Cassiobury Park

Many of my young days were spent in this delightful park, with its lake and barges as well as fun fairs and circuses over the years. Still a pleasant place to unwind, walk the dog, take a picnic or just enjoy the sunshine.

Large and well-​maintained park near the centre of Watford and opposite the tube station.
Has two playgrounds, paddling pools, miniature railway as well as lots of sports facilities (tennis courts, cricket square, bowls green, croquet lawn, football pitches, basket ball courts).
The Grand Union Canal runs by the edge of the park and there is a lock where you can watch the boats.
Parts of the park north of the River Gade are designated as a local nature reserve including former watercress beds.
Parking can be a problem in the summer, especially at the weekends.
Throughout the year a number of events are held in the park, including numerous races (10K, half marathon, race for life), a funfair and a circus.

Excellent park! Opposite Watford Metropolitan line tube station, so very accessible. Beautiful for walking around, has a few children’s play areas. IN the summer there is also a miniature steam railway with rides for less than a pound. In the same area there is also a paddling pool area which is very popular and also free. Toilets are available too but they seem to be closed in the Winter as I found out the other day.
We also went to a fireworks display there for Bonfire night which was free and well organised with rides and attractions, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.

Great park wirth canals, paddle pools, 2 play area for kids, cycle lanes, tennis courts (hards and grass), woods, train ride for kids and grass!

Cassiobury is a fantastic park offering a variety of ‘scenes’. It has ample playing fields, tennis courts and room to run around. It is also home to Cha Cha Cha Café which offers good food at reasonable prices and includes indoor and outdoor seating. The Grand Union Canal passes through the park making it possible to follow the towpath from the park to neighbouring villages. A massive children’s water area with fountains and child paddling exists and is chargable in the summer. The park is occasionally used for events such as fireworks and it is just a five minute walk from the town centre. It is popular with skaters and joggers due to long paved paths. Parking is extremely limited with severe restrictions on some neighbouring roads due to its proximity to Watford Met Line Tube.

Cassiobury Park is a really beautiful place and has something for everyone. There is a lot of open space with shady trees. In the summer the paddling pools are open and the children can paddle in the pools or splash in the fountains. This area is well staffed an supervised by qualified people. The café in this area offers a selection of hot and cold food and drinks at reasonable prices. At the far side of the park is a shallow river/​stream that is teaming with fish. This is simply perfect for children’s first fishing experience. There is a miniature train and a traditional play ground with swings and slides. It’s a great place to take a picnic. I feel safe going on my own with my young children. The parking and pools are free with a small charge for the train.

Watford needs and deserves a nice park and Cassiobury hits the spot. As well as the plethora of football pitches (none seem that big mind), tennis courts, netball courts and cafes there is a really cute miniature railway that the kids will love.
The path around the park will take you through some nicer parts and out to the Grand Union Canal where you can watch various people struggle with the locks. If you a right at the toe path you can also wander the 1 km or so down to The Grove Hotel which is worth checking out.
Every year the park is also host to Watford’s Firework display which is free and of a generally high standard.

its really nice and big and well taken care off but quite scary to walk through at night

oh i love it!
their activity days are really good

I love this park, went there as a child, as a teenager, and now as an adult with neices and nephews. It has paddling pool (not fantastic but the kids love it) open spaces, woods, canal, river, playground and the best part a mini train that takes you around the park. FANTASTIC

This is a fabulous park which offers something for just about everyone. In the Springtime the colour and scents from the flowers are gorgeous. For those with young families, the small playground at the top end of the park has recently had a makeover with some age and ability appropriate equipment. Café Cha Cha Cha serves the best bacon sandwiches this side of Somerset and offers comfy sofas and good coffee also (just watch out during the week as lunchtime in bad weather sees the café heaving with squawling bubs and a distinct lack of high chairs). Walking down through the park either along one of the set paths or across the grass, there is a myriad of things to occupy you (the usual birds, small furry creatures etc). The lower play area, paddling pools and minature train have seen better days but are still functional and good fun. There’s the river (with expected fowl) and canal with working lock. I love this park — there’s always something new to do or look at! And, as the previous reviewer notes, being so close to both Watford Town Centre and also the Met line means it’s within easy reach of just about anywhere (The Essex and The Horns both decent pubs!)

A very attractive, interesting and peaceful place to go — especially as it is near a bustling town centre