When you think of the summer you think of carefree days and trips where even a short journey can transport you to another world of calm, exploration and a break from ‘normal life’. So, if you are beginning to plan your family’s summer break, we’ve got everything you need to get the ball rolling below. Just add in some summer sun and away you go… (although we can’t guarantee this so the majority of these are good any day!).
Days off in Dacorum
Sitting at the foot of the Chilterns is Dacorum. Unfortunately it’s not quite the spot for snowfall, and come summer there’s no chance we’ve got any! However, that doesn’t mean you can’t take to the slopes. The Snow Centre offers junior and adult one hour Ski Lessons for people who’ve never taken to the slopes, right up to snowboard holiday camps, your winter ahead might look a little different!
If your kid is consistently driving their model car up and down the sofa and takes it with them when out and about, consider taking them to Drift Limits, around ten minutes away from the Snow Centre. If you’ve got kids under five, they can watch from a safe spectating area but if they are over five, take a family hotlap. Up to 4 people in one car can experience the true thrill of a super car, from Nissan GTRs to Shelby GT500.
Once you’ve exalted all of the energy you have, we’d recommend having a morning at the Natural History Museum in Tring. Throughout the year they have a packed events schedule deep diving into certain breeds, not to mention the 4900 specimens you can see on display.
Stay: Pendley Manor. A countryside manor that has a number of family rooms, including the decadent Shakespeare Room
Meander through summer in Three Rivers
Just moments away from Watford and central London, the area of Three Rivers is a short break haven. Start your little trip at the iconic Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter, where you can step into the studio where the magical series was shot, wander Diagon Alley and get up close to the Hogwarts Express.
What beats being around water? Quite possibly the Warner Bros. tour, but beyond that very little! Spend your afternoon at the Rickmansworth Aquadrome around 15 minutes from the studio. With 41 hectares of lakes and open space, the local nature reserve has routes for walking and cycling – just what you need to tire out the kids!
Stay: The Grove. With extra activities for the little ones, Anouska's kids' club allows parents some R&R. Plus with special offers, including a deal to stay for two nights or more and enjoy 20% off each night, it's time to make the absolute most of the school holidays.
Take off into summer
The title might sound like you’re catching an aircraft somewhere, but there’s no international travel today! However, we are sticking with the aviation theme as Hertfordshire certainly has its fair share of connections to the industry. Spend a morning at the esteemed de Havilland Aircraft Museum and get up close to World War 2 bombers and aircraft from the start of the turbojet era.
If you’ve brought along the younger little ones, head over to Willows Activity Farm. This park is where they can meet farmyard animals straight from the rhymes, venture on funfair rides, and take off in other ways – such as on trampolines. Plus, get the full farm experience with rides on tractors!
Stay: Home Farm Glamping. A harmonious balance between luxury and country, the 12 yurts and tents at Home Farm Glamping are beautifully furnished and welcome dogs!
DoubleTree by Hilton London Elstree. Sitting just outside Borehamwood, this hotel has a number of modern rooms, including Suites and Accessible rooms, plus Chaplin’s restaurant which serves British and Continental dishes.
Stay outdoors
Begin your trip with a visit to the newly renamed Hertfordshire Zoo (formerly Paradise Wildlife Park), where you can get up close to creatures ranging from big cats to dwarf crocodiles! Their work supports a wide range of wildlife conservation projects both in the UK such as hedgehogs to those around the globe, such as animals you’ll see at the park.
Inspired by seeing some of the amphibians at the zoo? Take your own water-based activities afternoon at Stanborough Park. With the likes of boats to sail, stand up paddleboarding and even pedalos to rent, you can burn off the energy and get the freedom of taking to 126 acres!
Stay: Tewinbury Farm Hotel. With rooms overlooking lakes and in the farm buildings and restaurants onsite, this is the perfect place to seclude yourself from day to day life. Plus, there’s also shepherd’s huts, if the parents just fancy coming back solo!
Treasure Maps for Herts
Have you got multiple days to keep those kids busy? If you’re taking in all the adventures above, we’d recommend picking up a few physical Treasure Map Trails maps too. These award-winning fantasy themed maps give kids the chance to explore areas such as Berkhamsted, Hemel Hempstead Old Town, Hertford and Hitchin, all with their own unique theme.