Cassiobury Park

Cassiobury Park, covering approximately 250 hectares, is Watford's largest park, often referred to as 'the jewel in Watford's crown' and the parks has been enhanced with Heritage Lottery Fund award funding. It is situated near the town centre, a short walk from Watford Junction station and minutes from Watford Station on the Metropolitan line, and has a refurbished car park in Gade Avenue. The River Gade runs through the park, and it is bordered by the Grand Union Canal, with links to West Herts Golf Club and includes Whippendell Woods and Cassio Common. The park has a long historical association with Watford: it has a grade II listing on the English Heritage Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest, and was owned by the Earls of Essex. Cassiobury Park is rich in natural beauty and is much loved by Watford residents and visitors from further afield. There are play areas and facilities for children of all ages, quiet areas for picnics, lovely riverside walks, open spaces ideal for sports, a number of magnificent veteran trees, and wooded areas; and part of Cassiobury Park has been designated as a Local Nature Reserve. Children love visiting the paddling pool complex in the summer, which is free, and there is also a miniature railway. There are grass and hard tennis courts refurbished in 2017, bowls rinks and croquet lawns. The old tea pavilion has been refurbished and serves hot and cold food and drinks every day and Cafe in the Hub building and cafe outlet at the paddling pools provides hot food and snacks.