12th Nov 2024
It took its time, but it’s safe to say Summer’s here and that teeth-chattering Spring is long in rear-view mirror. With Father’s Day this Sunday, we have another fine weekend to enjoy the rich variety of activities and venues that make living in Linmere so special. We’ve picked out 4 ideas to get dads out of the house and make some memories.
There’s an old English saying, ‘the key to a man’s heart is through his stomach’, so we’ve included a great BBQ option, whilst adding jousting, Spitfires and a day on a very large lake. Sure, there are countless pubs, dining pubs and restaurants around us, though we’ve opted for experiences that will linger longer than dessert. Wherever you spend the weekend, we wish all dads, in and around Linmere, a very happy Father’s Day!
01 Best of British Evening Airshow – Shuttleworth Collection – Saturday 17 June
Ok, not strictly Father’s Day, but we can’t think of a finer venue to spend a Saturday evening in June. The Best of British Evening Air Show delivers exactly what it says on the tin. The best of British engineering – the planes, the cars and even the steam engines, under a summer sky with plenty of food and entertainment on the side. Bring a blanket and kick back to enjoy the sights and sounds of summer at Shuttleworth, including the baritone growl from the Spitfire.
Admission charges apply, with tickets available online using the link here. Gates open at noon, with the display running from 5:30–8pm.
The Shuttleworth Collection, Alder Dr, Biggleswade SG18 9DT
Old Warden sits to the Southeast of Bedford, 17 miles / 30 minutes’ drive from Linmere.
02 Father’s Day Medieval Jousting at Knebworth House – Sunday 18 June
A popular annual event set against the spectacular gothic backdrop of Knebworth House itself. Costumed Knights gallop in full regalia across the display arena to the cheers of the crowd, demonstrating their skilled horsemanship, taking visitors to an era from centuries ago.
Tickets include access to the entire park, adventure playground, Dinosaur trail and maze, so there’s plenty for all the family to enjoy in this beautiful country park.
Admission charges apply, with tickets available online using the link here. Displays start at noon on Sunday.
Knebworth Park, Stevenage SG1 2AX
Knebworth House is just of Jct 7 A1M – 19 miles / 30-40 mins drive from Linmere.
03 Father’s Day Barbecue Lunch at Sopwell House, St Albans – SUnday 18 June
This is a posh lunch in a splendid hotel and spa venue, on the edges of St Albans city. Hosted by Sopwell’s executive Head Chef, the Smoking BBQ will offer some fine, alfresco cuisine in the gardens of the house, accompanied by live music to complete the mood. The award-winning Tring Brewery will be on hand to provide the beer.
It’s not cheap but will certainly offer memorable Father’s Day out in the sun. Bookings can be made online through the link here.
Sopwell House, Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, Hertfordshire AL1 2HQ
Sopwell House is close to the A414, linked off the M1 Jct 8 – 19 miles from Linmere
04 A day on the water at Willen Lake, Milton Keynes
Willen Lake sits within 6,000 acres of parkland, Willen Lake offers countless ways to enjoy a day on or beside this beautiful lake. Take a picnic, take in the scenery or take to the water to cool off in the sun.
On the water activities are plentiful and covering most age groups. For the younger and more energetic, the Aqua Parc is a must. An inflatable obstacle course offering lots of physical challenge and ample opportunity to get airborne before taking a plunge into the lake.
For those seeking to hone their aqua sports skills, visitors can access kayaks, windsurfing and paddleboards, and a chance to sign-up for lessons to make the best of it. For something more genteel, families can one of the ‘themed’ pedalos, to cruise gently around the lake at your own pace.
The itinerary continues shoreside, with a treetop assault course, splash park, play area, café restaurant and the splendid observation Ferris wheel, gently whisking visitors 36 meters into the air to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the lake.
For more details on all that’s available at Willen Lake, use the link here.
Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, Milton Keynes, MK15 0DS
Willen Lake is very close to M1 Jct 14 – just 15.5 miles from Linmere
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.
