August is a strange month. The heat and frivolity of the beginning of summer has passed but the falling leaves of autumn have not yet begun; it's an in-between time.

Yet, it's also the time where schools shut for more than a month after a tiring year of relentless tests and parents have to continually think up new ideas to keep their young children entertained, regardless of the unpredictable weather that makes up a typical British summer.

Rather than whiling the empty days away by staying cooped up indoors staring at a screen, there is no better time to embrace the last remaining natural green spaces in our home towns.

Cassiobury Park is filled with seemingly endless ways to keep children entertained during the summer holidays, including a bat walk later in the month, as well as various fetes, live music and the construction of a giant bouncy castle.

I decided to pay a visit during my lunch break on a Tuesday afternoon but didn't realise just how popular it was and ended up circling round the car park three times before finding a space to leave my car.

I took a leisurely stroll near the magnificent cedar tree that proudly towers over the other birch trees in the middle of the park and somehow managed to navigate my way through the huge crowds of excitable children running around aimlessly, closely being followed by their exasperated parents calling their name and trying to catch up with them.

Suddenly, I stumbled upon the miniature railway that runs regularly throughout the day and only takes five minutes to circle round the majority of the park.

The Watford Miniature Railway was recently bought by Southern Miniature Railways Ltd - a company which specialises in engineering work for and operation of the small trains.

First opened in 1959, the railway has been a “much-loved” part of a family day out in Cassiobury Park for six decades.

However, after nearly forty years in their ownership the previous operator was planning to retire this year and there were fears that the railway would be closed at the end of the summer.

Since being taken over, trains will now be running every day throughout the summer holidays between 11am and 5pm.

There are also plans to improve and upgrade the railway - including reintroducing steam locomotives and running special themed events.

The attraction can certainly be enjoyed at any age. As I trundled around the park in one the many carriages, I was reminded of the summers I spent visiting fair grounds and parks during my childhood.

The rail line is a staple part of Cassiobury Park’s history and it is no surprise it was quickly taken over by new owners to ensure it keeps running for future generations to enjoy.

Further details of the railway and opening times can be found at watfordrailway.co.uk, or by following the Watford Miniature Railway on Facebook or Twitter.