What makes a top tier day out? If you ask us, it’s the simplicity of a day – spending time with friends or family, and not having to worry about entry prices or how you get there. This is where this little piece comes in. We've pulled together our favourite days out which are all accessible by train and a short walk or similar on to the final destination – so read on and get planning for those summer, autumnal or even winter days…
Home Farm Glamping
Hertfordshire’s plentiful green space means that we’re the ultimate country escape – a little biased perhaps - but before you do all this exploring you need a base. Whether you’re coming from the north or south, our rolling land means you stop off and soak in the fresh air. One place where you can do that just an 8 minute taxi from Elstree & Borehamwood station is Home Farm Glamping. There are 12 yurts and bell tents on site with plenty of space between each so you feel as in the sticks as possible, all with their own seating, barbecue and more. On dates throughout the summer and September there’s also a raft of workshops such as watercolour and wild writing too. The even better news is that with the off season comes some incredible savings! Head to their website so book for that late summer getaway.
Lee Valley White Water Centre
For world class waters for slalom canoeing you might think of somewhere such as the Grand Canyon or the Kenali River in Nepal, but here in Herts we are hosting the 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in September. Staged at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, which was the host of canoe slalom events for the London 2012 Olympic Games the space provides a place to watch this exhilarating sport - and you might even want to hop into the water and give it a go. To make your day easy, it’s accessible by Overground to Theobalds Grove or to Waltham Cross by mainline train.
A St Albans circular route
St Albans is one of Herts’ most connected spots, with trains and public transport crisscrossing the county, which means that a trip into the city is rather easy! For a day of exploring its top sights, arrive into St Albans City station, zig zag through the streets making your way to the St Albans Museum + Gallery which has 2,000 year old artefacts through to modern day artworks. Continue further past the Clock Tower and through very small lanes such as Waxhouse Gate to the Cathedral where you can admire the longest nave in the country and some beautiful gardens. Once you’ve moved your neck upward and side to side all morning, it’s time for lunch and St Albans has no shortage of spots - from national favourites to individual family-run restaurants and cafes for a spot of lunch.
Rickmansworth Aquadrome
Escaping the city for some country peace? This one is for you. Surrounded by rippling water, trees and countless birds, the Rickmansworth Aquadrome is more than a mile away from the hustle and bustle of the other end of the London Underground (yes you can catch the tube here!). Spend a couple of hours on its paths, stop at the onsite café for a sustainable lunch and then head to the nearby canal to watch the boats meander up the Grand Union Canal.
Berkhamsted Castle
Don’t fancy too long of a walk? This one is a grand total of two minutes, yes two minutes. An English Heritage property, this castle has had quite the history: After the Battle of Hastings in 1066, the English surrendered to William the Conqueror at Berkhamsted Castle and it has remained an important piece of history in the area since. Today, its walls and earthworks are still visible, which make for a lovely afternoon wander or sit down to just relive the hundreds of years of history…