Where Can You Enjoy the Outdoors in East Herts with Disabled Access?
Discover accessible parks & scenic spots in East Herts perfect for inclusive outdoor visits.
June is the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors. Whether that means a gentle walk, a scenic picnic, or planning a special outing for Father’s Day, it’s important to know where to go. So, where can you find outdoor spaces in East Hertfordshire that are enjoyable and accessible for someone using a wheelchair, walking aid, or receiving home care? At Home Instead East Herts, we understand how vital it is to feel confident when heading out. That’s why we’ve created this guide to some of the most accessible outdoor spots in the area. From level paths and Blue Badge parking to quiet seating areas and inclusive toilets, each location is chosen with comfort and ease in mind.
In this blog, you’ll discover parks, riverside paths, sculpture trails and community spaces that offer true accessibility. These are perfect options for a relaxed and inclusive day out this June.
Why Accessibility Outdoors Matters
For people with mobility challenges, the difference between a good day out and a stressful one often comes down to small but important features: accessible car parking, disabled toilets, well-maintained pathways, and thoughtful signage. Thankfully, many outdoor attractions across Hertfordshire have made substantial efforts to ensure they can be enjoyed by everyone, regardless of age or mobility.
For families supporting older relatives or disabled children, accessible green spaces can offer both respite and connection, somewhere quiet yet engaging, where nature and comfort go hand in hand.
Two Highly Accessible Outdoor Spaces in East Herts
Let’s highlight two standout locations in East Herts that are particularly suitable for wheelchair users and visitors requiring extra support. These spots go beyond ticking boxes; they actively support inclusive visits through good design and thoughtful amenities.
1. Pishiobury Country Park, Sawbridgeworth
Located just south of the historic market town of Sawbridgeworth, Pishiobury Country Park is a peaceful haven featuring wide, well-maintained pathways that are ideal for wheelchairs, scooters, and walkers alike. The park covers open meadows, wooded glades, and a riverside route, giving visitors the chance to enjoy a scenic and manageable outdoor experience.
Accessibility highlights:
- Step-free paths suitable for most mobility aids
- Free parking close to entrance
- Accessible picnic areas
- Natural shade from mature trees
- Calm environment with minimal traffic noise
Though cows are occasionally grazing in certain sections of the park, clear signage ensures safety and comfort for all visitors. The space is also ideal for short trips with grandchildren or loved ones who benefit from nature-based calm.
2. Lee Valley Regional Park (Hoddesdon Section)
Spanning from East Herts all the way into London, Lee Valley Regional Park is a 26-mile stretch of green and blue space designed to include everyone. The Hoddesdon area, in particular, offers some of the most accessible sections of the park, with riverside paths, inclusive facilities, and ample parking.
Accessibility features in the Hoddesdon area include:
- Wide, surfaced trails ideal for wheelchairs
- Blue Badge parking areas
- Accessible toilets in key visitor centres
- Flat terrain and seating at intervals
- Nearby cafés with step-free access
This part of the park is especially suitable for quiet family days out and relaxed walks. It also connects well with public transport and community groups supporting inclusive visits.
More Inclusive Outdoor Destinations Across Hertfordshire
While Pishiobury and Lee Valley are excellent choices, East Herts and its surrounding areas offer a broad range of accessible attractions. Here are a few more to keep on your radar:
- Hatfield Park: Historic grounds with accessible cafés, paths, toilets, and even a Victorian lift within the main house.
- Broxbourne Woods Sculpture Trail: Wheelchair-friendly woodland paths featuring outdoor artwork. The anti-clockwise route is the easiest to navigate.
- Hatfield Forest (National Trust): Offers wheelchair hire, accessible toilets, level access to the café, and friendly walking paths.
- Hartham Common, Hertford: A flat, open space near the town centre with sport areas and riverside paths.
- Dobb’s Weir, Hoddesdon: Great for riverside walks and dining, with parking, flat surfaces, and a choice of accessible pubs and cafés.
Each location varies slightly in terms of amenities and gradients, so it’s always worth double-checking access details before your visit. The free AccessAble website provides accurate and up-to-date access guides for hundreds of venues across Hertfordshire.
Planning Ahead: Make Father’s Day Count This June
Sunday 15th June is Father’s Day, and it’s a perfect opportunity to spend meaningful time outdoors as a family. Whether you’re supporting an elderly dad, a father living with dementia, or simply organising something a bit more thoughtful this year, accessible outdoor spaces offer a chance to connect in comfort.
Some ways to celebrate Father’s Day inclusively:
- A wheelchair-friendly riverside walk with a takeaway coffee or ice cream
- A family picnic in a shaded park like Pishiobury or Hartham Common
- A gentle visit to a nearby garden or sculpture trail followed by a meal at an accessible pub
- A relaxed morning birdwatching at Lee Valley with accessible seating and binoculars
Support for Planning and Travel
Planning an outing with a relative who has mobility needs doesn’t have to be daunting. Here are a few local services that can help:
- Home Instead East Herts and Uttlesford: Our team supports safe, accompanied outings for older adults. Whether it’s help getting to an outdoor café, enjoying nature, or attending an event, our Care Professionals make outings easier and more enjoyable.
- Carers in Herts: Offers practical advice and planning support for unpaid carers arranging outdoor visits.
- Hertfordshire Independent Living Services: Assists with meal planning and health checks, often useful when arranging longer day trips.
Get Involved Locally
Did you know that many of East Hertfordshire’s green spaces are supported by volunteer groups? If you or someone you care for is interested in being part of the community, there are opportunities to take part in conservation days, accessible walking clubs, or outdoor art sessions.
Groups include:
- Friends of How Wood
- Friends of Mardley Heath
- Friends of Norton Common
Even a one-off visit can be a great way to meet new people and feel connected to the local area.
A County That Welcomes Everyone
What stands out about East Herts and the wider Hertfordshire area is the way inclusive access is embedded, not as an afterthought, but as a natural part of the community. From heritage estates to nature reserves and riverside towns, thoughtful design makes a real difference.
Whether you’re planning a short outing with a wheelchair user, organising a quiet trip for someone with sensory sensitivities, or simply looking for a green space that won’t present obstacles, East Herts has plenty to offer.
Ready to Plan Your Next Accessible Adventure?
For more details on Home Instead East Herts care visits and day-out support,visit our website or call our friendly team to chat about how we can help. Whether it’s a one-off trip or part of regular companionship care, we’re here to support older adults to enjoy life outdoors, comfortably and safely.
Areas We Serve
Sawbridgeworth, Bishop’s Stortford, Hertford & the surrounding areas
CM21 0, CM21 9, CM22 6, CM22 7, CM23 1, CM23 2, CM23 3, CM23 4, CM23 5, CM24 1, CM24 8, CM6 1, EN10 6, EN10 7, EN11 0, EN11 8, EN11 9, SG10 6, SG11 1, SG11 2, SG12 0, SG12 7, SG12 8, SG12 9, SG13 7, SG13 8, SG14 1, SG14 2, SG14 3, SG2 7, SG9 0, SG9 9
Allen House, Business Centre, The Maltings, Station Rd, Sawbridgeworth CM21 9JX, UK
01279 721443