Letchworth & Baldock Activity
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Icknield Way Path [A3] Norton Common [C2] Willian Arboretum [C5] Radwell, Norton, Willian Norton, Radwell, Parks, woodland & nature reserves The Icknield Way is unique among long distance tracks Norton Common is ideal for walks, picnics and The Willian Arboretum contains over 30 different tree Letchworth, Baldock, Letchworth, Broadway Gardens [B3] because it can claim to be the oldest road in Britain. enjoying various leisure activities. You will find a varieties carefully selected to thrive on the underlying damp acidic soils. There is an interpretation board Get out In 2003, North Hertfordshire District Council chose & have fun outdoors in: outdoors fun have & Extending from Ivinghoe Beacon in Buckinghamshire heated outdoor swimming pool*, bowls, putting, ‘Broadway Gardens’ as the new name for Kennedy to Knettishall Heath in Norfolk, it is a prehistoric tennis, a children’s play area and a large wooded area on site to help you find out more about the various where to walk, cycle walk, to where Gardens after a public poll. The gardens were enhanced pathway that was ancient even in Roman times. that is the home of the town’s most famous ‘wild’ species planted here. and explore in 2004 to include a magnificent fountain, a new Dotted with archaeological remains, it survives as residents - the black squirrels and muntjac deer. A picnic area and car parking facilities can be paved area for public events together with substantial splendid tracks and green lanes along the chalk ‘spine’ Pix Brook stream runs through the Common. found at Manor Wood, just a few minutes walk There is an open space replanting of trees, shrubs and hedges in the Gardens of England * For details see ‘Letchworth Outdoor Pool’ on: away. A sculpture of Telford Morton (1916-2001), a and along Broadway Walk. www.stevenage-leisure.co.uk Letchworthian of great note who had a deep love within walking distance for the countryside, will be seen along the stretch of almost every home and Ivel Springs [E1] of pathway between Manor Wood and Willian Howard Park [C3] Arboretum. In addition, a short walk in the direction office within Letchworth As the name suggests, the River Ivel rises here from Norton Pond [D1] of Letchworth Gate will reveal panoramic views of The park is named after the social reformer Ebenezer chalk springs and is fed by more springs downstream The pond, fed from local springs, is famous for Hertfordshire along the way. and Baldock and many more Howard who famously advocated a new kind of town, between Baldock and Radwell. The springs and its newts and is a popular watering hole for many combining the advantages of cities and the countryside adjacent meadowland are now being managed for are just a short trip away. different bird species. A host of wildlife can be seen while eliminating their disadvantages. Letchworth wildlife conservation after widespread dumping in the here including dragonflies, damselflies, water beetles, Garden City was his first project and Howard Park 1950’s destroyed much habitat. three-spined sticklebacks, common frogs, toads, Wymondley Wood [C5] This Letchworth and Baldock opened in 1911, was the first official public park in the water boatman, pond snails, pond skaters and new town. Wymondley Wood features a special nature Activity map provides a user crustaceans. conservation and field study area adjacent to existing This open space provides links for walkers to the and newly planted forest environments. These very friendly reminder of the Grange and Standalone Farm as well as Arlesey and mixed plantations, together with their grassy and existing facilities that you Broadway Gardens Letchworth Norton Pond Hitchin. flowery margins, provide food and cover for a wide variety of wildlife all year round - a marked contrast to can walk or cycle to, that the surrounding arable fields. The woodland is primarily Oak and Hornbeam and are available in both towns Radwell Meadows [D1] was planted in two stages between 1997 and 2000. within each easy reach. Radwell Meadows features an award-winning This involved the planting of over 5,000 locally grown children’s play area with picnic tables and fixed trees and shrubs and the creation of the car park and barbecues. It has been specially designed to improve footpaths within the site to provide access for all. Whether you are looking existing animal and plant habitats and create many to occupy yourself, meet new ones. friends, have a family picnic, take the kids or grandkids Standalone Farm [B2] Weston Hills for entertainment, find a A piece of the pre-Garden City estate, Standalone Farm is a working ‘open’ farm set in 170 acres and new route to work or school, features pigs, sheep, goats, cows, hens, ducks - and of course Sam and Webster the shire horses. walk the dog, cycle or kick a The exhibition barn contains 70 bird specimens, ball around, use this guide Activity Map Activity mammals, animal skulls, model dinosaurs, creepy crawlies and a working beehive. Outside you can view to help you explore and wildfowl from specially constructed hides. A pleasant enjoy the local area. picnic area is located next to an outdoor children’s play area and indoor picnic facilities are also available. Letchworth & Baldock Baldock & Letchworth www.standalonefarm.com Broadway Gardens Letchworth Radwell Meadows Other leaflets Parks & playgrounds Museums Other places of interest The Great North Way: Baldock Letchworth Museum & Art Gallery [B3] St Mary’s Church [E2] The Great North Way, National Cycle Housed in an attractive Edwardian building facing This church in Baldock has a dedication to St Mary [E2] Network (NCN) Route 12 which Avenue Park Broadway Gardens, the museum comprises galleries the Virgin. The east end of the chancel dates from the A lovely big park with large playground, sandpit, passes through Hertfordshire is a devoted to local wildlife and archaeology of the 1200s, when it was built by the Knights Templar, paddling pool and tennis courts. thirty two mile leisure cycle route people who have lived in this area from prehistory to much of the rest of the building being completed which links Potters Bar, Hatfield, 1903. There are also monthly changing exhibitions, about 1330. The south chapel, clerestory and north Welwyn Garden City, Stevenage, plus a lively programme of events and workshops. porch were built at later dates, the latter being added Letchworth and Baldock. Letchworth Opening hours: Open daily 10am to 5pm. in the 19th century. The bell tower which was built You may not want to cycle all of the Closed Wednesdays, Sundays and Public Holidays. around the 15th Century provides a picturesque view route, but why not ride part of it? Baldock Road Playing Fields [D3] of the town and Weston Hills. Toddler playground and climbing frames for older You could even cycle one way and take the train back. children are at the far end, plus masses of space for Useful links ball games, running around, riding bikes etc. First Garden City Heritage Museum [C3] Letchworth Garden City town centre Local public transport information Letchworth This is the world’s leading archive and information www.intalink.org.uk Garden City Greenway point on the development of Letchworth Garden City, www.nationalrail.co.uk This route offers excellent and the early Garden City Movement. Cycling to local stations opportunities for people of all ages The Greenway, Grange estate [B1-C1] The museum tells the story of the movement from its Cycle parking is provided or you can to enjoy the open air through walks The Greenway path here is nice and flat for cycling origins to the present day. It is housed in a beautiful take your bike on most trains and recreational facilities. Along the along, traffic-free, and in a parkland setting. and unique building designed in 1907 by the architect www.firstcapitalconnect.co.uk way there are many things to do Barry Parker. and places to visit. The Greenway is Hertfordshire County Council Opening Times: Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm. a circular 13.6 mile (21.8km) route www.hertsdirect.org Howard Gardens [C3] Admission: 50p for residents, £1 for non-residents. around Letchworth for walkers, in North Hertfordshire District Council Fantastic playground with play equipment, sandpit parts wheelchair users, cyclists and www.north-herts.gov.uk and paddling pool in summer. Easily accessible from horses. It is shown in part on the town centre on Norton Way South. Local cycle maps map overleaf, to see the full route Baldock Museum [F2] www.hertsdirect.org/walkingandcycling ask for the Garden City Greenway Baldock was founded by the Knights Templar around Cycling Touring Club, Herts Map & Guide: 1148, on the site of an earlier Iron Age and Roman www.ctcherts.org.uk www.greenway.org.uk Broadway Gardens [B3] town. The town was formerly an important coaching, Local cycle shops Located on Broadway, this open space is great for malting and brewing town and the museum has a www.trisports.co.uk [C3] letting children burn off energy after a visit to the permanent display of its history from Roman times. www.customriders.com [E2] Other leaflets in this series can library close by. Great for picnics and football. Opening Times: Wednesday from 11.00am to 1.30pm www.pedalsofbaldock.co.uk [F1] be downloaded or ordered free and Sundays - 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Baldock market Standalone Farm of charge at: Groups may visit at other times by appointment. Baldock town centre Norton Common Admission: 25p for adults. Facilities KEY Norton Common [C2] www.hertsdirect.org/walkingandcycling A large open space with an outdoor swimming pool, Parking Nature Reserve play area, and a skateboard ramp for older kids. Also great walks on the paths beside the streams.