild flowers including orchids and the woodland attracts many bird species. The site has some interesting archaeology including ancient cultivation terraces and chalk workings. There are many paths throughout although some are steep. The site is carefully managed to keep a mixed habitat and encourage wildlife to flourish. At Hatch Lane, Baldock, SG7 6LX.
Whit Hern Park: Cheshunt
Both beautiful and peaceful, Whit Hern park offers a haven in the Churchgate area of Cheshunt. The park is also home to Whit Hern (Cheshunt) Bowls Club. Parking is available at the Bishops College Car Park, behind the Civic Offices.
Wilbury Recreation Ground: Letchworth
In addition to the formal football pitch there is ample scope for informal recreation. The play area and exercise zone offers activities for children. Ideal site for ball games both on the grass areas or in the multi use games area. The site also contains areas of scrub which are managed for wildlife conservation. At Archers Way, Letchworth Garden City, SG6 4UN.
Woodside Playing Fields: Watford
Facilities include, Athletics – A top athletics stadium with eight lane track. Home of Watford Harriers, Indoor bowls, considered to be one of the best in the country. Home of Watford Indoor Bowls Club, Outdoor bowls, Home of OWLS outdoor bowls club. Cricket, home of Watford Town Cricket Club, Football, five adult, one junior and two six-a-side football pitches. Childrens play area, toilets.
Wormley Playing Fields
Great sports facility catering for netball, football and cricket. Home to Wormley Sports Club, Wormley Youth, Wormley FC and Wormley Cricket Club. Church Lane, Wormley, EN10 7QE.
York Way Recreation Ground: Royston
Small recreation ground containing a dog free play area, Combination football and basketball goal and a trim trail. No on site parking but parking is available on York Way. At York Way, Royston, SG8 5EW.