Your visit

Rickmansworth Aquadrome is a beautiful open space, free for all to enjoy.

As a Local nature reserve, it boasts two large lakes - Batchworth and Bury Lake. These are surrounded by woodland and open grassland, giving stunning views across the water. The paths surrounding the lakes are fully accessible, so all our visitors have an opportunity to connect with nature whilst being on the doorstep of Rickmansworth town.

The site has many habitats, including rare wet woodlands. Whilst these areas can look a little untidy, they are an uncommon and valuable habitat. The Aquadrome is of particular importance for water birds and a popular place to spot different wildfowl including mallards and great crested grebes.

The Aquadrome also offers homes to many water-based clubs as well as an excellent cafe and two play areas designed to allow young people to play on an exciting variety of equipment.

This is an excellent starting point to connect to the Colne Valley Park and onto the Grand Union Canal at Batchworth Lock. You can access the Ebury Way from the canal which is for cyclists and walkers.

All of this combines to make for a memorable visit to the Aquadrome and beyond. It is unique in what it has to offer, protect and enhance. Please come and enjoy.

Address

Frogmoor Lane (off Harefield Road), Rickmansworth, WD3 1NB

The Woodland Pathway

The council understands that Aquadrome users are keen to see the woodland pathway reopened, that is the council’s desire too. The path is currently closed for Health and Safety reasons owing to seasonal flooding which is an important aspect of the site’s purpose and ecology. This year has seen more significant rainfall, causing structural damage to the pathway meaning that it is currently unsafe for public use. Short term repairs to the pathway would likely be washed away with any further significant rainfall and flooding, resulting in the re-closure of the path and a waste of limited council funds.

The council is focused on a long-term solution, and therefore has secured external funding to repair the woodland pathway as well as bring habitat improvements. The design of the upgraded pathway will be informed by a hydrological survey that is currently taking place. This is a complex survey and modelling exercise which will help to better understand the movement of water into, out of and across the Aquadrome. Any new pathways will be designed to work in harmony with seasonal flooding – and provide a better long-term solution for all. We expect the results of the hydrological study soon.

Many alternative pathways and walking routes remain open within the Aquadrome for everyone to use and enjoy. The council thanks visitors for their patience and understanding.

Car park opening times

1 April - 30 September - 8am to 9.30pm
1 October - 31 March- 8am to 6pm
Please note; the car park will be locked after these times.

The site is also easily reached by public transport as Rickmansworth Station (Chiltern and Metropolitan lines) are just a five minute walk away.

Toilet opening times

The Aquadrome toilets close 30 minutes before the car park closes.

Discover

• Two lakes to walk around and explore
• Café in the Park
• Free car parking (see above opening times)
• Accessible pathways
• Toilets (toilets close 30 minutes before the car park closes)
• Two play areas
• Dog free picnic area with additional play equipment
• Access to the Grand Union Canal footpath
• Water based sports clubs N.B. Activities that take place on the lakes within the Aquadrome are part of the associated clubs. Please contact them directly if you would like to participate in their activities. Three Rivers District Council prohibits the use of personal equipment on the lakes. Paddle boarding and wind surfing activities are strictly forbidden independently.

BBQ's are strictly prohibited at The Aquadrome.