For about 6 years my family and I have visited Stanborough Lakes to do some paddling, its a tradition for us now in the summer holidays! There are obviously other places to visit in the 3 counties so here is a list of a few that you could try out :). Thank you so much to everyone that contributed information and pictures to help me put this post together. If you know of anymore please drop me an email so I can add it!
I haven’t personally visited all of these locations but I would recommend that if you are paddling take some wet shoes in case there are stones underfoot!
Stanborough Lake
Location – Welwyn Garden City AL8 6DF
Our visit –
Stanborough Lake is a lovely place to visit. You have to pay for parking but there is LOADS of space for parking, a park and splash park to visit when you are there.
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Ashwell Springs
Location – Ashwell, Hertfordshire.
This site is only small. Please if you go be careful as the local area isnt being looked after and as a result rare and precious flowers are getting destroyed.
Biggleswade Common
Location – Biggleswade – not the river ouse.
Cassiobury Park
Location – Watford, WD18 7LG
Barton Springs
Location – Barton le Clay MK45 4LA
Our visit –
Barton Springs is really really beautiful with lots of space for picnicing. It gets really really busy and parking can be a bit of an issue so arrive early. If you go, use the entrance near the church and just follow the path all the way and you will see the springs on the right. It’s ok for buggys but is only a dirt track.
Commons Nature Reserve
Location – Welwyn Garden City behind Commonswood School – The little stream runs through the nature reserve.
Aston Clinton Park
Location – Harpenden at the end of Crabtree lane AL5 1DT
River in Wheathampstead
Location – Behind the Bull Pub AL4 8BS
Oughtonhead Nature Reserve
Location – Hitchen SG5 3RP – I have heard that its a little difficult to find in the park itself so someone over on Facebook was nice enough to put together this map 🙂
Batford Springs
Location – Harpenden AL5 5AQ – Park free on Lower Luton Road and it’s 1-2 mins walk to the springs.
Our visit –
Batford Springs is great to visit. There are parts that are deep enough to actually swim in and there is a waterfall that you can climb on and shallower waters suitable for younger children.