Stanborough Park Stanborough Road Welwyn Garden City
First up: the lakes. There are two of them, but they’re not natural. They’re man-made, dug out of gravel pits in the 1930s. So, you’re basically swimming in a giant, watery quarry. Fancy a dip? You can, at the lido—a massive outdoor swimming pool that’s been open since the 1930s. It’s so retro, you half-expect to see flappers doing the Charleston on a diving board.
Boats, Birds, and a Bit of Bravery
You can rent a pedal boat or a kayak. Imagine pedaling in circles while a grumpy swan hisses at you. That’s peak Stanborough fun. The park is also a Site of Local Importance for Nature Conservation. Translation: loads of ducks, geese, and the occasional heron looking like a grumpy wizard.
Here’s a quirky fact: the lakes are home to a hidden island. It’s tiny, covered in shrubs, and completely inaccessible. What’s on it? I like to think it’s a secret base for rebellious squirrels. Nobody really knows.