Gadebridge Park
Park open all year, recreational facilities are open between May and September, midday to 6pm daily (dependent on weather conditions).
32 ha Flagship park in Hemel Hempstead, 18 Points of Interest and 2 routes
Bowling Green (Casual hire)
Bowling Green
Bowls Green available for casual hire by calling 01442 228765.
The facilities are open between May and September. Opening hours are midday to 6pm daily (dependent on weather conditions).
Information on charges can be found here.
A second bowls green is operated by Hemel Hempstead Bowls Club. Call 01442 230668 for information.
Crazy Golf
Interactive Activity
18 hole course. Contact 01442 228765 for more information.
Further information also available here.
Croquet Lawn
Sports Pitch
Croquet available to play by the hour. Call 01442 228765 for more information.
Further information also available here.
Giant Chess/Draughts
Interactive Activity
Come and play giant chess or draughts! Contact 01442 228765 for more information.
Further information also available here.
Health Walk Start Point
Health Walk Start Point
Meeting point at The White Bridge by the public car park, Leighton Buzzard Road HP1 1AE. Every Monday (excluding bank holidays) meeting times are 10am for walks lasting between 45mins to an hour(2 to 3 miles) and 11.15 for easy walks 25-30mins(1.5miles)
To find out when you can get involved check out the Health walks website;
https://www.walkingforhealth.org.uk/walkfinder/east-england/dacorum-health-walks
Play Area
Playground
Coming soon…challenge yourself on the exciting natural play equipment set amongst the trees. Equipment includes;-
Play Area
Toddler Play Area
Enclosed childrens play area on the right hand side of the park.
Roman Villa
Site of historical interest
Excavations in 1963 and 2000 on the field north of Galley Hill revealed a farmhouse which was extended after the Roman invasion of AD43 to include stone built wings around a courtyard, a bathhouse, heated rooms and unusually a large swimming pool. See the Dacorum Heritage Trust website for more information on the excavations.
SANDS Forget-me-not memorial garden for babies
Plant Bed
The garden was created by Hemel and St Albans SANDS (Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society) in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council. It was formally opened by the Mayor of Dacorum during a ceremony on 22 May 2004. SANDS offers support to parents and grandparents who have experienced stillbirth or the death of their baby shortly after birth.
Many people who have suffered miscarriages or loss during early pregnancy have nowhere to remember their babies. Those who experienced stillbirth many years ago had no way of finding out where their babies’ final resting place was, or may have had no access to it. Some parents feel uncomfortable in the place where their children’s ashes have been laid. This garden has been created for the whole community to enjoy and is a special place for all those who have been touched by the death of a baby to reflect and find peace.
Further information on the garden can be found here
Skate Park
Skate Park
Located by the car park off the Leighton Buzzard Road, the skate park is equipped with five quarter pipes, a jump box, volcano, half pyramid, grind box, midi ramp and a grind rail.
Splash Pad
Splash Park
Open from 28 July 2018, this is a free to use splash pad – with a variety of jets and fountains.
The stepped seating around one side prevents a great viewing point and lets you take a break between getting wet!
Splash Park
Splash Park
The much anticipated splash park opens in June 2018. Come and enjoy a number of jets and sprays
St Mary’s Church
Building
A notable Norman church (1140-1180) on the edge of the park. The church had later restorations including a magnificent 14th century spire, one of the tallest in Europe.
Stained glass and memorials adorn the interior.
Part of the Hemel Hempstead Old Town Heritage Trail
The Charter Tower
Site of historical interest
Henry VIII (1491-1547) gave the town of Hemel Hempstead it’s first Royal Charter in 1539. The ‘Charter Tower’ is a remnant of the second Bury, built by Richard Combe in the late 16th century.
Forms part of the Old Town Heritage Trail
Walled Garden
Plant Bed
Site of the original Bury House. Further information on the site can be found here.
Park Information
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.
A brand new splash park opened in July 2018 and is open every day from 10am to 6pm until September. New additional, seasonal toilets and a kiosk, which serves refreshments for visitors have also opened. The new facilities are located next to the splash park.
The Environment Agency, Dacorum Borough Council and Affinity Water are working partnership to improve the River Gade and its surrounding area through Gadebridge Park. The river currently suffers from a number of issues caused by human modification that has resulted in poor habitat quality and diversity. As well as realigning the river back to the valley bottom, proposals include new footbridges, better facilities for walkers and improved conditions for wildlife.
Residents and others can read more about the plans and make comments by visiting www.tinyurl.com/Gadebridge-Park.
Enquiries about the project can be emailed to GadebridgePark@environment-agency.gov.uk or regeneration@dacorum.gov.uk.
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.
Two car parks within the site serve both the park and town centre and there are two blocks of public toilets. Ice cream, hot and cold drinks and snacks are available in the car parks. Usually there are about 10 special events held in the park each year, in addition to visits by the fun fair.
In 2004, the SANDS (Hemel Hempstead and St Albans Still Birth and Neonatal Death Society) memorial garden was officially opened in the park. It was designed as a reflective and attractive garden for anyone who has been touched by the death of a baby from conception to shortly after birth. The design includes a statue ‘Hugging Couple’ sculpted by Mark Humphrey.
Further information on the park, its history and facilities are available via the link below:
On Site Facilities
- Car Park (Free)
- Car Park (Pay & Display)
- Disabled Access
- Disabled Toilets
- Dog Free Area
- Dogs Welcome
- Food & Drink
- Pushchair Friendly Paths
- Toilets
How to get here
Parking:Two car parks serve the site:
Gadebridge Lane Free Car Park located in the centre of the park off Leighton Buzzard Road.  Directions available here. Â
Queensway Pay and Display Car Park located at the southern end of the park off Queensway. Directions available here.
Further information is available from Dacorum Borough Council here.Â
Public Transport Information:Information on public transport is available here: www.intalink.org.uk and www.nationalrail.co.uk
Cycling:Cycle paths run along the main drive from Queensway (Bury Lodge entrance) to Piccotts End Road and through to the Leighton Buzzard Road underpass
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