Andrews Park

Updated June 11, 2025

## Andrews Park, Chelmsford: A Practical Guide (2025)

Location: Patching Hall Ln, Chelmsford CM1 4BX, United Kingdom
Coordinates: 51.7546755, 0.4603621
Category: Urban green space / “Tourist attraction”
Reader rating provided: 4.2/5

### Why Andrews Park works for a quick outdoor reset
Andrews Park is a sizeable community park in north-Chelmsford with over 4 hectares of open space and a mix of recreational features that skew family-friendly and everyday-useful rather than “destination park.” It sits close to St John Payne and Columbus schools, which helps explain the steady daytime footfall and the council’s programming here.

—

## Fast facts (verified)

– Size & vibe: “One of the more established and sizeable Chelmsford city parks,” at 4+ hectares.
– Tennis: One public tennis court on site. It remains free to use, with an online booking system to guarantee a slot.
– Getting there (official directions):
– On foot: there’s access from Oliver Way.
– By car: from Parkway → Broomfield Rd → Patching Hall Ln; turn right at the roundabout, park entrance is the next left.
– By bus: Route 676 serves the park.
Last confirmed update on the council page: 13 June 2025.

> Accuracy note: Some third-party sites list additional amenities (e.g., basketball area, multiple playgrounds, “ample parking”). Treat those as directional only unless corroborated by council sources or on-site signage. The official pages above confirm tennis and access; other facilities can change.

—

## Orientation & entrances

The main vehicular entrance is off Patching Hall Lane; pedestrians can also enter from Oliver Way on the east side. For sat nav, use CM1 4BX. If you prefer map pins, drop 51.7546755, 0.4603621 and aim for the western edge of Patching Hall Lane. The tennis court is signposted via the LTA/ClubSpark network as “Andrews Park” and uses the same booking platform as other Chelmsford parks.

—

## What to do

### 1) Book a free hour of tennis
Andrews Park runs its tennis court via ClubSpark. You’ll see availability and can reserve for free; booking simply saves you a wasted journey if the court is busy. (Walk-ups are still possible when free.)

### 2) Bring a ball and keep it flexible
This isn’t a big “feature” park with a café or visitor centre; it’s a roomy neighbourhood green with scope for kickabouts, frisbee, or low-key picnics on fair days. The council’s “Play in the Park” programme also drops in here during school holidays with supervised activities (think parkour tasters, pop-up inflatables, crafts), which can transform a regular weekday into an easy win with kids. Check dates before you go.

### 3) Pair it with a city errand
Because the park sits just off Broomfield Road and Parkway, you can fold it into a Chelmsford run (groceries, station pickup, etc.). It’s a smart “ten-minute nature” stop rather than a half-day destination.

—

## Accessibility & inclusivity notes

– The council describes Andrews Park as offering facilities “with something for everyone,” reflecting an inclusive brief across its parks network. That ethos shows up in programming (holiday sessions, multi-age play) and the move to bookable public tennis so access is predictable.
– Surface & paths: The official pages don’t publish a detailed path-grade or step-free map for this site. If step-free access is essential, use the Patching Hall Lane entrance, then assess in-park paths before committing to a long loop.
– Toilets: No council-verified toilets are listed for Andrews Park. Plan accordingly. (Neighbouring flagship parks like Central/Admirals do have more facilities; consider those for longer stays.) Your Chelmsford

—

## Getting there without the faff

– Bus: Route 676 stops near the park (helpful for school-time runs). Verify timings on the day, especially in school holidays when schedules can shift.
– Driving: Follow the council’s route via Parkway → Broomfield Rd → Patching Hall Ln; the entrance is signed. Allow a few extra minutes around school start/finish.
– On foot / wheels: The Oliver Way access is convenient if you’re coming from the residential east.

—

## Practical tips that save time

– Reserve tennis before you set out. It’s free, and you’ll avoid turning up to a busy court.
– Holiday sessions fill early. The “Play in the Park” craft slots often run first-come, first-served with hard caps (e.g., first 100 children for sand-art or slime). Arrive at the registration desk at session start.
– Traffic watch: Patching Hall Lane has seen road-condition headlines and upgrades over time; if you’re driving after heavy weather, build a small buffer. (Highways improvements at the B1008/Broomfield Rd–Patching Hall Ln junction were completed in recent years.) Sun

—

## Nearby options to build a half-day (walk or short drive)

Chelmsford’s park network is dense. If you need toilets, cafés, or larger play zones, hop to Central Park or Admirals Park; both are part of the same council portfolio and are easy to combine with a visit here. (Use the Love Your Chelmsford “Find a Green Space” directory to filter by facilities like toilets, cafés, and accessible play.) Your Chelmsford

—

## What’s new or changing

– Council page updated: The official Andrews Park event page noted a last update on 13 June 2025. Always re-check dates for seasonal activities before travelling.
– City connectivity: Wider Chelmsford transport is evolving (e.g., new rail infrastructure coming online in 2025), which may make park-and-ride and rail connections to the north side of the city more fluid over time. If you rely on public transport, keep an eye on local announcements. (Background context from regional reporting; not site-specific.) Sun

—

## The essentials (recap)

– Address for sat nav: CM1 4BX (Patching Hall Lane).
– Court sport: 1 x public tennis court; free, bookable online.
– Best for: quick runs with kids, casual sport, dog walks (check on-site signage for any seasonal restrictions).
– Bring: water, hand wipes, and a backup plan for toilets if you’re staying long.
– Reader rating (supplied): 4.2/5.

—

### Sources & verification
– Chelmsford City Council – “Play in the Park: Andrews Park”: address, route/transport, last-updated date, and holiday programming.
– LTA/ClubSpark – Andrews Park: park size descriptor; confirmation of one public tennis court; booking policy; pointer to official facilities page.
– Love Your Chelmsford – Green Spaces directory: facility filters and portfolio context for nearby parks if you need toilets/cafés. Your Chelmsford
– Essex Highways (completed scheme): recent years’ improvements at B1008/Broomfield Rd–Patching Hall Lane junction.
– Note on third-party amenity claims: Pacer and other listings mention parking and multi-sport features; treat as unconfirmed until checked on the day.

> If you spot a change (new play equipment, resurfaced paths, on-site signage about dog zones), send us a quick note so we can re-verify and update this guide.

Key Highlights

Andrews Park

Location

Places to Stay Near Andrews Park"I do like this park as it has quite a variety of things to climb on ..."

Find and Book a Tour

Explore More Travel Guides