Winter is here and what better way to boost your morale than with a fantastic winter day out! Well Hertfordshire is filled with amazing ideas and activities to make the most of the season.
From winter walks to the top attractions that are open in late December and early January we have come up with a busy list for you.
The Grove
Come spend a little downtime this winter at The Grove where you can escape and unwind with the relaxing Sequoia spa and the fresh countryside air. Whilst you’re enjoying your luxurious stay why not enjoy an international feast at the beautiful Glasshouse or taste the delicious winter delights at The Stables?
Although many would like to put their feet up and relax over the winter break some might have a little more energy, so take a look a look at their wide range of activities available.
Hanbury Marriott Hotel & Country Club
Setting the scene for a magical holiday destination is Hanbury Manor Marriott Hotel & Country Club. With the glistening lights surrounding the place and a cosy fire lit ready to welcome you over Twixmas.
Now there’s nothing like having a full belly over the festive season so make sure to try the three-course lunch or dinner at Cast Iron Grill or delve into a delicious afternoon tea filled with those tasty treats.
The Snow Centre Hemel Hempstead
“I’m dreaming of a white Christmas…” Well did you know that Hertfordshire can make your dream come true at The Snow Centre! This might not be real snow, but I promise it looks and feels like the real thing especially whilst you’re skiing or snowboarding down the slopes.
Whether you’re a beginner or professional this is the perfect place to hone your skills and have a fantastic family fun day.
Cheslyn Gardens
Discover Watfords ‘best kept secret’ Cheslyn House and Gardens, where you can explore a semi-natural woodland area. Located in 3.5 acres, the space is imaginatively laid out with a pond, aviaries, woods, landscaped gardens and you can even spot some wildlife.
Josh Carter
Cassiobury Park
Cassiobury Park is a Green Flag award-winning beauty spot and a thriving visitor attraction. Nestled in 250 acres the park really does have it all from cafes, bandstand, walks around the nature and a miniature railway.
Shendish Manor
Relax at Shendish Manor, a beautifully restored Victorian manor house that is located in 160 acres of parklands and outstanding gardens. This is the ideal venue to stay when visiting family and friends during the festive season plus they offer delicious food from a Christmas Day lunch to a Boxing Day lunch and afternoon tea and even breakfast with the elves!
Scruffs Christmas Adventure at The Old Town Hall
Saturday 21st - 24th December
Perfect for all the family is Scruff’s Christmas Adventure a new co-production at The Old Town Hall. Come and help Scruff the tiny puppy on his fun-filled adventure with magical puppetry and lots of laughter! Plus stay till the end of the show where you can meet and greet with Scruff!
Planet Ice Hemel Hempstead
Here’s another sporty activity for those with lots of energy to use! Planet Ice is a fantastic ice-skating rink jam packed with events for you to take part in. Whether you have never been on the ice before or are a professional this fun ice skating rink really is our go to place for all the family.
Josh Carter
Ashridge House & Gardens
Located just 30 minutes away from London is Ashridge House. Once a royal residence to King Henry VIII and Princess Elizabeth I, the beautiful house is set in 190 acres of landscaped gardens and is the perfect location to visit throughout the year but is the most spectacular during the winter period.
Make sure to visit whilst Ashridge House Illuminated is on and follow the twinkling lights around the gardens!
Parks:
The Box Moor Trust
Not many people think of heading outside during the winter let alone having a walk around the park but you would be missing out if you didn’t visit The Box Moor Trust. Just because it’s winter that doesn’t mean the wildlife stops too! Box Moor Trust manages 480 acres of agriculture and amenity land with aims to attract wildlife and to increase the biodiversity of the local area.
Discover the variety of wild plants and insects, the soaring species of birds and the small mammals who are abundant over much of the estate.
Chipperfield Common
Take a walk around Chipperfield Common. Discover significant historical landscape features such as the ponds, two early Bronze Age burial mounds a lot of historical trees some even dating back to the 1600s) can you spot them?
Dacorum walks
The Borough of Dacorum is located mainly in the beautiful countryside and is filled with walking routes that can be enjoyed all year round… even in the winter times! Most of the walks are very flat such as the Grand Union Canal and if you like an adventure then head to the Chilterns where you can explore the hills.
Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust
Tring Reservoirs
Looking for that perfect place to wander around filled with wildlife? Tring Reservoirs boasts a variety of wildfowl and birdlife and has now become one of the best birdwatching spots in southern England.
During the colder months, you could see a large number of wintering wildfowl, tufted duck, pochard, teal, gadwall, wigeon and shovelers. Occasionally you might even spot goldeneye, goosander and smew.
wild_trax_wt found on Instagram
College Lake Nature Reserve
What was once a chalk quarry is now a beautiful lake. College Lake Nature Reserve is known as one of the best places in Buckinghamshire to see water birds through the hides that overlook the lake.
Oxhey Woods Local Nature Reserve
Located in Three Rivers is Oxhey Woods, at almost 100 hectares this woodland is a very important site notable for the unusual Wild Service Tree, sometimes known as the Chequers Tree.
Wander around the woodland sculpture trail with natural sculptures found throughout your journey showcasing the wildlife and history of the woods.