Founded in 1969 this sprawling green oasis set across more than 80 hectares was once part of a large farm owned by the Geldenhuys family. The park contains both extensive parkland, including a dam and wetlands, as well as more formally planted botanical gardens. Beautifully landscaped and with long trails to follow as well as wide grassy lawns, this is the perfect place to enjoying long walks, kick around a soccer ball or have a lazy weekend picnic.

Among the formal botanical gardens is a pretty terraced rose garden, particularly popular in spring when the blooming rose bushes and cherry blossom trees, fountains and cascading waterways make the perfect backdrop for wedding photos. Other formal gardens include herb gardens and an Arboretum with a variety of indigenous and exotic trees including grand Californian Redwoods and English oaks, as well as a beautiful landscaped succulent garden that boasts more than 85 species of succulent plants including South Africa’s only indigenous cactus.

Beyond the formal gardens in the northern part of the park the rolling parklands stretch south for acres framed by the rocky Melville Koppies in the distance. This section of the park with grasslands, shady groves and wetland areas is particularly popular with dogwalkers, while those coming to the park for a picnic tend to stay closer to the Emmarentia Dam or on the lawns in the formal garden areas.

The park is often the venue for events such as concerts and markets. Look out for the fantastic boutique market The Linden Market, hosted every two to three months.