Getting here
51.85824, 0.23059
Best for
6 activitiesDog walks
Free78%Dogs allowed with public access
Wildlife
Free75%Ancient woodland
Family friendly
Free68%Urban park — family destination
Heritage
Free68%Ancient woodland — historic landscape
Hiking
Free65%Named hiking route nearby: Harcamlow Way
Picnic day out
Free62%Urban park — open green space
Trails nearby
Within roughly 5 km🚶
Walking
59
13 named nearby · 46 public paths
Named routePublic access
🚴
Cycling
35
35 named nearby
Named route
🐴
Horse riding
15
15 public paths
Public access
Named routes and paths nearby
Hatfield Forest Walk, Hatfield Forest · Walking2.7 km
Hertfordshire Way · Walking267 km
Forest Way · Walking0
Capability Brown Walk, Hatfield Forest · Walking3 km
N/A · Cycling
N/A · Cycling
The Flitch Way · bridleway
The Flitch Way · bridleway
Leaper's Lane · restricted byway
About this urban park
Hatfield Forest is an ancient urban park covering 558 hectares. As an ancient woodland, it has been continuously wooded since at least 1600 AD — a rare and irreplaceable habitat rich in biodiversity and historical character.
Wildlife to spot
Photos
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🌱 Visiting this spring
- 🌸Ancient woodlands are famous for bluebell carpets in April and May — one of Britain's most spectacular wildflower displays
- 🐦Prime nesting season — listen for woodpecker drumming, warbler song and the first cuckoos from April
- 🦌Roe deer are active before the leaf canopy closes in — dawn and dusk are best
Facilities
🅿️
Parking
Elgins Car Park · Paid · 389m
✓ Public accessFree entry🐶 Dogs
Good to know
- £Free to visit — no entry charge
- 🐕Dogs welcome
- 🌿Ancient woodland — rare wildlife habitat
- 🌳Large woodland — room to roam
Weather for this location
Next 14 daysLoading local forecast…
Nearby places
Useful places within 5 km