Stanborough Park image

Stanborough Park

Tourist attraction Park Children amusement center Water park Swimming lake Boat club Padel club Sailing club Canoe and kayak club Canoeing area

One of the Most Revieweds in Welwyn Hatfield


Address

Stanborough Rd, Welwyn Garden City AL8 6DF, United Kingdom

Website

www.better.org.uk

Contact

+44 1707 629605

Rating on Google Maps

4.40 (4K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Sunday: 8 AM to 6 PM
  • Monday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Tuesday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Wednesday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Thursday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Friday: 6 AM to 10 PM
  • Saturday: 8 AM to 6 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: park (33) lake (22) parking (20) water (19) kids (16) walk (16) great (13) nice (13) area (13) time (11)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lisa P. 1 year ago on Google
    Had a great few hours here with the family, managed to get 45min time slot in the Splash park even though we didn't book, just lucky I guess as it was a Saturday and very hot. The little ones loved paddling in the stream. Good facilities on site, we took our own picnic. The one little moan is the car park is a little expensive, £6 for 3 hrs, the time goes really Quick !!.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nicole M. 9 months ago on Google • 116 reviews
    What a lovely park. Visited midweek whilst the kids were at school, so there was plenty of available parking. The toilets were really clean. Walked around the boating lake, which was both peaceful and relaxing. Stopped off at the cafe for a bite to eat and a coffee. It was reasonably priced and quite tasty. There are lots for the kids to do. Home schoolers were paddle boarding during our visit, which looked great fun. Passed a water park as well. A few toddlers braved the nippy weather today. Overall, this is a beautifully kept park with many activities and one that I will certainly be visiting again.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Desmond B. 1 year ago on Google
    First time here and we will deffinatley be coming back. A lovely walk around both lakes with a coffee from the cafe. There is plenty for the kids and adults to do or see. I would have given five stars but six pounds for three hours parking is a bit steep by any standards considering how popular this place is. That said I would recommend.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michał P. 9 months ago on Google • 337 reviews
    A nice place for a walk around the lakes. Cafe was closed and so was the restaurant, 5pm in the season? The standing water could have been cleaner, but the streams seemed clean.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Yigal “Iggy” R. 7 months ago on Google • 312 reviews
    Parking is not free, even as a full member of Better gyms so that was rather annoying to pay £6 just for parking. We walked around the lakes, were put off the boating because that was expensive, the high ropes thing was also extortionately expensive. And then to top it all off we walked into the half empty Italian restaurant only to be told we would have to wait half an hour for a table to become free??? It was literally half empty!! We left, drove into town, and had a great meal in a Turkish restaurant instead.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Leigh S. 1 year ago on Google
    We visited Stanborough Park with friends and was really impressed. The splash park was a big hit and is a fantastic size. The lake and brooks were lovely and great to paddle in. Though we didn't go to it, there was an incredible looking high ropes course which we'll definitely return for. The grounds were tidy with very little rubbish about. There was ample parking (even though a little pricey but where isn't these days) and a small tuck shop to get snacks and refreshments from. Absolutely somewhere we shall return to.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Danielle S. 1 year ago on Google
    Stanborough Park is GREAT. We used it as a meet in the middle for long distance friends today. The park was fun, the splash pad was played in most of the day, the area was litter free. The other stuff looked good too, top ropes and pedalos. The coffee hub was nice, there were changing rooms too and it's very easy to pay when you download the app. We will definitely be coming back
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sarah f. 1 year ago on Google
    Great price, we arrived late and were still able to go on the water. Staff helpful and friendly. I was able to watch the older kids and keep younger ones occupied paddeling in the stream and looking at the ducklings. Lovely way to spend an afternoon. Coffee shop was great as it had a kiosk front so I could order without leaving the dog.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nabz 1 year ago on Google
    Visited a few times and it gets better each time. Parking on site and lot of grass area for picnics. Parking is £10 for 24hour via y-pay app. Loads of spaces. It has a water area for kids and changing room / toilet which very clean and tidy. The okay area great also. Ice-cream and hot drinks available. They have peddle boats available so great for the kids and you get nice pictures. Overall a great day and if you haven’t been, make sure you go.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Mohammed I. 11 months ago on Google
    Very nice place, Only managed to explore part of the park. You can buy duck feed for £1.40 and you do get a decent amount, if you throw the feed off the bridge at the car park, the fishes rush to get them. But be careful of the geese they have no issues eating out of your hand or following you. Had one swan go after my leg and hiss at me as i did not give it enough. Best time to go in the morning before anyone has any chance to feed any of the wildlife. Pedal boats are nice but can be tiring, make sure you have the energy and some good legs. There is also a nice player area for the younger kids, my nephew did not want to leave the play area.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aaron O. 9 months ago on Google
    Great day out. Managed to take a pedalo out for the little man's first boat adventure! I felt that there needs to be more bins to help visitors stop littering, but all in all had a lovely day
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 tilly m. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park especially for a family with children. Lots to do and explore and an amazing play area for children with water play too. Lots of parking and lovely place for a picnic. The views are beautiful and overall a fantastic day out.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Prajna S. 2 years ago on Google
    This park being right behind Eddington Crescent, its a walking distance from home. Absolutely beautiful place to just relax, sit, and enjoy nature. The lake is clean and beautiful, and has swans and ducks. There is a TESCO extra nearby. Lot of water activities near the lake.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lianne C. 7 months ago on Google • 101 reviews
    Lovely park. Lots of parking spaces on a nice warm day. Lovely water park/play area for children. Snack stand with drinks and ice cream and 5 or 6 picnic tables. Nice bridge to walk over the river to the lake where there are pedalos and a lovely big walk around the lake. In an hour we had got less than half way taking a leisurely stroll and sitting on the park benches watching the wildlife. Great time here for all ages and the dogs loved the walk. Would definitely go here again and pay for longer on the parking ticket to walk the whole lake
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rishab J. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely park, great for kids with water splash & zip lining activities. Pedal boating is there too but staggered water in the lake is too dirty to do boating. £10 parking for a day
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tojomul A. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful park, has something for everyone. Walk into the stream, sit and chill in the stream on a hot day in your picnic chair! Walk upto the the Hill top, watch the sunset. Has toilets etc, parking wasn't cheap and App didn't work but you can pay by card.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Colita D. 2 years ago on Google
    I grew up spending hours In the river at stanborough. Visiting after a long time, I couldn't resist a visit. Taking a walk down memory lane, things have changed. The lake was very clear, no fish to be seen though, lots of activities and a pleasant place to relax, picnic and play. They have water sports, high ropes and more. Still a lovely place to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Y C. 4 months ago on Google
    We love visiting the place, but it can be very busy, specifically in jully, and get too packed . It's very stressful 😫 parking and getting out from the parking area. It's sad seeing people arguing over parking spots. Otherwise, there is a fun place for children and adults to visit.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Willmary O. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful and relaxing place for all the family. And great play time at the splash land for the kids. 💖 We also enjoyed the little boats.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mobile C. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing fun for kids. Also a good walk around the park. It's possible to walk from the canoe lake to the water sports area. Paid secure parking. Tendency to get crowded quite quickly but a brilliant atmosphere with a mix of different cultures. Highly recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Paul B. 2 years ago on Google
    This place is a GEM. Great for kids - superb play facilities and waterpark. Great if you like walking. Suitable for all people. Flat paths and wheelchair/ pram friendly. Lovely cafe. Also great for wildlife! Don't miss it!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 wendy t. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place. Clean shallow part of the River Lea to paddle in. Lots of parking but set up YPAY APP before going. Fantastic splash zone- book time slot in advance. But really so mu h natural beauty- too much to explain. Just go
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gemma 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for fishing and wildlife, lots of green space for children. Highly recommend
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Slawomir S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great park to come for a run or do other sport activities. Or just to sunbathe.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kris P. 2 years ago on Google
    Shocking service by Better UK!! No one answers the phone, app doesn't work. Emails left for a week unreturned... Can't log in or book anything. V frustrating as lots of friends are experiencing same issues
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ros D. 2 months ago on Google • 119 reviews New
    Very lovely wildlife , beautiful water , a real breathe easy green space.

  • 4/5 Joseph S. 2 months ago on Google • 115 reviews New
    Stanborough Park is a delightful escape nestled in the heart of nature, offering a tranquil and picturesque setting that is ideal for a day out. The park's two lakes provide a scenic backdrop and are perfect for leisurely walks or more energetic activities like rowing and fishing. The well-maintained paths and green spaces are a joy for walkers and joggers alike, and there's plenty of room for children to play and explore. One of the highlights of Stanborough Park is its accessibility and family-friendly atmosphere. The park offers ample parking, and the facilities, including clean restrooms and picnic areas, are well-kept. For families, the playground is a hit with the kids, and there's enough space for everyone to enjoy without feeling overcrowded. While the park is generally well-maintained, some areas could benefit from a little extra attention, particularly during the busier months. Additionally, while the café provides a nice spot to relax and refuel, the selection and quality of food and drinks could be improved. Overall, Stanborough Park earns a solid four stars for its beautiful setting, range of activities, and commitment to providing a welcoming environment for visitors of all ages. It's a great spot for those looking to spend a day in the outdoors without straying too far from the conveniences of the city.

  • 5/5 Chan S. 2 months ago on Google • 69 reviews New
    Very nice and peaceful park 🏞️

  • 4/5 Rhiannon B. 2 months ago on Google • 8 reviews New
    A lovely place for a Saturday walk, we visited on a rather quiet day and the water was high. Some of the paths were a little flooded and the pathway under the bridge was underwater. It’s clean and well kept, lots of spots for fishing, the dogs enjoyed the walk around both lakes and plenty of benches should you want a seat. Haven’t visited the cafe or the kids park. Parking fees are high but luckily it’s within walking distance. It would put me off if I was using the car parks.

  • 5/5 Альбина �. 2 years ago on Google
    Love it! Really good one for family day out with picnics, feeding ducks and swans, walking and of course splash park for little ones. The lake needs some maintenance though, water looks very dirty. Otherwise very enjoyable spot.

  • 4/5 Piotr N. 2 years ago on Google
    Awesome place. When there for fishing session and I'm really happy. Quite busy and and lot of kids on paddle boards but not all the time (for luck).

  • 5/5 Denise R. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely park with many facilities for families. Walk around the lake was passable today in dry weather for a wheelchair. Lots of wildlife to see.

  • 4/5 Rebecca G. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to walk facilities available car park easy to use

  • 5/5 Esther O. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing park/lake and rowing boat. Wide play area, cafe, changing room and lovely places to sit with family for picnic. Pay car park also available.

  • 5/5 Juan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Nice park with two lakes. Perfect for summer time. It has a pier for motor boats and the other lake has access to renting small boats. It also allow fishing. The parking is £1.50 per 1 hour.

  • 5/5 Maxwell B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice walk around the lake, excellent for kids. There's a water park bit and an adventure playground. Cafe on site, even an Italian restaurant.

  • 5/5 Louise 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful lake for watersports. Lots of geese and ducks. Benches to sit and watch. Carpark. Pizza place but not open when we were there on a Monday evening

  • 3/5 Lisa S. 2 years ago on Google
    A small park with a short walk around a lake, nice but very loud traffic noise so not so relaxing. Plenty of parking but you have to pay.

  • 5/5 Backpack J. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice walk lots of wildlife ok cafe and good play area for the kids.lots nice places for picnic.😎✌💚

  • 5/5 Bacon B. 1 year ago on Google
    I LOVE GOOSE

  • 5/5 Ecaterina S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very pleasant, nice view, clean, its a very good option for running or walks. You can even go fishing here. Its lovely

  • 5/5 James M. 1 year ago on Google
    The south lake at Stanborough Park is a great place for open water swimming. If you register and pay for a 50 minute session on the Better app (currently £7), you can submit your car’s registration plate at the water sports reception to get free parking in the car park. There are small lockers in reception for valuables which are free, free tea and coffee for those who have paid for a session, and the men’s changing rooms were clean with hot showers. Just before entry to the lake there was a member of staff there to provide information and guidance. The lake itself feels and tasted clean during my visit in September 2022. There was was a 400m buoy marked course with all swimmers asked to swim counter clockwise and a couple of staff members in kayaks for safety and course guidance whilst swimming. They do ask that you wear either a wet suit or tow float, as well as a brightly coloured swimming cap. The staff and other swimmers were all very friendly. If you’re wondering whether to give the open water swimming a try, don’t hesitate! I’ll definitely go back before the season comes to an end.

  • 5/5 Christine S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, water glistening in the sunshine. Sailing boats gliding across the lakes, wildlife joyous to watch. And 10;000 steps 😄completed

  • 5/5 Maharukh D. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful lakes ( north and south) and a river with walking fishing and sailing. Plenty of ducks, swans, mallards, cootes and other bird life. Coffee shop and toilets available. Plenty of parking ( expensive). Nice picnic areas as well as children play area. No fires, barbecue or swimming allowed. Lovely place to bring the family or dogs.

  • 4/5 Joel N. 1 year ago on Google
    Huge park with walking and fishing facilities. Splash park for the children. Boating and canoeing available too. Loads of space for picnics but you cannot barbecue. Lots of space for dog walkers. Only downside is the cost for parking.

  • 5/5 Nigel P. 2 years ago on Google
    Best place for a quiet walk and probably the best lake in stanborough

  • 5/5 Nish 2 years ago on Google
    Pretty good facilities, the lake was really nice and the staff were friendly. Everything was clean and organized

  • 5/5 F D. 2 years ago on Google
    We live in Potters Bar. But our best place in WGC all around the London. It was amazing day for photos.


Call +44 1707 629605 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible restroom
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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