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

Points of interest

  • Bowling Green (Casual hire)
  • Crazy Golf
  • Croquet Lawn
  • Gadebridge Lane Car Park
  • Giant Chess/Draughts
  • Health Walk Start Point
  • Play Area
  • Play Area
  • Play Area
  • Public Toilets
  • Queensway Car Park
  • Roman Villa
  • SANDS Forget-me-not memorial garden for babies
  • Skate Park
  • Splash Pad
  • Splash Park
  • St Mary’s Church
  • The Charter Tower
  • Walled Garden

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

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:

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.   

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. 

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