Three Rivers Guide

Sport and leisure Shopping Eating out Parks and open spaces Contents Page Background 3 Calendar of the year 4-5 Abbots Langley 6-7 Bedmond and Leavesden, Warner Brothers Studios 8-9 and the Harry Potter visitor centre 10 11 , Heronsgate, 12 and Mill End and Eastbury 13 and Loudwater 14 Spotlight on Watersmeet 15 Spotlight on golf 16-17 South , Carpenders Park 18-19 and Oxhey Hall Sarratt and Chandlers Cross 20 Something for everyone 21 Leisure activities in Three Rivers 22-23 Business and prosperity 24-25

Published spring 2016. Council. Editor: Tim Ashby Graphic Design: Diane Bugeja [email protected] 01923 776611 Advertisments in this guide are not endorsed by the Council. We would welcome your comments on this guide.

2 Background Communications in the area Travel information are very good with road and rail By rail - despite its beautiful links to London and elsewhere, rural setting, Three Rivers has The district has much to offer with including the M1, M25, the visitor attractions, shopping, eating excellent train and London West Coast Main Line and the Underground links. Moor Park, and drinking, sport and leisure, culture Metropolitan Tube Line into Rickmansworth, Chorleywood and history and places to stay, making central London. In addition, and Croxley have their own Three Rivers an ideal place to live and the planned Croxley Link will Metropolitican Underground work. It offers beautiful countryside, provide direct links to central stations. Rickmansworth, excellent leisure facilities and a wealth and Watford Junction Carpenders Park and Kings of culture and history. station, which is connected to Langley have mainline stations the West Coast Main Line. to London. Three Rivers is also one of the safest districts in , with the Three Rivers’ Green Belt is By road - the M25 runs county itself one of the safest in the UK. nearly 9,000 hectares. The through Three Rivers at Council manages 260 Junctions 17, to 20. The district hectares of public woodland is a stone’s throw from the and there are 21 conservation A1(M), M1, M40, M4 and M3. areas in the district.This demonstrates the amount By local transport (bus of open space and places and taxi) – Arriva Buses run of historical interest in Three services around Hertfordshire Rivers. and elsewhere in the UK. Mullaney’s buses run bus This guide highlights some of services in and around South the best features of the area, West Hertfordshire. Licensed whether you are a resident taxi firms are listed in the phone finding hidden secrets and book. Text ‘HOME’ to 60835 learning more about where you to receive your two nearest live or a tourist visiting, it helps minicab numbers or visit you to understand the location www.tfl.gov.uk and setting of the area and what you can do in the district. Airports - when you are strolling through the woods and country lanes it is easy to forget that you are only 30+ minutes from the nearest airports, Heathrow and Luton, by car. Gatwick is one hour by car. 3 Calendar May July of the year Ricky Week & Chorleywood Village Day Rickmansworth Canal Includes stalls, rides, activities Three Rivers has a vibrant community Festival and the popular Dog Show. and in the district there are many events The Rickmansworth stretch of Chorleywood Common that showcase the lively and active the hosts www.chorleywood-pc.gov.uk atmosphere. To help keep you up-to- the incredibly popular annual canal event. The Rickmansworth Folk date with community events that occur Frogmoor Lane, Aquadrome, Festival annually, you can read the list of events. WD3 1NB, In the town centre with its Whilst we have given rough dates, we www.rickmansworthsociety.org colourful programme of folk are unable to confirm actual dates for www.rwt.org.uk related entertainment. forthcoming years and recommend that St Mary’s Church Centre, you contact the event organisers before June Church Street, WD3 1JB attending any of the events. Abbots Langley Carnival http://rickmansworthtown.co.uk The parade travels through the Visit the Council website streets and includes plenty of The Woodoaks www.threerivers.gov.uk for a full list of attractions. Association Community events, which includes local church and From School Mead (WD5 0LA) Summer Festival school events. Sign up for our monthly to Abbots Langley High Street Events include local stalls, live ‘What’s On’ e-newsletter for information (WD5 0QP) music, food and drink, games about these and many more events and www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk and sport activities. Woodoaks Farm, Maple Cross, activities. Croxley Revels WD3 9XQ on the Green www.thewoodoaksassociation.com Wide selection of stalls and an arena staging all manner of activities. The Green, Green Lane, WD3 3HN www.croxleyrevels.co.uk For more events visit www.threerivers.gov.uk Sign up for What’s On our monthly e-newsletter

4 August The Sarratt Festival Christmas events Herts Big Weekend Annual Skate Jam of Music Christmas Evening Visit Herts is the The Skate Park hosts The event features Traditional yule tide destination an annual skate and classical and favourites. Held on the management service BMX Jam. contemporary music. last Friday of November. for Hertfordshire, Croxley Green Skate Sarratt Village Hall, The Rickmansworth. promoting the county’s Park, Baldwins Lane, Green, WD3 6AS http://rickmansworthtown.co.uk fantastic range of WD3 3LE www.sarrattfestivalofmusic.co.uk Chorleywood attractions and www.threerivers.gov.uk supporting the local November Christmas Festival Parts of Lower Road, tourism industry. They September Chorleywood Main Parade and also encourage local Croxfest Literary Festival New Parade. residents to support The event includes local The week long event and champion their music and talent. includes workshops Abbots Langley home county through The Green, Green and readings from Carol Concert & the annual Herts Big Lane, Croxley Green, famous and popular Christmas Lights Weekend. The fun- WD3 3HN authors. Organised by Abbots filled event provides www.croxfest.co.uk Chorleywood Langley Parish Council thousands of FREE Bookshop, with support from Carters Steam Fair tickets for attractions 4 New Parade, WD3 5NJ Abbots Langley Biz. and Classics on the and days out to www.cwlitfest.org High Street, Abbots Green Hertfordshire residents Langley. The much-loved steam Fun Day over the course of a powered fun-fair and Two fun days a year, in www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk weekend, and creates classic car show. the summer and at a huge buzz about The Green, Green Christmas, includes all that Hertfordshire Lane, Croxley Green, stalls and a number has to offer. For more WD3 3HN of games and rides. information, please visit www.carterssteamfair.co.uk St Andrews Road, www.hertsbigweekend.co.uk www.watfordclassics.co.uk Watford, WD19 7UD www.watfordrural-pc.org.uk

5 Abbots Langley Visitor attractions fully equipped gymnasium and Leavesden Country a dance studio with a sprung Park covers an area of over floor offering fitness classes Bedmond, 27 hectares of Green including Tae Kwon Do, award-winning parkland aerobics, circuits and classes Leavesden and and consists of walking/ for the over 50s. At a small biking paths, a football pitch, cost you can use the facilities wildlife areas, tennis courts, at the gym on a one-off basis, Langleybury a children’s play area and an by visiting the website and outdoor gym for adults. filling out the guest pass form. Referred to in the Domesday Book, the www.threerivers.gov.uk www.oneymca.org centre of Abbots Langley is built around Abbots Langley also borders the characteristic parish church of St Tanners Wood in Abbots the Watford Leisure Centre, Lawrence. The parish has a strong Langley has a diverse range Woodside. The venue and vibrant community. The parish of of flora and fauna to enjoy. includes an eight lane Abbots Langley includes the villages of There is more park land at swimming pool. The site also Bedmond, Leavesden and Langleybury Manor House, South Way, includes a sports hall, a state- as well as several hamlets. Bedmond and Primrose Hill. of-the-art gym and over 100 Sport and leisure exercise classes per week, a sauna, creche, cafeteria, and Just off College Road, the treatment rooms. The sports YMCA Woodlands Gym has a facilities are available to use

6 with special rates for Three Children’s Farm. The farm has The Church of the Rivers residents. Visitors who a Pets’ Corner, plus goats, Ascension, the famous want to use the centre will sheep, calves, deer, pigs, corrugated tin church was need an Everyone Active ducks, geese and hens. intended as an African card, which can be issued There is a children’s play missionary church. The on site or by applying online. area, a putting green, a tea church, which is lined with To use the gym you need to shop and a small gift shop. wood, was erected in 1880 book an induction session. The farm sells its own free and continues to hold regular www.everyoneactive.com range eggs, plus locally made Anglican services. honey, jam and marmalade abbotslangley.org.uk The village boasts a wide and a range of hand painted range of community activities glassware. The small village of Bedmond from zumba, keep fit, karate www.langleyburychildrensfarm. is the birthplace of Nicholas and other healthy activities org.uk Breakspear, the only in Tanners Wood Hall. The Englishman ever to be Pope. parish has many clubs and Culture and history societies, of which football, Leavesden Hospital was built See the next section on cricket, gardening and flower to house 1,500 patients in Warner Brothers for the arranging are just a few. 1870, to administer care history of the Aerodrome. A list of local walks and for the many ‘quiet and community centres are harmless imbeciles’ who available on the parish council lived in London. With more website. modern, enlightened attitudes www.abbotslangley-pc.gov.uk to mental health, the hospital closed in 1995, and became Langleybury, nestled between Leavesden Country Park. Sarratt and Abbots Langley www.leavesdenhospital.org is popular with visitors to its

7 Following the production of the Potter based at the production Warner Bros. Harry Potter film series, Warner home of all eight Harry Potter Bros. purchased the site at films offers visitors the ultimate Studios Leavesden and invested over opportunity to journey behind £100 million in redevelopment, the scenes of Harry Potter Leavesden reopening it as a state-of-the- and experience the magic that art facility in June 2012. Based went into creating the most within Three Rivers district, successful film series of all Warner Bros. Studios Leavesden Hertfordshire, WBSL is the time. (WBSL), which was a local airfield and only facility in the country to factory from 1939 – 1994, began a major be owned and operated by a The Studio Tour first opened transformation when the factory closed major Hollywood studio. its doors on 31 March 2012. in 1994. The site’s hangars became Visitors are able to step into soundstages for filming and workshops Cameras began rolling the Great Hall, first built in for constructing sets and props; while on Harry Potter and The 2000, experience green Philosopher’s Stone in 2000 screen technology as they ‘fly’ the airfield’s runway and grassy fields and the studios went on to a broomstick like a member were turned into a fully-functioning host the production of all of the cast and marvel at the backlot. eight Harry Potter films over breathtaking scale model of the next 10 years. It currently Hogwarts castle. represents over a third of the available film production stage Encompassing the Malfoy space in the UK. Manor set from Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Warner Bros. Studio Tour Part 1, a section of Dolores London – The Making of Harry Umbridge’s Ministry of Magic

8 office and artefacts from original Hogwarts Express 100-acre backlot. The Knockturn Alley shop, Borgin steam engine and a 78-year-old engine returned 3 and Burkes, the new Dark recreation of Platform 9 /4. to the series’ production Arts area offers visitors a The new, permanent section home in spring 2015 and is much-requested look into will offer a glimpse into how displayed on a realistic set of the darker aspects of the film some of the films’ most tracks, with steam billowing series. iconic scenes were created as visitors step onto the as well as give visitors the platform. The Studio Tour continues chance to climb aboard to offer extra experiences www.wbstudiotour.co.uk the train’s carriage and to over holiday periods such 0845 084 0900 pose with a luggage trolley . as its popular Animal Actors as it disappears through the Tickets must be pre-booked feature, where visitors can platform wall. and cannot be bought at the meet the feathered and furry attraction. creatures who starred in the Throughout the Harry Potter films, its Hogwarts in the film series, British steam Snow feature at Christmas train no. 5972, Olton Hall, and the addition of a new, was used as the Hogwarts permanent Dark Arts area last Express. Scenes featuring Hallowe’en. the working engine were filmed on a soundstage at In March 2015, the Studio WBSL and on a track running Tour unveiled an impressive the full length of the Studio’s expansion, including the

9 Chorleywood Visitor attractions Sport and leisure The 250 acre Chorleywood In Chorleywood, much of the Common, with its beautiful sport and leisure is situated in Chorleywood is a picturesque rural old pubs, provides a superb and around the Common, with area, with the Chorleywood Common recreational area and includes football, cricket and tennis on and plenty of open spaces, it is popular a nine-hole golf course, offer. for those wishing to relax and enjoy cricket pitch and horse track. The Hive Chorleywood is the scenery. It has been voted one of There are a number of circular currently running events in the the happiest places to live in . walks and plenty of places for area. The Hive has organised The village has its own London outdoor activities. numerous activities including Underground Station and easy access Chorleywood is also home to a film club. They are aiming to to the M25 via junction 18. some charming woodlands, get a more permanent location including Pheasants and for activities in the future. The Solomons Woods and Chorleywood Arts Centre also Carpenters Wood, consisting runs several arts activities. mainly of broad-leaved www.thehivechorleywood.org.uk deciduous trees, many of Culture and history which are native to this country. Chorleywood House is the former home of Lady Ela has beautiful gardens and Russell, a member of the lawns, flowerbeds and Bedford family. She modified speciality trees, including a and enlarged the house, 100 year old wisteria circle keeping some of the original tree. The 200 year old Manor features. In June 1940, the House and Summer House mansion and land were bought have some great views for use as a municipal facility. offering the chance to picnic on the lawns. The Estate The Chorleywood bread holds a Green Flag Award for process is a method of making excellence. dough, invented in the town www.chorleywoodhouse.org.uk in 1961. The method is now used to make 80% of the UK’s bread.

10 Croxley Green Visitor attractions Croxley is home to beautiful At the heart of Croxley is the historic open countryside, including and ancient Green itself. The parish has the famous . The Moor’s an overall population of about 11,000, 40 hectare site includes Culture and history but still retains its charm as a village for diverse plant life, with over The old beams at the its rural and urban blend. 250 different types of plants Croxley Great Barn are filled and an abundance of animal with history dating back to life. The Croxley Green 1397 when the barn was Boundary Walk includes the built and lay in the grounds Grand Union Canal, Croxley of Croxley Manor. It supplied Common Moor and views St. Albans Abbey with grain of the Chess Valley, with the and barley for the monks’ walk taking around three food and drink. The Manor hours to complete. and barn were donated to Hertfordshire County Sport and leisure Council in 1972 to form The Croxley Skatepark is a part of the enlarged St.Joan popular destination for young of Arc School complex in people and hosts its annual Rickmansworth. skate and BMX Jam in www.croxleygreatbarn.co.uk August; the park has state- of-the-art concrete ramps. John Dickinson was born Roller bladers and scooters in 1782 and in 1807 and can also use the facilities. 1809 he devised and patented paper-making Details for groups, societies, machinery which could make associations and businesses paper as a continuous web. in Croxley are available at By 1824 he owned mills at www.croxleygreen-pc.gov.uk nearby Apsley, Nash Mills and Batchworth and in 1830 Events are also held at he opened Croxley Mill on Croxley Community Centre. Common Moor. Paper making was concentrated at Croxley Green and John Dickinson & Co Ltd was formed.

11 Maple Cross, Visitor attractions access and a spectators’ Beechen Wood and Franklin gallery. People can use the Spring Woods are two gym on a pay-as-you-go basis, Heronsgate, excellent woodland sites but you will be required to pay enjoyed by families, children for an induction before using West Hyde and playing in the woods and dog these facilities and the gym for walkers. the first time. Mill End www.greenourherts.org.uk www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk The Woodoaks Association Maple Cross and Mill End Listed in the Domesday Book, the is working to build up its Community Centres are a beautiful village of West Hyde is on community activities at valuable resource run by the the banks of the Grand Union Canal. Woodoaks Farm. Focusing community, for the community - they offer an interesting range Heronsgate, a conservation area near on being creative, active and to explore what the of activities. the northern boundary of the Colne www.millendcc.co.uk Valley beholds scenic views over the beautiful historic farm entire area. has to offer. Culture and history www.thewoodoaksassociation.com The Jackson Studios, a now Mill End and Maple Cross are Sport and leisure demolished building in Maple residential areas on the main A great place to keep active Cross saw many iconic names Rickmansworth and Road. and fit, the William Penn in the music industry recording Leisure Centre in Mill End at the studios, including Elton offers excellent facilities. This John, Motorhead, Ian Dury, includes the main sports hall, Dr Feelgood, Eddie and the which has a sprung floor and Hotrods, Tom Robinson and four badminton courts. Courts the New Seekers. are also marked out for netball, Heronsgate was developed basketball, football, hockey by the political reformers, the and volleyball. Furthermore, the Chartists, in 1845, and was Centre has two squash courts, first named O’Connorville after a dance studio, two fitness their leader, Feargus O’Connor. suites and a fully equipped gym Town-dwellers from the north with state-of-the-art equipment. of England were re-settled There is also a steam room, on a lottery basis - initially at sauna and swimming pool. subsidised rents. There is a lift for disabled

12 Moor Park and Visitor attractions At in Tolpits Lane, there are regular Eastbury guided walks, and tours of the local nature reserve Moor Park is home to the Moor Park focus on aspects of the Estate and large detached houses wildlife that can be found in spacious plots. Moor Park and at the site. The nature Eastbury are developed in beautiful reserve also offers a variety woodland, and include Moor Park of habitats and supports Golf Club which is set in 300 acres of some fascinating plants spectacular woodland and parkland. and animals, particularly birds and insects which are Culture and history characteristic of swamp and Moor Park Mansion was fen. There is an interesting built in 1678/79 for James, World War 2 pill box, which Duke of Monmouth. The is a home for bats. There are Grade I Listed mansion was regular events at the reserve, then re-furbished in Palladian including wildfowl walks. The style in 1720 by Sir James Withey Beds has disabled Thornhill. The stunning access. interior also includes work by www.threerivers.gov.uk Venetian craftsmen. During World War II, Operation At Moor Park Mansion, Market Garden, resulting in the National Association the Battle of Arnhem, was of Decorative and Fine Art planned at the Mansion. The Society (NADFAS) guides mansion is now home to conduct tours around the More Park Golf Club. mansion on Thursdays www.moorparkgc.co.uk between April and October.

13 Visitor attractions Culture and history Rickmansworth The Aquadrome shares its In the 1790s the Grand Union boundaries with the Grand Canal enhanced the area’s With a large amount to offer including Union Canal. A beautiful industrial potential, allowing award-winning shops, pubs and 41 hectare site, where you goods to be exported. The restaurants and a community theatre can enjoy a walk with the Batchworth Lock Canal Centre and cinema venue – all surrounded by opportunity to see great helps preserve the heritage of areas of outstanding natural beauty. crested grebes, herons and the canal. www.rwt.org.uk Many the places of interest are an kingfishers. Wheelchair access. Three Rivers Museum displays easy walk from the Rickmansworth The Ebury Way is a 3.5 mile an historic background to Metropolitan Underground and traffic free path for walkers the area. The museum is the Chiltern Line stations. and cyclists between Watford former residence of Quaker and Rickmansworth. The William Penn. Emigrating to Colne Valley Park Trail links America in the mid-1670s, in Rickmansworth to Uxbridge, 1681, King Charles II granted and the Chess Valley Walk, him territory and insisted on Rickmansworth to Chesham, adding Penn’s name - hence, all with breathtaking views. Pennsylvania. www.trmt.org.uk

Sport and leisure Rickmansworth features in Douglas Adams’ sci-fi comedy Angling is available at the classic, The Hitchikers’ Guide Aquadrome, some of the to the Galaxy. George Eliot, privately owned lakes, parts of whose real name was Mary the Chess, Colne and Gade Ann Evans, had a summer rivers and some sections of the residence in Rickmansworth. Grand Union Canal. In 1904, five French nuns The Grand Union Canal and relocated to England to escape the Aquadrome host canoeing, religious persecution. Settling water ski-ing and kayaking in Rickmansworth, they used organisations. All the above are their teaching and nursing skills membership only. to help establish St Joan of Arc www.threerivers.gov.uk School.

14 Spotlight on Watersmeet The venue regularly screens Watersmeet Past productions and ballets a wide range of films using which have been staged crystal clear, Dolby Digital Watersmeet is a unique venue located at Watersmeet include projection equipment with in the heart of Rickmansworth. The entire Billy Elliot, Les Miserables, superb image and sound venue is available to hire and also boasts Fame, The Nutcracker and quality. a number of smaller spaces which can Beauty and the Beast. In The venue is also home to be used for any number of events making addition, the venue hosts ‘Artistsmeet’, a contemporary it the perfect choice for any occasion. an annual pantomime which art exhibition space which sees audiences in excess has been created in the foyer. The main auditorium seats up to 515 of 15,000 through its doors This quality exhibition space guests theatre style and incorporates a in December. Star names is perfect for artists to exhibit unique floor which can transform from playing title roles in these their work and provides local shows have included Linda a fully tilted theatre style set-up to a flat residents the chance to see Robson, Wayne Sleep, Peter an array of excellent art work. floor at the push of a button. The chairs Duncan and Paul Daniels to can be removed to seat up to 250 guests, name but a few! Artistsmeet is open during cabaret style, which is ideal for gala Watersmeet Box Office dinners, special celebrations and Watersmeet is proud to hours. Entry is free of charge. wedding receptions. accommodate Sharpe www.watersmeet.co.uk Academy, an independently For more information call 01923 711063 owned and operated performance academy which or visit www.watersmeet.co.uk specialises in musical theatre classes and full-scale productions for students aged 3-21.

15 Pay and play public Rickmansworth, WD3 1JS Golf courses courses 01923 848636 www.9ofherts.co.uk Three Rivers is well known for its golf The Rickmansworth and there are eight superb courses Golf Course, known locally Oxhey Park Golf Club within the district, catering for all as Tricky Ricky due to its is a public pay and play golf abilities from beginners to those challenging but beautiful course. The golf course was voted the 7th and 10th best wishing to tackle championship surroundings, is a public venue, which has a 9 and 18 nine hole public golf course courses. There are three public hole course, testing everybody in the UK by the Lady Golfer courses within Three Rivers. of different standards.Moor and National Club Golfer Lane, Rickmansworth, WD3 magazines respectively. Oxhey 1QL Park Golf Club also offers the 01923 775278 20 bay floodlit Driving Range www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk directly attached to the club house. Nine of Herts, the family Prestwick Road, South friendly 9 hole public golf Oxhey, WD19 7EX course in Rickmansworth, 01923 248213 or London Road, includes 01923 210118 a driving range and a www.oxheyparkgolfclub.co.uk challenging but fun course which welcomes anybody to the club. London Road,

16 The Grove Golf Course The Batchworth Park refreshments and relax is one of England’s finest Golf Club is another after their game. They have premier golf courses, with no popular course and its golf a number of social and membership requirement, facilities include a practice sporting packages available, all are welcome to play on putting green, a chipping with discounts for local payment. The championship green with practice bunker, companies in the Three golf course combines 8 bay covered driving Rivers area. modern game strategies with range and buggy hire. Set Rickmansworth, WD3 1QN the great traditions of British in countryside, the course 01923 773146 golf course architecture. is sure to be a testing and www.moorparkgc.co.uk The Grove, Chandler’s enjoyable course for keen Sandy Lodge Golf Club, Cross, WD3 4TG golfers. has continued to invest 01923 294266 Batchworth Park Golf heavily in its main www.thegrove.co.uk Club, London Road, assets in recent years and Rickmansworth, WD3 1JS Member only courses has unrivalled practice 01923 711400 facilities which include a 12 Chorleywood Golf www.batchworthparkgolf.co.uk Course is a 9 hole bay driving range, practice course within Chorleywood Moor Park Golf Club bunker, chipping areas and a Common, providing is set in 300 acres of large putting green, all of a challenging and fun spectacular woodland and which are immediately in game. The brilliant course parkland. It features two front of the clubhouse.Sandy accommodates golfers championship courses, Lodge Lane, Northwood of different skill sets and which offer a range of HA6 2JD 01923 825429 experience. challenging holes. The www.sandylodge.co.uk Common Road, historic Moor Park Rickmansworth, Hertfordshire Mansion, with its impressive WD3 5LN. 01923 282009 grounds and unique facilities, www.chorleywoodgolfclub.co.uk welcomes members and visitors alike to enjoy

17 South Oxhey, South Oxhey Initiative Visitor attractions The South Oxhey Initiative The Local will see the successful Nature Reserve consists of Carpenders Park regeneration of South approximately 100 hectares Oxhey by 2022 through of principally ancient semi- and Oxhey Hall redevelopment of the natural woodland, much of precinct and surrounding which has been wooded South Oxhey, surrounded by area. since the last Ice Age some countryside, local shops and good 10,000 years ago. The new The South Oxhey Initiative circular walking sculpture transport services, is a convenient presents a major opportunity place to live. Featuring in BBC2’s The trail at the reserve is ideal for to create a high quality, families. Choir: Unsung Town, with the South mixed use development, Oxhey Choir, the area has a strong and with a direct and frequent On arrival you will be greeted vibrant community atmosphere. rail connection to Central by a striking carved archway London. The new precinct to welcome you to the Carpenders Park is a residential area will feature a larger sculpture trail and you will developed alongside the Watford to supermarket and a wide notice an array of intricately Euston railway. There are areas of range of shops. carved designs such as open space and woodland together the tiny creatures designed with some smaller local parks. by local children and work created by the internationally renowned, local artist Dan Edging onto the Colne Valley, Cordell. www.threerivers.gov.uk Oxhey Hall is a residential area in the Green Belt. Prestwick Road Meadows Public footpaths is one of the South Oxhey’s run through the scenic Local Nature Reserves farmland, Hampermill with some of the most Lake and the nearby beautiful wildflowers in the district; also within the area Brightwells Farm. are Hartsbourne Wood and Pond Wood.

South Oxhey Playing Fields has some excellent provision for outdoor sports including

18 sports pitches, bowling pool offering a wide range of Culture and history greens, basketball sites, water-related activities. There Oxhey Hall is a private tennis courts and a multi- is also a thriving swimming Grade II building and its dry use flood-lit games area. club, lifesaving courses moat is listed as an Ancient and a water polo club. For Sport and leisure Monument. younger children there are The Centre sports and ‘supersplash’ sessions with South Oxhey Chapel was recreation complex in a giant inflatable and holiday built in 1612 by Sir James Gosforth Lane, South Oxhey play schemes for children Altham, Judge and Baron of has plenty to offer for the of eight years and over. The the Exchequer to Elizabeth I. whole community. There is a pool has specialised facilities Originally the private chapel fully equipped fitness studio, for people with disabilities. for those at residence at a mirrored dance studio with People can use the pool for ‘Oxhey Place’, it still retains sprung floor, a solarium, an a casual swim on a pay-as- the original door and roof excellent crèche and a café. you-go basis. beams. There is a music recording www.hertsmereleisure.co.uk studio and rehearsal space South Oxhey hosted some for hire in The Centre. Oxhey Hall and Carpenders of the earliest Rolling Stones People can use the gym on Park have community and The Who gigs way back a pay-as-you-go basis, but centres that run several in the sixties. you will be required to pay activities and events. www.ouroxhey.org.uk for an induction before using the equipment.

Sir James Altham Swimming Pool, South Oxhey is a small friendly community

19 Sarratt and Visitor attractions Culture and history You can enjoy the lovely walks Built in 1190, the flint and brick from the Village Green, Dawes Church of the Holy Cross is Chandler’s Cross Common and Commonwood. the parish church of Sarratt. Within Chandler’s Cross, The building originally re-used Sarratt is a beautiful village. The hamlet adjoining the crossroads, Roman tile in its construction of Chandler’s Cross lies within the rural is one of the entrances to and continued to change parish of Sarratt and is an area popular Whippendell Woods. The through the centuries. By the with local residents and visitors alike, Sarratt village website has 17th century a large linear renowned for its bluebells which form a included 11 superb walks village developed nearly one beautiful carpet of colour each spring. within the area to see vast flora, mile (1.6 km) away. Some of the traditional country pubs fauna and great countryside. www.hcsp.net date back to the 18th century. Sport and leisure Micklefield Hall was built in The rural setting of Sarratt 1740 and the central part of makes it a perfect destination the house was re-designed by for keen horse riders, with Sir John Soane in the late 18th many miles of well maintained Century. Historical records go footpaths, bridleways and back to 1260 when the land common land. was obtained by the Abbey of St. Albans. The majestic oak in Sarratt Village Hall is host to the parkland is officially said by many community events which the Woodland Trust to be 650 are announced on the Sarratt years old. The stunning 16th village website. century Tithe Barn has now www.sarrattvillage.co.uk been completely restored.

20 Something for Market life Based at Henderson Hall, the Abbots Langley Transition everyone Project (ALTTA) organises a local market several times per The district is full of innovation, year and is fast becoming a Where to eat creativity and community work. This feature of village life. You can come to shop is more than signified in the local and also enjoy a meal or The Sarratt Village Hall Market markets around the district. The snack in one of the many sells beautiful items, where markets are a great opportunity to restaurants, pubs and cafes. you can buy plants, crafts, Chinese, Indian, Italian, Thai support community organisations. If bric-a-brac, home-made and various continental you would like to get involved with gifts and food, and affordable eateries are available, as well the local markets, please contact antique stalls. them direct. as the fabulous rustic pubs The vibrant boutique Little Fox in the area. Before visiting Market, in Rickmansworth, we recommend you check One of the main aims for the District Scores on the Doors for Council is to help people find the has a variety of stalls offering a selection of accessories, official food hygiene ratings. support they need to set up in clothing, food and antique With various award winning business and markets or to expand finds. restaurants in the area you are existing enterprises. We recommend sure to enjoy culinary delights. if you would like to get involved in Run by Parish www.ratings.food.gov.uk markets that you contact the Council Council, the South Oxhey Farm life before doing so. market includes various stall holders in Bridlington Road Watercress is produced at and sells a variety of goods the River Chess in Sarratt including food and clothes. Bottom and can be bought freshly cut from spring to Chorleywood hosts an autumn at the farm. If you annual French Market with would like something a bit stalls selling traditional French sweeter, at Bullscroft Farm produce such as cheeses, you can take a punnet and pates and pastries. pick the fruit straight from the www.threerivers.gov.uk plant. Langleybury Farm sells its own free range eggs, plus locally made honey, jam and marmalade. www.threerivers.gov.uk 21 Sporting SportShopping LeisureCommonwood. WithToday, local services Croxley boastsand facilities a There are plenty of things to Residents are also able aplenty,thriving along community with the perfectwith do, whether it’s keeping the to enjoy the local events activities spaciouslocal shops, environment supermarkets, and children entertained during the held within the areas. wateran facilities up-market in the café, area, a holidays, re-discovering the This includes the popular available in you restaurant,can enjoy afast full foodrange outlets, of joy of outdoor play or visiting a summer fixture, Croxfest, sportinga library activities and a available number atof nature reserve. Three Rivers which has grown in size and bothlocal the publicprivately houses run clubs to while and District Council always look to Three Rivers popularity since it started, venuesaway and a couple District ofCouncil- hours. provide high quality activities for with an estimated 8,000 ownedHeld leisure every centres.Sunday, ForSarratt the residents to enjoy including an An ever-popular destination for people previously attending moreVillage energetically Hall Market inclined, sells array of holiday and after school residents and visitors to enjoy, the the free event. The event Threebeautiful Rivers itemsSport atNetwork and in aid activities. Current popular district has lots to offer, with many which includes local music aimsof to the keep Sarratt people Village up-to- Hall. activities include Playschemes, is a great event for family sports, leisure, arts or culture and dateNormally with sport starting and physical at 10am till Play Rangers, Skateboarding, and friends to attend and entertainment activities. activitymidday, opportunities, you can buyincluding plants, Parkour and nature walks. support local talent. The a listcrafts, of clubs bric-a-brac, within the home-area. Threeevent Rivers also hashelps a raiselarge money Visit madewww.threeriverssport.com and affordable antique numberfor local of charities.play areas and they for fullstalls. details. have all sorts of equipment for The free show Classic Cars ThreeVisitor Rivers attractions has excellent children of all ages along with on the Green is open to facilitiesCroxley for outdooris home sports to beautiful in inclusive equipment for those many types of vehicles, all areasopen of countryside, the district includingincluding with additional support needs. including classic cars, full sizethe sportsStone Orchard,pitches, bowling You can try our zip wires, modern super cars, vintage greens,Croxleyhall tennis courtsWoods and and the climbing trees, trampolines, cars, bikes, kit cars, as well 5-a-sidefamous multi-sports Croxley Common areas. sand pits, embankment slides, as commercial and steam TheseMoor. are Theall available moor is forhome public toddler swings, climbing nets engines. Sarratt also hold at use.to Visit a 40 www.threerivers.gov.uk hectare site which and basket swings. At King Cars on the Green event, for moreincludes information. a rich and diverse George V Playing Fields and which is held annually every plant life, with over 250 Boxing Day. Croxley is also different types of plants home to the Carters Steam found on the moor and an Fair, the much-loved steam abundance of animal life. powered funfair. The distinguished setting of Sarratt also means that The village fayre, Croxley you can enjoy the lovely on the Green/Revels is walks on the Village Green, ever-popular calendar filler Dawes Common and

22 Baldwins Lane play areas, A wide range of participative More information on you can enjoy the Parkour arts-based opportunities are leisure services facilities consisting of obstacle held in Three Rivers targeted Discounted prices for families courses, running, climbing, specifically at young people, on a low income are also swinging, vaulting and rolling. the over 50’s and people available on selected activities with disabilities, including as part of the Referral Within the area, you can such events as the Art Box, also take advantage of the Scheme. If you would like Film Box, Artistmeet and to join the Referral Scheme, many outdoor gyms, with art classes. To keep up several items of equipment then please contact Leisure to date on the latest arts on 01923 776611. at each site offering a range opportunities visit of exercise opportunities www.threerivers.gov.uk Most of our activities are including toning of the upper or contact inclusive, so look out for the and lower body and fitness [email protected] disability logo in the brochure. to the heart and lungs. If your child has a disability Outdoor gyms can be found To keep updated on leisure and you would like to discuss at: Leavesden Country Park, activities, sign up to the this with us, please contact South Way play area, Barton What’s On Newsletter Leisure on 01923 776611. Way play area, Oxhey Playing www.threerivers.gov.uk Fields, Ebury play area and Channel Mogo I-Explore Map West Hyde Youth Centre. Three Rivers has a vibrant Three Rivers District Council Arts and culture community and in the district Leisure Services map is used there are many community Three Rivers District Council, as a guide for residents and centres and organisations along with local arts groups visitors to illustrate the wide including Scouts, Guides and and organisations help range of places to play, things social clubs in the area. Youth promote, develop and to do and areas of natural Connexions and Channel manage opportunities for beauty to visit. View the map Mogo maintain a regularly community arts-based online at www.threerivers.gov.uk updated list of youth social activities, aiming to provide clubs. artistic opportunities for the www.mogolistings.org residents and visitors of Three Rivers district.

23 Three Rivers - environment make it an Business and perfectly placed excellent place for projects, Businesses looking to relocate business and organisations. prosperity will find a wide range of Each year the District Council premises to suit all types of pursues its strategy of helping The area has a diverse range of commerce and industry. These to create a prosperous future sectors and businesses, home to include refurbished buildings for the area. One of the main both the head offices of national with small suites, prestigious aims is to help people find and international organisations and flagship buildings, industrial the support they need to set up in business or to expand, vibrant small firms. It is the base for units and small workshops. The areas around Maple and to find new employment national names such as Camelot, opportunities. Nestle Waters, Ferrero, Kenwood, Cross, Abbots Langley and Renewable Energy Systems, Croxley Green are well-known Looking to the future for their business parks and Imagination Technologies, Warner The Council is currently industrial estates. Bros, Skanska and Nissan. promoting a major mixed use Developers consider that regeneration of the town centre the district’s location on in South Oxhey. main communication routes, The area is set to benefit combined with the proximity to from major development and London, and the pleasant housing projects including Croxley Rail Link and the Watford Health Campus.

Chambers of Commerce and Business Partnerships Three Rivers District Council works closely with the South West Herts Chamber of Commerce and The South West Herts Business Partnership to see that the local Chamber of Commerce, business groups, local authorities and key agencies

24 work together for better several high streets and At a glance transport, better training and commercial hubs for all your n 1,914 NNDR registered employment opportunities. essential needs, including businesses with the economy Abbots Langley High Street, Business Guide providing 39,000 jobs. Rickmansworth High Street, Three Rivers teamed up Chorleywood situated around n The district ranks highly with Watford, Shire Lane and Lower Road, for business registrations and Councils to and Croxley on Watford and start ups with skilled produce a free handbook Road. St Andrew’s Road is and trained workforce, high for local firms. Linking to an a wide pedestrian precinct employment levels with GVA online directory, the South containing the main shops and weekly earnings above West Herts Business Guide in South Oxhey. Smaller average. provides information about shopping areas are available n 400,000m2 of existing local resources including in other places in the district. training and advice, major business floorspace and an infrastructure projects and Where to stay additional 4ha employment energy saving. Three Rivers has a site at Maple Cross is www.burrows.co.uk/swherts thriving bed and breakfast identified in the emerging community, including inns Local Plan. Shopping and farmhouses. To support n Three Rivers is an official Three Rivers is fortunate to this, Three Rivers has Fairtrade district with an active have a good variety of shops published an accommodation Fairtrade group. from large national retailers guide, for places to stay in to smaller independent and around Three Rivers. stores. The district’s town www.threerivers.gov.uk centres are vibrant with high numbers of independent outlets. The district boasts

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