Fairlands Valley Park
A sprawling green oasis with lakes, adventure playgrounds, water activities, and community art, perfect for active days out.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Fairlands Valley Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling green oasis with lakes, adventure playgrounds, water activities, and community art, perfect for active days out.
"Great space for both children and adults! It has everything here including play area, fishing, splash park, picnic benches..."
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a cafe, bringing your own food saves money and offers more choice . Plenty of grassy spots for a lovely picnic .
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling! The park is vast, so good footwear is a must.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lakes & Water Activities
Main lake area
Boating, sailing, and a popular splash park make this the heart of the park's aquatic fun.
Cobra Mosaic
Near the lake
A moving and beautiful community art installation commemorating local efforts.
Adventure Playground
Near the main cafe
A large, well-maintained play area perfect for children to burn off energy.
Shackledell Grassland
Eastern side of the park
Home to the rare Great Green Bush Cricket, a unique spot for nature lovers.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
or community walks that might impact access or crowd levels.Activities Galore
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a cafe, bringing your own food saves money and offers more choice. Plenty of grassy spots for a lovely picnic.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling! The park is vast, so good footwear is a must.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead in certain areas and be mindful of wildlife.
🚗 Parking Availability
Free parking is available, but can fill up quickly on busy days. Consider arriving early.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧺 Pack a Picnic
While there's a cafe, bringing your own food saves money and offers more choice. Plenty of grassy spots for a lovely picnic.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling! The park is vast, so good footwear is a must.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a lead in certain areas and be mindful of wildlife.
🚗 Parking Availability
Free parking is available, but can fill up quickly on busy days. Consider arriving early.
📱 Check for Events
The park hosts various events, from races
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Fairlands Valley Park is widely praised as a beautiful and serene spot offering a vast array of activities for all ages, from water sports and playgrounds to peaceful walks and wildlife spotting. Visitors appreciate the free entry and ample green space. However, some reviews highlight concerns regarding the cleanliness of the cafe's toilets, which detracts from an otherwise pleasant experience.
"Great space for both children and adults!
It has everything here including
Play area, fishing, splash park, picnic benches, wall climbing, sailing, lakes, ponds, walks and a fully stocked cafe serving hot and cold food as well as ice cream and coffees. Toilets available too as well as plenty of grassland for the kids to run around. Definitely a place to visit!"
sl
"Very big nice park with lakes and aqua park/ water activities.
Can do very long walks here with or without a dog. Many people cycle here too.
There is fishing in the big water activities lake of that takes your fancy.
Plenty of geese around.
There's a cafe and toilets at the car park by the big lake
Also a big play ground / water park for the kids as well as a smaller play area right alongside the big lake.
Really lovely to come for a walk or sit down. Nice view over the hill too."
Charlotte White
"The activity was great for the kids, the staff were very friendly and the system they have works well.
There is hot food and coffee available at the cafe however the only bad point i have to make is about the toilets inside the cafe, there is a hygien issue, it looks and smells as if they havent been cleaned properly in months.
The smell is unbearable and the walls are filthy, for that reason i refused to buy the family food there."
DEREALIZED_SOUL
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Fairlands Valley Park is accessible by car, with free parking available.
Yes, there is free parking available at Fairlands Valley Park. However, it can get busy, especially on weekends and during school holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! The park is very popular with cyclists, with dedicated cycle paths and routes. It's a great way to explore the park and surrounding areas.
Yes, Stevenage train station is a short walk away, making it accessible for those traveling by train. Local bus services also connect to the park.
The park has several entrances, with the main access points often being near the large lake and the cafe, which also houses the primary car park.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Fairlands Valley Park is free to enter and explore. Some specific activities, like sailing lessons or the splash park during peak times, may have associated costs.
The park is generally open from dawn till dusk. Specific facilities like the cafe or activity centers may have their own operating hours, which can vary seasonally.
While entry to the park is free, the splash park might operate on a timed session basis during peak season. It's advisable to check the local council website or social media for any booking requirements.
The adventure playgrounds at Fairlands Valley Park are free to use for all visitors.
Yes, dogs are welcome in Fairlands Valley Park. However, they should be kept on a lead in most areas, especially around the lakes and play areas, to ensure the safety of other visitors and wildlife.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Fairlands Valley Park offers a wide range of activities including sailing, kayaking, a splash park, adventure playgrounds, fishing, wall climbing, and extensive walking and cycling trails.
Yes, there is a cafe located by the main lake that serves hot and cold food, coffee, and ice cream. However, some reviews mention hygiene issues with the cafe toilets.
Toilets are available, primarily located near the main car park and cafe area. Some visitors have noted concerns about their cleanliness.
Yes, fishing is permitted in the large lake. You will likely need a rod license and potentially a permit from the relevant authority.
The Cobra Mosaic is a community art installation located in the park, created in collaboration with local services and residents, commemorating a significant local initiative.
📸 📸 Photography
The lakes offer beautiful reflections, especially during sunrise or sunset. The Cobra Mosaic provides a unique artistic subject,
Yes, especially Shackledell Grassland, known for the Great Green Bush Cricket.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's best to check with Stevenage Borough Council or local aviation authorities before flying a drone in the park to ensure compliance.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permission from the park authorities. Always be respectful of other visitors' privacy.
Golden hours (early morning and late afternoon) offer the best natural light for landscape and wildlife photography. Overcast days can also be good for capturing details without harsh shadows.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
and the picnic areas are perfect for refueling. Consider packing a picnic to make the most of the day without frequent cafe visits.🏃♀️ Fitness Enthusiasts
indicating its suitability for serious runners. You can also find opportunities for water sports like sailing and kayaking for a different kind of workout. The open spaces are perfect for outdoor training sessions.🐶 Dog Owners
The vast open spaces and numerous trails provide ample room for dogs to explore and burn off energy. Remember to bring water for your pet and be mindful of other park users.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports and Aquatic Fun
Beyond organized activities, the lakes themselves are a scenic draw. You can often spot geese and other waterfowl,
making it a pleasant spot for a leisurely walk or simply to sit and enjoy the view. Fishing is also an option in the main lake, providing a tranquil pastime for anglers.Community and Events
The park also hosts events like the Stevenage Half Marathon, attracting runners and spectators alike. You might also encounter organized 'Break the Stigma' walks focused on mental health awareness, showcasing the park's role in fostering well-being and connection.These events highlight the park's versatility, transforming it from a quiet retreat into a vibrant gathering place. Attending an event can offer a unique perspective on the local community and provide opportunities to connect with others. Keep an eye on local Stevenage council or community group social media for announcements about upcoming events that might coincide with your visit.
Nature and Wildlife
This makes it a fascinating spot for nature enthusiasts and amateur entomologists.The park's lakes and surrounding vegetation support a variety of birdlife and other small creatures. Observing the geese and other waterfowl is a common and enjoyable pastime for visitors.
The open skies and varied habitats within the park contribute to its ecological value, offering a chance to connect with nature even within an urban setting. It's a reminder that even well-trodden paths can hold surprising natural wonders.
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