We’ve spoken to a few people who’ve lived in Watford for many years and have never heard of Cheslyn Gardens.

That’s a shame, as it’s one of the town’s best kept secrets. The council-owned gardens is at the north end of Nascot Wood Road, so to be fair isn’t likely to be stumbled across unless you live that end of town. We’ve driven there a couple of times, but also this isn’t necessarily as easy as it sounds, as parking is minimal.

The 3.5 acre landscaped site has a number of meandering paths to explore, taking in many landscaped borders and beds. There are also a couple of large lawns with benches to relax on. It’s an extremely tranquil environment, with plenty of areas for quiet reflection.

There’s also an aviary backing on to the house with many colourful finches and other birds.

Both times we’ve been there have only been a handful of people pottering around but, as we say, parking is limited so better to go at either end of the day to bag one of the spaces (if a bus service runs up the road please do let us know).

Then again, don’t tell everyone! It’s Watford’s best kept secret, don’t you know…

More about the history of Cheslyn Gardens
Nature at Cheslyn Gardens