Beat the Winter Blues

If you’re feeling a bit sluggish and low as we move into winter, take advantage of Hertfordshire’s free to access parks and open spaces to improve your mood and beat the winter blues.

Evidence shows that regular exercise can make you feel better and even help with mild to moderate depression.  Getting as much natural light as possible during the winter months can really help, especially if you do it with friends, family or even with new people.  So wrap up warm and get outside.

ParksHerts can help you find your perfect park – just answer a few simple questions on our homepage and off you go!

The whole family wants to make a day of it?

• Visit Oakmere Park and learn about the WW1 Zeppelin that was shot down above the park.
• Or what about Cedars Park? You can see the animals in the nature centre, grab some food and find out about the parks historic past.
•  Verulamium Park has it all.  An onsite museum, loads of play areas, sports courts and a café for when you need to recharge!

Others to think about: Norton Common Local Nature Reserve, Clarence Park, Broxbourne and Bencroft Woods and Gadebridge Park.

You and a friend wanting to walk, run or cycle?

• Test out the running routes at Cassiobury Park or King George Recreation Ground
• Try some outdoor gym equipment at Canal Fields, Ridlins End or Oxhey Park.
• Give something different a try in Meadow Park. Find kettle bells, core twists and resistance handles along with an interactive sports wall and dance mat (it’s not just for the kids!)
• Why not use the Leisure Centre at Grange Paddocks and then take a walk through to Castle Gardens in Bishop Stortford?

Others to think about: Stanborough Park, Leavesdon Country Park and Woodside Playing Fields

Just you needing some fresh air?

• Take a walk by the river or watch the weekend football matches in Hartham Park.
• See the more formal planting at Mary Forsdyke Garden, Tring Memorial Garden or Town Centre Gardens
• How about a walk in the woods?  Try Chipperfield Common, Claypithills Woods or Oughtonhead Common Local Nature Reserve

Others to think about:  Rickmansworth Aquadrome, Top Field and Cozens Grove Local Nature Reserve and Croxley Hall Woods

Want something a bit more organised?

There’s plenty of outdoor events going on if you need that bit more motivation.  See our Events pages for Parkruns, Health Walks and regular volunteering sessions.

Know exactly what you want?

If you know exactly what you want to do, you can use our new ‘most relevant’ sort option once you’ve selected the activity you want in our parks page filter.

With so much to choose, make this the year you beat the winter blues before they even start.

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