☀️ Looking for a Free Day Out In the Summer? When the sun's blazing and the kids are bouncing off the walls, Stanborough Park in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire is the perfect escape. Whether you're wrangling toddlers, teens, or dragging nan out for some fresh air, this spot ticks all the boxes. Just 35 minutes from Dunstable or 27 minutes from Biggleswade — it’s practically begging you to pack your towels, grab the swimwear, and dive into the day.
-💦 SPLASH PARK FUN & PLAY PARK Get ready for giggles galore! The free splash park features spinning sprinklers and water blasters, while the pirate ship-themed play area is overflowing with slides, swings, climbing frames, and sit on bouncy fun. While the space is enclosed, it’s pretty vast — so don’t blink, or your mini-adventurer might be halfway up a rope ladder.
🏴☠️ The Spash & Play Park
🍦 THE CAFE & FACILITIES There's a café for caffeine emergencies, and snacks like crisps, ice-creams (always a bonus treat), accessible loos with a radar key (you can purchase through amazon), and changing rooms to wrangle those soggy swimsuits. Toilets close around 6pm - 6.30pm.
🍦 The Kiosk (no hot food) just drinks, snacks & ice cream
🐠 WILD FUN IN THE SPRINGS Wade in! The shallow springs are sparkling, warm, and just right for little legs. My 3-year-old granddaughter toddled in — knee-deep in the shallows, giggling as fish darted past her toes. Water blasters, nets, and splashy joy abound, the children had dingys and they were having so much fun with these, I found one for only £29.99 on Amazon - Great Price! We even saw folks chilling in chairs with their feet in the water like it was their personal spa retreat. No judgment — it's genius. Forget your net for a spot of fishing? No biggie — the kiosk has you covered costing around £2.50.
💦 Paddle time in the Springs
🧗♂️ ROPE ADVENTURES Got a daredevil in the family? The rope adventures and zip wires will get their hearts racing. Perfect for kids aged 5 or 8 and up (as long as they're over 1 metre tall). Expect squeals, harnesses, and a lot of "Look at me!" moments. Prices range from £8 to £35, and the adrenaline rush is priceless. Click here to find out more.
🧗♂️ Rope & Zip Wire Prices (photo taken 13/07/25)
🧗♀️ The Rope & Zip Wire - Ages from 5 +
🦄 THEMED PEDALOS Flamingos, dragons, unicorns — oh my! These quirky themed pedalos bob across the water just past the accessible bridge from the car park. Turn right and voilà — you're in pedalo paradise. Keep your eyes peeled for the local swans and ducks, and if your little ones want to feed them, duck food is available at the kiosk near the splash park. For more activities check out the Stanborough Park Water Sports Centre website.
🚣♀️ Boat hire prices - Photo taken 13/07/25
🦄 My personal fav - The Unicorn
🚶 SOMETHING FOR THE WALKERS WHO DONT LIKE TO SIT AROUND ALL DAY Calling all explorers! Across the bridge lies a serene lake led by the River Lea with a circular walking route that spans 12 miles. We didn’t tackle it this time (tiny legs and snack breaks got in the way), but it's on our bucket list for the next visit. Whether you're power-walking or meandering, nature’s waiting.
🚶♂️Centenary Circular Walk
🦆 Take a short or long walk by the lake. Duck food can be purchased by the kiosk next to the toilets for £1.60.
🧺 PICNICS WITH FESIVAL VIBES Stanborough Park doesn’t just serve splash zones and scenic springs — it’s also picnic royalty. With sprawling green spaces to claim, there’s no shortage of perfect setups. Fancy a tranquil patch under a shady tree? You got it. Want front-row seats to splash park chaos while the kids run wild? Sorted. Prefer the gentle hum of the springs while you snack in peace? Right this way.
And it’s not your average blanket-and-sarnie crowd either. Picture tents, gazebos, full dining sets with table and chairs, inflatable loungers — even a few shisha pipes puffing gently in the breeze. Music drifts from Bluetooth speakers, kids chase bubbles, and families kick back like it’s Glastonbury minus the mud. The whole vibe is picnic meets festival (no BBQ's allowed), and it’s kind of brilliant.
🌞 Festival vibes - Quieter areas & busier areas to choose from.
🌳 Quieter areas to relax.
🅿️ PARKING Here's the scoop: we parked free on Lemsford Lane and hopped onto a public footpath just right of the Lakeside School. It's around a 7-minute walk, but be mindful — some spots need permits. For ease and accessibility, the official car park is a safer bet... if you can snag a space. When we arrived, it was jam-packed. It's a pay-and-display zone, so prices may change — the info we saw was from 13/07/25.
🅿️ Parking charges - photo taken 13/07/25
♿️ Free Blue Badge Parking Available
💡 WUBTIP - Incase it is too busy and you can't get a space in the car park it maybe worth taking something like a Trolley Cart incase you have to park a little further away - it will save you those extra hands you will need for the over excited kids.
✅️ Free splash park ✅️ Play park ✅️ Easy access into the springs ✅️ Parking right next to the park ✅️ Accessible toilets (need a key? Click here) ✅️ Circular route ✅️ Rope Aventures ✅️ Pedalos ✅️ Picnic spot ✅️ Gathering spot ✅️ Kiosk for snack and drinks ✅️ Dog friendly (must be on a lead)
🏴☠️ Hitchin’s Hidden Gem: Splashin’ Around Bancroft Park
😍 FIRST THOUGHTS... If adventure had a postcode, it would be Bancroft Park in Hitchin. We stumbled upon this delightful green spot and it instantly won our hearts with its pirate-themed playground and splashy surprises!
Interactive monster game, great fun for little kids and big kids laugh 🤭
🛝 PLAY AREA Scooter Humps & Monster Games - Before we even reached the swings, the little humps circling within the play park had my three year old granddaughter zooming around like a tiny stunt performer on her scooter. And the real showstopper? A giant orange arch that doubles as an interactive monster game. It’s imaginative, quirky, and just the right amount of weird. A lover of trampolines my granddaughter loved the three mini ones in a row.
🛴 Great for toddlers who love to ride their scooters
💦 SPLASH PARK Sure, it's compact—but don’t let size fool you. Buckets tip with dramatic flair, water sprays from mysterious places, and there’s even a moat that makes you feel like you're wading through medieval puddles. It’s chaotic in the best way. The splash park opens around May - September.
💦 The fun moat surrounding the splash park area - bring some mini boats to float
🧺 PICNIC PARADISE Between pirate ship, climbing frames and shaded nooks, there's plenty of space to roll out a picnic blanket and pretend you’re stranded on a a little island—with snacks, of course.
🌳 So much room and shaded areas for a picnic
🚻 TOILET TALK Need a loo? There’s one in the white building inside Bancroft Park. Timing? Mystery. Comfort level? Acceptable. We call that a win.
🚻 Toilets will be found in the park in the white building
🧋THE CORNER SHOP Across the road you'll find Blakes Corner—a humble convenience store with a legendary milkshake machine. If you haven't had one yet, are you even living? Sandwiches, crisps, emergency suncream—they’ve got it all.
😋 You have to try a milkshake from Blakes Corner is you haven't already!
🅿️ PARKING PRO TIP We parked just a 5-minute stroll away at Hitchin Outdoor Swimming Pool. Free on Sundays—we love a free day!
✅️ Free splash park ✅️ Play park ✅️ Toilets ✅️ Shop for convenience across the road ✅️ Picnic spot ✅️ Free day out ✅️ Half term fun
🌿 Dip Your Toes into Tranquillity: A Day Out at Batford Springs, Harpenden, Hertfordshire.
😌 THE VIBE Tucked away like a whispered secret in the heart of Harpenden, Batford Springs Nature Reserve isn’t just a place—it’s a mood. The kind that tells your worries to take the day off while you paddle, picnic, and play or just walk around the nature paths.
💦 A waterfall, Cool Waters & Calm Vibes The springs here are crystal clear and inviting, with shallow areas perfect for wading and splashing on warm sunny days. Follow the gentle trickle of water as it winds past green spaces, beckoning you to pause and explore.
Whether you’re dipping your toes or going full explorer mode, there’s no shortage of natural nooks to lose yourself in. It’s peaceful, refreshing, and just wild enough to make your inner nature-lover do a little happy dance. On you explore you will find a family and dog friendly pub called The Marquis of Granby.
The Waterfall steps
⛲️ Waterfall Wilderness The Waterfall is a must to find along your route where you will hear the rushing sound of water, laughter, splashing and fun! Whether you want to take the few steps into the springs to cool your feet, immerse all your body in the upper part of the deeper waters of the falls or float around in your rubber ring, this is huge natural stress reliever. We absolutely love this little gem in Hertfordshire.
🍻 Marquis of Granby Pub on your walking route
🛝 Zip, Swing & Slide: The Play Park On your walk, just by the springs, you’ll stumble upon a play park that’s an absolute gem for kids up to 13 years. There's even a zip wire—yes, a ZIP WIRE—because flying through the air just adds to the fun.
🛝 The play park by Batford Springs
With plenty of space to picnic and run around, it’s a perfect spot to refuel with snacks and stories before heading back into the wild.
🪣 Gone Fishin’ (Tiny Nets Welcome) Bring a bucket and net—especially for the little ones. They’ll love hunting for minnows or pretending they’re the next River Monsters presenter. There’s even a chance to catch a glimpse of folks proper fishing along the banks.
🐶 A Dogs Adventure We saw lots of dog walkers and doggies splashing around and having fun in the springs, although it is mentioned that dogs should be kept on leads at all times and kept under control.
🅿️ PARKING ▪️Closest option: Lower Luton Road street parking (limited spots) free & roadside. ▪️Alternative: Small car park near the Amble Inn Pub. ▪️Bonus find: Marquis Lane might offer a few hidden gems too.
🅿️ Lower Luton Street Parking
🚨 Heads up: If you're parked on Luton Road, there are a few entry points into the reserve—but wheelchair access can be tricky due to narrow grassy paths.
✅️ Scenic walks ✅️ Play park ✅️ Fishing spot ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Great for walkers ✅️ Paddling spot ✅️ Picnic spot ✅️ Half term idea for free day out ✅️ Date idea
💖 The charming Olde Watermill Shopping Village in Barton-le-Clay is a hidden gem with a vintage feel - unique shops to browse, a Chrismas shop with lots of pretty lights in the winter, a great place to go for lunch or for toddlers with fun soft play at Litte Munchkins Playbarn. You can even have a Tarot card reading or buy those old fashioned sweets you always want and maybe grab some fishing equipment you really, definitely need! 😁
♿️ WHAT TO KNOW The car park is stoney grave, no tarmacl. From the entrance up to the shops, garden centre, restaurant and soft play there is an incline which maybe a little steep for people with mobility problems. They do have wheelchairs at the entrance to borrow.
The entrance
🤸♂️ MUNCHKINS SOFT PLAY Looking for a cosy corner to take the toddlers? Munchkin Play Barn is your spot! Tailored for the under-5s, it has a ball pit slides, sand play, kitchen play toys & food—and even a cute outdoor space play area in the warmer months.
We loved that you can you had a great view of the children while they played, so you had time to sit back and enjoy your latte. A well worth £6.50 spent!
⛱️ Little Muchkins Play area
💡 INSIDE TIP: Socks on for everyone, & shoes off.
✅️ Cafe with snacks/drinks ✅️ No need to book (but call ahead on weekends—private parties may take over!) ☎️ 07487 423498
🐟 THE POND & RESTAURANT The tranquil pond by the seating area for the restaurant is my favourite spot, you can buy fish food for only 20p out of the machine (take some coins with) this just added to the day for my granddaughter. She loved feeding the fish.
😌 The pond you can sit back and relax at or have some well deserved lunch
😋 THE RESTAURANT You can eat outside by the pond or indoors. We opted for the delicious Mediterranean Cheese panini topped of with a bowl of crispy chip costing around £8.00 (I had my own drink in my bag) From jacket potatoes to breakfasts and a carvery on a Sunday there is lots of choice. Granny is going to love this!
😋 Mediterranean Cheese Panini
✅️ Unique shops ✅️ Soft play for under 5's ✅️ Toddlers party venue ✅️ Indoor & outdoor seating ✅️ Restaurant ✅️ Free parking ✅️ Mostly accessible ✅️ Toilets ✅️ Day date idea
🌐 THE OLDE WATERMILL SHOPPING VILLAGE WEBSITE -Click here
🌳 Forest & lakeside adventures - heading out with family, friends, fur babies or going solo for some me time? Marston Moretaine Forest Centre is a great day out for all with a calming nature setting. Whether you’re cycling, strolling, geocaching, or simply sipping coffee with a view, this spot hits all the right notes.
Craving a quiet moment in nature? Planning a two-wheeled adventure? or scouting out the next lunch date spot? Marston Moretaine Forest Centre has you covered. This green gem in Bedfordshire is the kind of place that turns a casual stroll into a full-blown “why don't we come here more often?” experience.
😋 Menu - Prices & items may change
🦆THE LAKESIDE CIRCULAR ROUTE Walk, Roll, Ride—Your Way around the approx 4 mile circular route making a day out of it, take your time and enjoy some
🤔 WHAT CAN YOU DO THERE? ▪️Bike hire? Yep, and super convenient (prices are displayed on site). ▪️Walking trails? Absolutely—try the circular lake route, or go off track and find secret paths. ▪️Picnics? Very much encouraged. Bring your sandwiches, your snacks, your sunhat/woolly hat. ▪️Grown-ups only! Don’t miss the balcony above the visitor centre café to enjoy a bit of adult time — perfect for coffee and views (just a heads-up: dogs aren’t allowed on the balcony, so Bruno will have to miss this one out). ▪️Geocaching? Yes, although we have yet to find one of these little treasures.
🚲 Bike hire prices - Prices & availability can change at any time
🧒 ADVENTURES FOR THE LITTLE ONES Kids won't just burn energy—they’ll make memories. ✨️ There's a play park right by the café. ✨️ Sensory gardens offer calming sights, scents, and textures. ✨️ And for the curious ones? Take a net and try pond dipping. It’s nature’s version of treasure hunting.
🛝 Play park next to the Visitor Centre/Cafe
♿️ ACCESS FOR EVERYONE Marston Moretaine Forest Centre is thoughtfully designed: ⭐️ Fully wheelchair and pushchair accessible ⭐️ Accessible & baby changing toilets available on site ⭐️ Blue Badge parking is available (free for Friends of the Forest members, otherwise pay-as-you-go) ⭐️ Accessible routes around the lake
🅿️ PARKING Parking is chargeable, but if you’re a Friend of the Forest, it’s free. ▪️Opening hours: 9am – 5pm daily ▪️Car park closes: 8pm sharp
🅿️ Parking charges (cost could change at anytime)
✅️ Accessible ✅️ Dog friendly ✅️ Accessible toilets ✅️ Food & drink available ✅️ Play park ✅️ Walking/cycling routes ✅️ Lakeside ✅️ Scenic ✅️ Adult only balcony ✅️ A shop for gifts
🚉 THE MARSTON VALE TRAIN LINE There closest train to Marston Moretaine is in Milbrook this runs from Bletchley - Bedford, this includes stopping off at Millbrook. The walk from the train station to Marston Vale Forest Centre takes approx 20 - 25 minutes. Click here for the timetable.
