Lion Kings & Queens, Whitsun around Linmere

As the rarest of Mays draws to a close, we enjoy our 3^rd bank holiday of the month to welcome in Whitsun and the half-term holidays. Of course we use the term ‘welcome’ with caveats, especially for those parents needing to keep their children occupied across next week. Panic not. The weather forecast is set fair and the start of summer is a perfect time to forage around Linmere and enjoy the great things living here has to offer.

Let’s start this weekend at the Hertfordshire County Show, M1 JCT 9

A big county show that draws on this region’s substantial agricultural heritage. Now in its 146^th year (!!), the show places family entertainment at its heart, setting out to ‘educate and raise awareness about local agriculture and all associated skills and trades’.

A whole day out, with event arenas celebrating our agriculatural life, including horse showjumping and pony racing, flanked by numerous shows, stalls, exhibits, offering plenty of options for food & refreshment.

The show draws a large crowd from far and wide, so get there early to avoid the queues. Tickets are available online, with family concession, on the link here.

Saturday 27^th and Sunday 28^th May only at the Redbourn Showground, 9 miles / 14 mins drive from Linmere.

The Showground, Dunstable Road, Redbourn, Herts AL3 7PT

Venture further East to enjoy the peace of Knebworth House & Gardens

To many, Knebworth House is the stuff of folklore. A frequent location for film & TV, including The Crown and Batman, as well as host to some of the UK’s most famous outdoor music festivals. From rock legends Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and Metallica to pop royalty Oasis and Robbie Williams. Indeed, Knebworth was the last place Queen played live, where fans still reunite today to honour their extraordinary popularity.

Half-term will be a lot more peaceful. In fact, the peace & quiet amongst the sprawling grounds is one of Knebworth’s most appealing qualities. The Gothic mansion, beautifully kept gardens, dinosaur trail, café and adventure playground provide one of the finest summer days out anywhere in the South East. Bring a picnic, pick a spot in the grounds and soak up the scenery, with herds of deer bustling through the woods. You’ll be back again and again.

Knebworth House is just of Jct 7 A1M – 19 miles / 30-40 mins drive from Linmere. Admission applies and we’d recommend the Gardens & Park only on your first visit, available on the link here.

Knebworth Park, Stevenage SG1 2AX

Travel back to the Elizabethan age at Hatfield House

A breathtaking Jacobean mansion located close to the A1M at Hatfield. Built in 1611 by Robert Cecil and has been the home of the Cecil family ever since. It boasts beautiful gardens that cover over 42 acres, including a maze, fountains, and an absolutely first-class café restaurant, serving locally sourced dishes.

Hatfield House is jewel in the crown of Royal history. The home of Elizabeth I and the very place she was informed of her succession, at the passing of her half-sister Mary. In fact, you’ll find the very place under the Oak Tree planted by her successor Elizabeth II in 1985.

If the kids start to tire of all the history, and there is plenty, there’s a fantastic adventure playground, with a replica of the House, to give you a break and a chance for them to burn off that half-term energy.

Hatfield House is close to Jct 4 A1M – 20 miles / 40 mins drive from Linmere. Admission applies to access house, with tickets available on arrival.

Hatfield House, Great North Rd., Hatfield AL9 5HX

A DAY TRIP to the African Savanna at Woburn Safari Park

We’re big fans of Whipsnade and like to give them a lot of press, so we’re shifting our attention to another unrivalled day out at Woburn Safari Park.

Set in 3,000 acres of the impressive Woburn Abbey, situated in the heart of Bedfordshire. The estate plays an important part in animal conservation, protecting endangered species, hosting a road & foot safari, animal shows and adventure playground.

The road safari winds through 5 zones, bringing visitors close to an enormous variety of species, beginning with Zebras, Giraffes and Southern White Rhinos. Further into the the safari, the secure zones take you into the lair of North American bears, Canadian timber wolves, tigers and ultimately prides of African lions.

The foot safari brings you face-to-face with  tamer residents, including leemurs, meerkats, otters, with penguins and Californian sea lions close by. Around the foot safari stands the Ark indoor adventure playrground, with good food & refreshment facilities close by.

Woburn Abbey is located close to M1 Jct 13, just 10 miles / 15 mins drive from Linmere. Admission applies, with tickets available to book on this link here.

Woburn Abbey & Safari Park, Crawley Rd, Woburn, Ridgmont, Bedford MK43 0TU

Linmere is designed to be a place for communities that embraces the natural environment, and where all generations can enjoy a great quality of life. This exciting new collection of leafy and walkable neighbourhoods, situated north of Houghton Regis Bedfordshire, located close to M1 Junction 11a. Nestled into verdant surroundings, its first homes completed and inhabited in 2021. The Land Trust will maintain and preserve these spaces on behalf of Houghton Regis Management Company.