Hertfordshire, we're welcoming you back! In celebration of weekend plans being back on the menu, we're sharing some of our top tips for a weekend break without the stress...that just happens to be right on your doorstep. Ready to start planning your perfect local escape?Â
Calling all the persistent peddalers, the keen kayakers, the hungry hikers, and the eager explorers, whatever type of avid adventurer you consider yourself, it's time to buckle up for an adrenaline-fuelled escape packed with outdoor activities, in Hertfordshire. With our miles of winding hiking and biking trails, our abundance of exciting and unique attractions, and our stretching glorious greenery waiting to be discovered, our charming county will offer the perfect excuse to blow off the cobwebs from your exploring boots, and really s t r e t c h out those legs- let's face it, we all need it! So channel your inner Lance Armstrong, play the part of Christopher Columbus, or follow in the strokes of Michael Phelps, and set sail on your next adventure in Hertfordshire...
Day One
Morning-
Natural History Museum Tring
First up we're adventuring far and wide across the globe and back in time. Visit this local gem and you'll catch sightings of polar bears, extinct quaggas (you'll have to find out about that one for yourself), a giant tortoise, dressed fleas (yep) and many more creatures great and small among the 4,900 species packed into this intriguing museum.Â
Afternoon-
The Snow Centre
Drift on down to The Snow Centre and for an activity you won't get board of. It's snow secret that an afternoon spent here will be brr-illiant (I think we've peaked early with this one). Unleash your inner Eddie the Eagle and tackle the real, indoor, 160m snow slope if you dare to be brave. Consider yourself a total boarding novice? Fear not. Beginner or smaller adventurers can take a ride on the ringo slide or learn the basics with a 1:1 lesson, so there's something for every adrenaline junkie to glide into here.Â
The Grove Hotel
If you've still got energy to burn, The Grove Hotel's 300 acres of glorious grounds and wonderful woodland trails are perfect for biking and hiking in Hertfordshire, so you can be sure to have a wheelie good time here. You can never get tyred of a good pun can you? No wheels? No problem! Bike hire is available directly from the hotel itself, with racks of adult and kids’ bikes available, so the whole family can take a ride. If you're still not ready to put on the brakes after your explorations, The Grove also has archery and laser clay on site for you to take a shot at!
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Watford's Parks
Be it the green space of Cassiobury Park in all its Green Flag awarded beauty, or the 14 hectares of Oxhey Park with its rolling grassy slopes (incidentally some of the best sledging hills around) along the River Colne, we recommend taking a breath in Watford's beautiful parks. Don't fancy pressing pause on your adventures? The brand new Oxhey Activity Park comes complete with table tennis, adventure playground and skate park!Â
Dinner-
The Glasshouse
Stomachs are sure to be rumbling right now and The Groves's Glasshouse will definitely serve you well. Watch as the mouth-watering food is prepared before your eyes, and tantalise your taste buds with the brand new a la carte style menu, featuring a variation of delicious dishes such as grilled swordfish, Gloucester Old Spot pork chop and half a native lobster. After you've finished indulging, raise a glass to your adventure with a post-dinner tipple in the light and airy bar, complemented by sweeping views of the garden.
Stay-
We're certain that with this itinerary, all that will be on your mind now is a good night's sleep. Luckily for you, after enjoying the indulgent meal, and refreshing the palate with one of the signature cocktails (it's a hard life isn't it?), you won't have far to travel to lay your head. Unwind in one of The Grove's very own luxurious hotel rooms, and sink into gorgeous grand interiors, adorned with a mix of antique and modern furnishings. Retreat, relax and rest those eyes.
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Abodebed
After a day of adventure, your very own space to relax and rest up for another day of adrenaline-fuelled fun is a must. With a fully equipped kitchen to prep those protein-packed meals (hey, a holiday is no reason to miss a day or two of your plan) and a comfortable spot to rest those aching legs, Abodebed serviced apartments are the perfect spot to catch the zzzs.Â
Day Two
Top Golf
Not your typical 18 holes, Top Golf in Watford is a 240 yard driving range with targets to hit and some added competition. Compete for the high score, stop off for drinks in the bar, or taken on the 18 hole adventure golf course. With the added comfort of heated outdoor bays, a wide screen TV for all your sporting needs and food and drink brought out to you, this is one heck of an experience.Â
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Morning-
Lee Valley White Water Centre
Water your plans for day two you ask? Splashing away those lockdown blues is first on the list! Paddle along the drifts and turns of Lee Valley's White Water Centre, and wave goodbye to the boredom, we promise you it's fresh to depth! Whether white-water rafting, kayaking, tubing, or tackling the inflatable obstacle course is on your agenda, you are guaranteed to have a splashingly good time!
Afternoon-
Paradise Wildlife Park
In the jungle, the mighty jungle! Grab those binoculars, and head along to Paradise Wildlife Park for a pawfect, fur-filled afternoon. Home to over 800 exotic animals, rated Hertfordshire’s No.1 Outdoor Attraction by Trip Advisor and being the only zoo in the UK to house five different big cat species, this exciting animal park isn't to be missed. Of all the memories made during your trip, Paradise is sure to be a keeper, we're not lion. (Sorry, we know these puns have become unbearable).