Beautiful park less than an hour from London has ‘hidden gem’ attraction with rare animals and fishing for kids

A PARK named among the top 10 in the UK is home to a “well hidden” attraction with rare breed farm animals and exotic wildlife.

Cassiobury Park in Watford was crowned one of the nation’s favourite parks in last year’s Green Flag People’s Choice Awards.

The park is often described as the ‘jewel’ of the town because of its large green space and all the facilities it offers, from tennis courts and cafes to a miniature railway and newly refurbished paddling pool.

But the park also has another attraction which not many visitors know about.

Cassiobury Farm & Fishery is tucked away between the Grand Union Canal and the park and accessed by foot.

The farm features a collection of rare breed farm animals and birds from the UK and abroad, including Gloucester old spot pigs, soay sheep, and Norfolk black turkeys.

It also has an exotic animal collection managed by the Ventura Wildlife Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that focuses on conservation and education.

The farm has been home to agouti, similar to a guinea pig, but larger with longer legs. They are known as ‘jungle gardeners’ because they bury nuts and seeds, helping new plants to grow.

Alpacas, meerkats, wallabies and squirrel monkeys are also there.

Carpdell Fishery is also a part of the farm – a three-acre carp lake that offers a variety of fishing experiences.

Anyone with a valid Environment Agency rod license can fish at Carpdell Fishery.

And during its summer open days programme, children are offered fishing taster sessions with a qualified angling coach, and provided all equipment and bait.

Cassiobury Farm visitors who have shared their experiences on Tripadvisor have described it as a “hidden gem” and “well hidden”.

Another penned: “We visited Cassiobury farm as part of our grandson’s birthday, What a little gem.

“Tucked on the corner of Cassiobury park we didn’t even know it existed until we were invited to join our family.”

If you’re travelling from London, you’ll want to grab a Metropolitan Line service to Watford Underground Station.

From central London this will take around 45 minutes and conveniently place you less than a 5-minute walk away from Cassiobury Park if you take the road down Shepherd’s Road.

The fishery is open for booking two seasons: Summer (March 1–October 30) and Winter (November 1–February 28).

The daily fee is different for each season, with summer prices being £150 for mid-week and £175 for weekends, and winter prices being £150 per 24 hours.

The lake and clubhouse can also be hired exclusively for up to six anglers.

However Cassiobury Farm, as one Tripadvisor reviewer mentioned, is only open around six times a year during open days.

The next open day, and the final one for 2024, is its Halloween Trick or Treat event on Sunday 27th October.

Visitors are required to book tickets on the Cassiobury Farm & Fishery website – for adults over 16 its £16 and for children 2-16, £12.

As well as seeing the animals, kids can take part Trick or Treat Sweet Hunt for £5.

Taster fishing sessions will also be available for £7.