Southern Country Park - Image 1

Southern Country Park

Bishop's Stortford, United Kingdom•4.5(378)•Country Park, Nature Reserve, Playground

Explore 23 hectares of diverse landscapes featuring play areas, fishing, dog agility courses, and outdoor activities like orienteering and geocaching.

Southern Country Park is one of East Hertfordshire's premier recreational destinations, spanning approximately 23 hectares of carefully managed natural spaces. Created as part of a Section 106 agreement and managed by East Herts Council since 2001, the park has been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award every year since 2008, recognizing its excellence in maintenance and visitor facilities. The park features distinct zones catering to different interests and age groups. Families with children can enjoy the exciting older children's play area equipped with diverse equipment including tyre swings, cable aerial runways, rotator units, and a senior multi-unit with slide. There are large grassed areas ideal for informal play and kite flying, plus an enclosed picnic area for family gatherings. For dog owners, a bespoke dog agility area offers specialized training opportunities adjacent to the car park off Thorley Lane East. Beyond traditional play facilities, Southern Country Park offers unique outdoor activities for adventurous families. The balancing pond provides opportunities for fishing and duck feeding, while new orienteering routes allow visitors to navigate the park's varied terrain. Geocaching enthusiasts can search for hidden containers using GPS technology, and experienced outdoor enthusiasts can try slacklining on designated anchors near the play area. The park's diverse wildlife habitats—including woodland, grazing areas, chalk banks, streams, and a natural pond—provide excellent opportunities for nature observation and learning. Suitable for all ages and abilities, from young children to older visitors, Southern Country Park combines recreational facilities with genuine countryside experiences, making it an ideal destination for family outings and outdoor pursuits.
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
Follow:

Google Reviews

4.5(378 reviews)
S
Spence Tye

Spence Tye

2 months ago

Excellent outdoor space in amongst the houses. Great to see how it has matured in the last 20 years

S
Stuart Pavitt

Stuart Pavitt

4 months ago

Great park of a good size with some interesting areas, very quiet and peaceful

M
Md Abdullah Al Adnan

Md Abdullah Al Adnan

4 months ago

Located on the edge of Bishop’s Stortford, Southern Country Park is a multi-award-winning 56-acre landscape that offers a perfect mix of open-water scenery and rolling grasslands. Once a site of active sand and gravel extraction, the park has been beautifully restored into a flourishing green lung for Hertfordshire. It is a place of gentle contrasts, where carefully managed wildflower meadows meet the rugged, reed-lined edges of a large central lake. The park is a favorite for those who enjoy the simple pleasures of the English countryside. The balancing pond serves as a picturesque focal point, attracting a wealth of waterfowl and providing a serene backdrop for the winding perimeter paths. The terrain is varied—ranging from flat, accessible walkways around the water to more challenging, sun-drenched slopes that offer glimpses of the surrounding Stort Valley. Whether you are following the orienteering trail, letting the dog run free in the vast meadows, or watching the local angling club by the water's edge, Southern Country Park provides a spacious and uplifting escape from the suburban bustle. Tips for your visit: • The Fishing Lake: The main lake is a popular spot for local anglers. If you're a fan of photography, the early morning mist over the water provides some of the best landscape shots in the area. • Dog Agility Trail: This park is exceptionally dog-friendly and features a dedicated agility area where your four-legged companions can test their skills on hurdles and ramps. • Picnic with a View: Head to the higher grassy banks on the western side of the park; they offer the best vantage points for a picnic while watching the bird life on the lake below. • Geocaching: The park is a known "hotspot" for geocachers. If you enjoy a digital treasure hunt, there are several clever caches hidden along the woodland fringes and paths. Southern Country Park is an unpretentious and beautifully maintained sanctuary that celebrates the successful harmony between industrial heritage and modern ecological restoration. 🌳🦆🐕

S
Simon Brown

Simon Brown

5 years ago

Beautiful place with lots of lovely walks. An excellent playground and also a dog agility course and pen. The lake has plenty of seating and is a very calming place.

A
Andrew Ley

Andrew Ley

6 years ago

Southern Country Park is a remarkably peaceful and beautiful place to take a stroll have a picnic or go fishing. When I am at the Country Park I forget I’m in a town with a busy A road bypassing the Park because it is so peaceful. Family and friends friendly.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Southern Country Park

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 Southern Country Park

Is Southern Country Park free to visit?

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

What ages is Southern Country Park suitable for?

Southern Country Park is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Southern Country Park dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Southern Country Park.

Is there parking at Southern Country Park?

Yes — Southern Country Park has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at Southern Country Park?

Southern Country Park doesn't have food on site — bring snacks or grab something nearby.

Is Southern Country Park pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Southern Country Park 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 Southern Country Park?

Southern Country Park is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Southern Country Park by public transport?

Southern Country Park isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
Kiddy Compass