The Heritage Trail

A self-guided walk, suitable for buggies, wheelchairs and mobility aids (at a leisurely pace allow approx: 60mins for a return walk).

The Heritage Trail has been created using highly skilled artists to develop nine sculptures, which pay tribute to the site’s history of Minds, Machines & Movies. Each sculpture has an interpretation board giving an insight into the fascinating local history and artitsts’ journey. 

From the main car park look along the footpath to see towering in front of you an intricate carving depicting two aviation crew shaking hands, the Leavesden Spirit (1).Take time to read the poem carved into the base which tells the evocative story of the closing of the Rolls Royce Factory. 

Continue along the path to A Trick of the Light (2) and spin the zoetrope, where you’ll be transported back in time to the beginning of animated film. Now walk on towards College Road crossing at the pedestrian lights into the other side of the park. Notice the carefully restored railings and stonework replicating the original pier caps to your left as you re-enter the park.

Ghosts in the Machine (3) stands to your left, the interpretation board details the significance of these characters. The path splits, take the left hand fork to venture through The Little Blossom Orchard towards a mirrored wall, take time to ‘play’ here as you adjust the fins to fully experience The Boundary (4). 

Take a stroll over the grass underneath the magnificent oak trees (or return to the path turning left along the Lime trees) to admire the intricate circles which form The Community (5), located within The Remembrance Garden. This garden is a place for reflection in the Park, enjoy reading about it on the interpretation board.

Follow the Lime trees and look out for a marble suitcase and Director’s chair. Here you can enjoy ‘your moment in the spotlight’ at Every Moment Shines (6). 

The Evolution (7) stands proudly to the left, its individual cubes moving gracefully in the wind. Take a moment to appreciate the relationships of these pieces. 

Returning to the main path, trace your steps past Every Moment Shines and take the path as it gently rises and turns to your left. Peak through the trees to The Wooden Wonder (8) in all its glory. Press the button in the Mosquito’s cockpit to transport you back and listen to real life stories from these times. 

For the best view of the final sculpture, walk across the grassland to your right and admire the Kiss of the Screen Gods (9), the iconic symbol of the first screen kiss which completes the Heritage Trail.

Find out more about the Heritage Trail, its sculptures and their significance to the community and local history.

Enjoy the Horses' Field

If you would like to extend the Heritage Trail walk further, simply cross Langley Lane and enter The Horses’ Field - a  beautiful wildlife site. There is another exciting play area here and a mosaic of paths taking you through the grassland  habitat. Depending on the season the field can be full of wildflowers and in summer months cattle may be grazing, providing a  sanctuary all year round for wildlife. On your return, either take the steps at the Remembrance Garden or the path before  the steps and appreciate the impressive Edwardian Garden. Take time to admire these stunning specimen trees before you return. 

Find out more about the Horses Field.