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Start in Cassiobury Park’s public car park at the end of Gade Avenue, Watford, WD18 7LG. This relaxed circuit follows established paths through the main park, linking its tree avenues, bandstand and Park Hub. Allow about an hour and a half, including a short stop at the café or a bench.
Leave the car park on the park paths and head north towards the Hub and miniature railway area. Continue northwest towards the riverside end of the park, staying east of the River Gade rather than crossing into Whippendell Wood. Turn back into the park and follow the long tree-lined paths southeast, parallel to Parkside Drive. Make the short approach to the bandstand, return to the junction and loop through the southern part of the park before taking the central paths back towards the Hub. Retrace the final approach to the car park.
The route uses a mixture of surfaced paths and established park paths, with gentle slopes rather than a strenuous climb. Some corners can be muddy after rain. Cyclists share much of the network, and the Hub, railway and playground area can be busy, especially at weekends. Keep children close by the water and railway, give other visitors room at narrow junctions and use the marked crossings around the miniature railway. Walk in daylight and follow any event or maintenance diversions. The route stays within the main park and does not use the mountain bike trails, golf course or canal bridges.
Public toilets and Cedar Café are at the Park Hub. The Tea Pavilion café is another option near the southern side of the park, a short separate visit from this circuit. Café and toilet access depends on opening hours. The splash pools are currently closed for the season and are due to reopen in spring 2027. Watford Underground station on the Metropolitan line is close to the southern park entrances.
The council car park currently offers up to two hours free, with charges for longer stays. Follow the machine instructions and allow extra parking time for café stops. Its published opening hours are 7.30am–10pm, with a six-hour maximum stay and a 2.1m height restriction. Check the signs on arrival and return before closing.
Route and visitor information checked against Watford Borough Council’s Cassiobury Park map and shared-path guidance, current facilities and car park information: https://www.watford.gov.uk/cassioburypark and https://www.watford.gov.uk/directory-record/25/cassiobury-park-car-park
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