From historic sites to action-packed days out, Dacorum on Hertfordshire's west edge has something for everyone. With so much to see and do in Dacorum, we've put together an inspiring itinerary to help you pack in all the local highlights!
WELCOME TO DACORUM
From historic sites to action-packed days out, Dacorum on Hertfordshire's west edge has something for everyone. Step back in time at Berkhamsted Castle within the historic market town of Berkhamsted or for a more adrenaline-fuelled day out, check out the extreme sports on offer at The XC, which boasts an impressive skate park, a climbing wall, indoor caving systems, and a challenging high ropes course. The picturesque town of Tring has plenty to offer including the Natural History Museum or pay a visit to National Trust's Ashridge Estate with over 5,000 acres of countryside to enjoy for a day out by foot, bike, or horseback. You can also visit Frithsden Vineyard, a boutique English vineyard and winery set in the foothills of the Chilterns, or take a trip to Tring Brewery for award-winning ales. Spend a morning at Frogmore Paper Mill, the world's oldest mechanised paper mill or enjoy a relaxing afternoon taking in a different view of Hemel Hempstead from the Grand Union Canal. With so much to see and do in Dacorum, we've put together an inspiring itinerary to help you pack in all the local highlights!
MORNING
Natural History Museum
Spend a wonderful morning of discovery at The Natural History Museum at Tring with all the family. The museum was built in 1889 to house the incredible collections of Walther Rothschild. A keen zoologist and an eccentric character, upon his death the building and collection were gifted to the nation and became part of the Natural History Museum. Today, while much of the interior retains its Victorian charm, the Museum runs with a full programme of inspiring exhibitions and events for families and adults. Discover animal specimens from around the world, from tiny beetles to enormous bears. A morning of discovery...
LUNCH
Beechwood Fine Foods
For a spot of lunch, head to farm shop-style café 'Beechwood Fine Foods' selling and serving only the best British and locally-sourced produce. Located in the heart of Tring, they stock only British fruit and veg, hand-picked in the nearby village of Ivinghoe. Locally baked breads, cured meats and hams feature on the menu as well as the widest range of British cheeses in the locality. The owners also produce an award-winning range of jams and preserves which can be purchased on site. Fresh British, and locally sourced...
AFTERNOON
Tring Park
Tring Park is one of Hertfordshire's most important ecological areas and one of the Woodland Trust's most exciting and diverse sites. Just a short walk from the Natural History Museum at Tring, you can discover the park's landscape of ancient woodland, open pastures and remnants of Georgian grandeur. Explore more than 250 acres of sweeping panoramas, open parkland, mixed woodland and rare chalk grassland across the Chilterns' Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in Hertfordshire. And get closer to nature as you uncover a mosaic of habitats for birds, mammals, flora and invertebrates. Back to nature...
DINNER
The Alford Arms
For dinner, head to the award-winning Alford Arms, an independent pub nestled in the secluded wooded valley of Frithsden. With the great Ashridge forest on its doorstep and the broad sweep of the Chiltern Hills as its backdrop, soak in the glorious countryside from your table in their lovely pub garden. Classics and twists abound on the menu, with inventive dishes that move with the seasons and always utilise the wealth of local produce in the area. From forest or farm to plate in no time at all you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fresh and ethically sources ingredients - highlights include the wild garlic foraged from the Chilterns Beech woods, free range chicken from the Potash farm and glorious goats cheese from nearby Wobbly Bottom Farm. A great British menu...
MORNING
Frogmore Paper Mill
On your second morning, head to Frogmore for a truly lovely, fun and educational family day out. Visit the world's oldest mechanised paper mill and the birthplace of paper's industrial revolution, now operated by a conservation and education charity and open to the general public. Paper is an absolutely fascinating, yet much overlooked intervention and there is certainly something magical about seeing the original machines at work. A visit here never fails to amaze, and families always leave with a new perspective, having seen it produced and having the opportunity to have a go themselves. Take part in guided tours, hand papermaking, boat trips and much more! Paper capers...
LUNCH
Here
After a morning of fun and discovery at Frogmore head to nearby Berkhamsted to refuel at Here, a local café with sustainability at its heart. The café is furnished with recycled, reclaimed and local materials, all their produce comes from their neighbours and they also feature the work of local talent on he walls. They cook every dish from scratch, bake bread, make jams and chutneys and even smoke their own fish! Perfect for delicious, fresh light bites from the local area. Loyal and local...
AFTERNOON
The Grand Union Canal
Slow down the pace after lunch and take a leisurely stroll along the Grand Union Canal. The canal stretches for almost 140 miles across England from London to Birmingham, but you can enjoy a small slice of it on a walk along its towpath between Berkhamsted and Tring. Taking in the lovely countryside and a bit of canal boat spotting during the 4.5 mile route, this walk will make sure you take in some history as well, passing some lock keepers' houses along the way. There is a brand-new marina with plenty of canal-side cafes, bars and pubs to keep you well hydrated during your stroll. Stroll along the canal...
DINNER
Dalling & Co, King's Langley
For a delightful evening meal, head to Dalling & Co in King's Langley, a pretty double-fronted deli and café that's also open in the evenings. With continental style pavement seating and a selection of delicious tapas and antipasti, it's the perfect dining spot for a relaxed summer evening. A lovely dinner...
AFTER DINNER
The Rex
After dinner, maybe you could fit in a film at The Rex, an independently owned original Art Deco cinema and relax in their luxurious comfy seats whilst watching anything from world cinema to the latest blockbusters. A luxe night at the flicks...
