Who doesn’t love a bank holiday weekend? No Sunday scaries, no annual leave to use and, in the case of the spring and summer bank hols we’re talking about, hopefully a little sunshine too!
With a bumper year of bank holiday weekends to come, we’re taking you from Easter to the coronation of His Majesty The King and sharing some of our top tips for making the most of your time and booking up a break in our very own Hertfordshire.
Ready to start dreaming? Read on.
Home Farm Glamping
Home Farm Glamping are bringing all the fun this May bank holiday, with a Coronation Market Day on 8th May to mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation.
The Market Day is in aid of BEEE Creative, a small arts charity working across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire to promote inclusive dance and movement. Throughout the day you and the family will have a host load of things to enjoy including local market stalls, delicious food and some free workshops, not to mention grooming and playing with pygmy farm animals.
Fancy staying longer? Check in to one of their 12 dreamy yurts and bell tents and soak up the tranquil surroundings of the Hertfordshire countryside.
The Grove
If you’re looking to add a little luxury to your bank holiday weekend, then it doesn’t get much better than The Grove, especially as we approach the spring months and the 300 acres of grounds become a blanket of bluebells. And, with it almost being Easter and all, you families will be pleased to hear there’s plenty of Easter activities including the Mad Hatter’s magic show and the ultimate Easter Egg Hunt! Or take advantage of the on-site Anouska’s Kids Club while you slip away to Sequoia Spa for bank holiday -pick-me-up treat.
Join them Sunday and Monday and Get 50% off* on bank holiday Monday.
Chiltern Canal Boat Holidays
Looking to do something unique over an extended weekend? Then why not spend a few days on the water, exploring the beautiful countryside and local towns and villages on the Chiltern Hills AONB. No need to be an experienced sailor, you newbies can learn the ropes of the water and you’ll be well on your way to sailing through the bank holiday weekend.
Tring Together Festival
We’re starting off with the festivals. Tring Together Spring Fayre will be blooming from April 29th - May 14th, with different activities planned around culture & heritage, fitness & wellbeing and fun & crafts to help you shake off the winter blues! While you’re here, this pretty market town has plenty of IG-worthy spots that are sure to bring spring to your grid.
Campus West
Ah, movies on the big screen, it doesn't get much better! Catch live West End or international shows, from ballet and opera to theatre live from the RSC, Royal Opera House and even the New York Met in this independent cinema. While families can enjoy colour and fun at Soft Play City or music on wheels at Roller City. Adults, we’ve thought of you too as Friday night equals adult skate with DJs and a licensed bar!
Henry Moore Studio & Gardens
Here in Herts spring means the opening of Henry Moore Studios and Gardens, the incredible sculpture garden created by artist Henry Moore in the heart of the Herts countryside. From April 5th the doors will be reopened with the chance to now buy annual tickets which means visiting the Studios & Gardens as many times as you like during the open season! With 30 sculptures on display, the real highlight has to be the never-before-exhibited plaster for Large Spindle Piece, and models for some of Moore’s most acclaimed pieces.
Hanbury Manor
Honestly, a getaway to Herts is a real getaway, with our manor houses and estates making the perfect country retreat. Hanbury Manor is no exception. Here you’ll find a Jacobean-style manor, 200 acres of countryside and cosy fireplaces (here’s hoping that won’t be necessary) and luxurious rooms. While away the weekend playing a round on the championship golf course, or go for the relaxed approach with a trip to the day spa.
While we wouldn’t blame you for never wanting to leave, the local town of Ware holds plenty to discover, with Scott’s Grotto at its heart, a 20 metre wonderland covered in shells and fossils.
Banyers House
Welcome to luxury, welcome to everything you need all in one beautifully wrapped weekend. Spend any one of the bank hols here and you’ll return to work on Tuesday recharged and full of delicious food and drink. The Grade II listed building is an absolute beauty, boasting boutique-styled bedrooms and a fantastic restaurant, dishing up Mediterranean-style dishes, or if you fancy, a bottomless brunch and bubbles.
Once you’ve managed to pull yourself away from these delights, explore the local town of Royston, perfect Instagrammable moments and coffee and cake, and independent shopping in the heart of the town.
Sopwell House Hotel
We know what you’re thinking…another beautiful manor house where I can stay the night? It’s a good job we’ve got so many bank holiday weekends coming up. Sopwell House’s 4 star Georgian manor offers luxury, rest and relaxation and all just a short hop from St Pancras. Check into one of the independently styled rooms, tuck in at the 2 AA Rosette restaurant, or sink into relaxation in the beautifully calming Cottonmill Spa. Trust us, this long weekend will have you revived and rested in no time.
And because it would be rude not to make the most of what’s on your doorstep, we recommend heading into charming St Albans, where the weekend market is packed with fantastic finds and street food and Roman ruins and heritage beckon. Oh and did we mention, this is also a perfect spot for a shopping with a side of brunching?
Watford
Talk about a quick hop on the train, Watford boasts the fantastic Atria shopping centre, exceptional food and drink options (we’ve spoken about The Florist before, right??), and an expanse of green parkland at its heart. In the summer months Cassiobury Park hosts a jam-packed programme of live music in its bandstand FOR FREE, making it our go-to for those lazy bank holiday weekends.