Parks and Gardens in Stevenage

Exploring Stevenage’s Parks and Green Spaces

Looking for a bit of fresh air or a great place to spend some quality time outdoors? Well, you’re in luck! Stevenage has some brilliant parks and green spaces that are perfect for all ages. Whether you want to kick a football around, have a picnic, go for a run, or simply enjoy the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone. Let’s take a stroll through some of the best parks in Stevenage!

Fairlands Valley Park – The Ultimate Outdoor Playground!

Fairlands Valley Park is one of the most popular places to go in Stevenage. With over 120 acres of green space, it’s a fantastic spot for families, friends, and even your four-legged buddies. The highlight here is the huge lake, where you can try out water activities like sailing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Feeling adventurous? There’s even a mini sailing school for kids and beginners!

• Water Sports Centre: Boasting a wide range of water-based activities such as sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding, the Water Sports Centre provides opportunities for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to enjoy the park’s lakes.
• Children’s Play Areas: Families can delight in the park’s play areas equipped with swings, slides, and climbing frames, ensuring endless fun and adventure for young visitors.
• Walking and Cycling Trails: Discover the beauty of Fairlands Valley Park by exploring its numerous walking and cycling trails, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot wildlife along the way.

But that’s not all! Fairlands Valley Park has an awesome adventure playground where kids can climb, slide, and swing to their heart’s content. For those who enjoy running, this park offers some great running routes in Stevenage, with flat paths that wind around the lake and through the park’s lovely woodlands.

in addition, Fairlands Valley Park is also hosting Aqua Parc. A giant inflatable playground on the water! Great fun for all ages.

Top Tip: Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch by the lake, or check out the café if you fancy a tasty treat. It’s a brilliant place to take kids in Stevenage!

Hampson Park – Perfect for Family Fun

Hampson Park is another gem when it comes to parks in Stevenage. It’s super family-friendly, with a large, well-equipped playground that’s guaranteed to keep the kids busy for hours. There’s everything from swings to climbing frames, and even an outdoor gym.

Above: Stevenage Youth Mayor and Mayor Jim Brown attend “Sport in the park” event in 2024

If you’re into sports, there’s a football pitch and plenty of open space for a game of frisbee or rounders. The park also has some lovely grassy areas, ideal for a chilled-out picnic. For parents who need a quick break, there’s a café serving hot drinks, snacks, and ice creams.

Fun Fact: Hampson Park is home to a sensory garden, which is a beautiful spot with lots of different plants and flowers – great for a bit of relaxation or a little bit of learning about nature!

Town Centre Gardens – A Hidden Gem

Right in the heart of Stevenage, the Town Centre Gardens offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle. It’s not the biggest park, but it’s definitely one of the prettiest, with colourful flowerbeds, a lovely pond, and plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the view.

If you’re looking for things to do in Stevenage, this is a great spot for a bit of reading, sketching, or even feeding the ducks! And the best part? It’s just a short walk from the main shopping area, making it the perfect place to take a breather after some retail therapy.

Shephalbury Park – A Sports Lover’s Dream

If you’re a bit of a sports fan, Shephalbury Park is the place to be! This park is packed with facilities, including football pitches, tennis courts, and even a bowling green. It’s one of the top places to go in Stevenage if you want to break a sweat or challenge your mates to a game.

But don’t worry if you’re not into sports – there’s also a lovely woodland area with winding paths, perfect for a stroll. Plus, there’s a play area for kids and plenty of space for a family picnic.

This park is also the starting venue for the annual Phoenix 5 Race which is hosted by Stevenage Phoenix Running Club

Running Tip: Shephalbury Park is another fantastic spot if you’re looking for running routes in Stevenage. The park’s paths are great for both beginners and seasoned runners.

Ridlins Playing Fields and Athletic Track – A Space for Everyone

Ridlins Playing Fields is a massive open space that’s ideal for all sorts of outdoor activities. It’s often used for football and cricket matches, but there’s still loads of room for running, walking, or just enjoying the sunshine. You’ll often find families flying kites, people walking their dogs, and kids practising their bike-riding skills here.

Above: Stevenage Mayor presents long time achievement award to Norma Harris at the track.

The track is also used by all of the running clubs in Stevenage.

If you’re into fitness, there are outdoor gym stations where you can work out in the fresh air. And if you’re up for a bit of wildlife spotting, keep an eye out for the birds and butterflies that often visit the park.

King George V Playing Fields – Picnic Paradise

Looking for a great spot for a picnic? King George V Playing Fields has got you covered! This is one of the quieter parks in Stevenage, so it’s perfect if you’re after a bit of peace and quiet. There’s a big open field, a small play area for the little ones, and plenty of benches where you can relax.

Did You Know? The park is named after King George V, who was the King of the United Kingdom from 1910 to 1936!

St Nicholas Park – A Lovely Woodland Adventure

St Nicholas Park is a real treat if you enjoy exploring nature. This park has a mix of open fields, woodlands, and wildflower meadows, making it a lovely spot for a walk, especially in autumn when the leaves turn beautiful shades of red and gold.

There’s also a play area for kids and a small football pitch, making it one of the best places to take kids in Stevenage. If you’re a dog owner, this is a great park for a dog walk, and there’s even a nature trail that’s perfect for spotting birds, bugs, and other wildlife.

Ditchmore Lane – Small but Sweet

If you fancy a little green escape but don’t have much time, Ditchmore Lane Park is perfect. It’s one of the smaller parks in Stevenage, but it’s still a lovely place for a quick walk, a bit of exercise, or just some fresh air. There’s a small play area for young children and plenty of green space where you can kick a ball around or just enjoy the outdoors.

What to Bring to Stevenage’s Parks

• A Picnic Blanket – Most of Stevenage’s parks are perfect for a picnic, so don’t forget to bring some tasty snacks!
• Sports Gear – Footballs, frisbees, and tennis rackets are always a good shout. You never know when you might fancy a game.
• Comfortable Shoes – Many parks have lovely walking or running routes, so make sure you’re ready to explore.
• Binoculars – For all the nature lovers out there, binoculars are great for spotting birds and wildlife.

Why Visit Stevenage’s Parks and Green Spaces?

Stevenage’s parks are the ideal places to go if you’re looking for things to do in Stevenage. They offer plenty of fun for kids, fantastic running routes, and peaceful spots for relaxation. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a family looking for a day out, or just someone who loves a bit of fresh air, there’s always something to enjoy.

So, grab your trainers, pack a picnic, and head out to explore the beautiful parks in Stevenage. You’ll be amazed by how much there is to see and do in these wonderful green spaces!

Other Parks and Gardens

• Millennium Garden
• Bedwell Community Park
• Chells Park
• Burymead
• Letchmore Park
• Canterbury Way Park
• Peartree Recreation Ground

From the tranquil lakes of Fairlands Valley Park to the quaint gardens Hampson Park, Stevenage’s parks and gardens offer a diverse array of outdoor experiences for residents and visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or simply a breath of fresh air, these green spaces provide the perfect backdrop for connecting with nature and embracing the beauty of the outdoors in Stevenage.