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Howard Park and Gardens

Letchworth Garden City, United Kingdom•4.5(1k)•City Park, Playground

Enjoy free outdoor fun with play areas, paddling pools, splash fountains and green spaces in Letchworth's historic 100-year-old garden city park.

Howard Park and Gardens is a historic public park located in the heart of Letchworth, created over a century ago as a central feature of the world's first garden city. The venue is thoughtfully divided into two distinct areas by Hillshott Road, each offering unique experiences for families and visitors. The more informal Howard Park section features dedicated play areas suitable for children of various ages, a free paddling pool and splash fountains operational during summer months, and expansive green spaces perfect for picnics, relaxation and family activities. A refreshment kiosk provides convenient amenities, while public toilets are available daily year-round. The adjacent Howard Gardens offers beautifully maintained formal gardens with seasonal wildflowers, a bowls pavilion and green, and peaceful seating areas. The park is particularly family-friendly, with heritage hunt trail leaflets specially designed for children aged 5-7 years and 7-11 years, making it an educational and entertaining destination. Disabled access is provided throughout, and the venue is conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Letchworth town centre with nearby railway station and bus stops, plus accessible parking at nearby car parks.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday: 00:00 – 23:59
Thursday: 00:00 – 23:59
Friday: 00:00 – 23:59
Saturday: 00:00 – 23:59
Sunday: 00:00 – 23:59

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Refreshment kiosk

Kiosk offering light refreshments

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Google Reviews

4.5(1k reviews)
L
Luke Fennell

Luke Fennell

a month ago

Lovely little park and splash park for younger kids. Gets busy on hot days but lots of great memories here with our son. There is a refreshment stand but I'm not sure when it opens and closes. Toilets are clean and plentiful. Parking is cheap.

K
Kolawole Oshin

Kolawole Oshin

3 months ago

Lovely place to bring young kids. There are water fountains that make for good fun.

M
Mimi Sharon

Mimi Sharon

3 years ago

Right in the center of the town, there is the perfect park for spending time on a sunny day. It is especially nice to come here with children and babies. Dozens of mothers with baby strollers in the place will testify to this. On the day we were there, there were several classes of school children. When we arrived they sat and listened to the teachers. Towards noon, they took off their uniforms and entered the shallow pool in bathing suits. At the entrance to the garden, you can see some old photos of the place are displayed, as well as of the children in bathing suits from the 40's and 50's having fun in the pool. The garden is dedicated to one of the founding fathers of the town. You can read about it at the entrance to the garden. When I was in the park I felt how the green color enveloped me from all sides. The trees are huge and shade part of the park. There is a playground for children. With a climbing device made of ropes. Swings of different types and more. My grandchildren had a great time. By the pool there is a kiosk in a beautiful architectural structure. Back in the 40's, they spent time thinking about the small details, that the structure would look beautiful and not just be functional. The place also has toilets.

A
Andrew Cartwright

Andrew Cartwright

5 years ago

We got to the park fairly late afternoon on our first visit, so it wasn't quite looking its best. Also, the whole splash pool is not open yet so a lot of people were bundled down the play area end. All emptied out S it got later...! Small car park located nearby, and not far at all from town centre.

R
Rebecca Dunkley

Rebecca Dunkley

8 years ago

We are regulars here as it is our local park, it has everything you need for a park, play areas that are regularly maintained, a kiosk for drinks, toilets and at the height of summer a paddling pool. There are shaded areas but you can also bring your own.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Howard Park and Gardens

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Howard Park and Gardens

Is Howard Park and Gardens free to visit?

Entry to Howard Park and Gardens is completely free — there are no admission charges, making it a great no-cost option for a family day out.

What ages is Howard Park and Gardens suitable for?

Howard Park and Gardens is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Howard Park and Gardens dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Howard Park and Gardens.

Is there parking at Howard Park and Gardens?

Howard Park and Gardens doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Howard Park and Gardens?

Yes — Refreshment kiosk is on site at Howard Park and Gardens. Kiosk offering light refreshments

Is Howard Park and Gardens pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Howard Park and Gardens is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Howard Park and Gardens?

Howard Park and Gardens is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Howard Park and Gardens by public transport?

Howard Park and Gardens is well-served by public transport.
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