parks & gardens

Want to get back to nature?

St Albans has got something for everyone.

Tranquil parks

• Verulamium - 100 acres of history, culture and sport. Great for bird watching, duck feeding, strolling and active pursuits.
• Clarence - home to St Albans City FC, cricket, hockey and bowls. A lovely park with lots to offer everyone.
• Highfield - tree heaven with cycleways, footpaths and trails to follow. Stunning in the autumn.
• Greenwood - 60 acres of open space, woodland, a wildflower meadow and sports facilities.

Beautiful gardens

• Butterfly World Project - pioneering conservation project (closed until 28 Mar 2012)
• Gardens of the Rose - a comprehensive a to z of these elegant flowers (closed until 2012)
• Gorhambury House - a stately home with beautiful grounds and secret gardens to explore
• Hatfield House - formal, scented and wild gardens set in 1000 acres of parkland
• RHS Wisley and Capel Manor Gardens - further afield but open all year

Check listings for details of seasonal opening hours.

Open gardens

Organised by the British Red Cross, Open Gardens give occasional access to hidden and private gardens that are not usually open to the public. For a full list of locations and events in Herts, visit their website.

Challenging playgrounds

Young adventurers can enjoy free climbing, sliding and swinging at public playgrounds all over St Albans including Verulamium, Clarence and Greenwood parks. Tell us with your favourites and we'll feature them here.

Gardening groups

Many residents are keen gardeners and some organise local 'gardens open for charity' events.

• St Stephens Gardening Club - see our listing.
• Gardeners Forum (St Albans): contact Tony Bristow on 01707 896196 or email tony.bristow@ntlworld.com
• Marshalswick Horticultural Society: contact Helen Haran on 01727 869437 or email helenharan@mac.com
• National Council For The Conservation Of Plants and Gardens (Herts and Beds): contact Mrs P Morgan on 01727 765420 or p.b.morgan@ntlworld.com
• Hardy Plant Society Hertfordshire Group (Wheathampstead): visit the website or email hertsgroup@hardy-plant.org.uk
• Wheathampstead Horticultural Society: visit the website or contact Mrs Jane Singleton on 01582 832348