Lydekker Park is a small, peaceful green space close to Harpenden town centre, with ponds, a wildflower meadow, mature trees, flower beds and seating. Paths connect its three entrances, from Arcadian Court, Hitherfield Lane and Luton Road, and there is a car park.
A memorial park
The land was once part of the garden of Harpenden Lodge, home of the Lydekker family. Hilda Lydekker, the last surviving member of the family, arranged for it to become public open space as a memorial to her two brothers and her fiancé, all killed in the First World War. Today it is looked after by Harpenden Town Council.
Wildlife
The ponds, renovated in 2019, attract dragonflies, damselflies and hoverflies, along with amphibians and a variety of birds. A dipping platform gives children a closer look at pond life, and the meadow in the southern part of the park is managed for native wildflowers.
Events
Each summer the park hosts Music in Lydekker, which draws around 1,000 people for live music, food stalls and picnics. Keep an eye on our events listings for dates.
