The perfect location for indulging in a little retail therapy and delicious dining or for an action-packed trip with all the family, Stevenage has so much to offer the visitor for a wonderful weekend break
WELCOME TO STEVENAGE
In the heart of the county and just twenty minutes from London, the district of Stevenage offers visitors a timeless mix of heritage, retail therapy and exciting events for everyone to enjoy. Running through the heart of the town, and giving it more of a rural feel, is the Fairlands Valley Park - an idyllic stretch of parkland featuring extensive woodland with several lakes and play areas. The perfect location for indulging in a little retail therapy and delicious dining or for an action-packed trip with all the family, Stevenage has so much to offer the visitor for a wonderful weekend break…
MORNING
Westgate Shopping Centre
A high street shopaholics delight! Shop the big brands such as Next, Matalan, TK Max, H&M, River Island, New Look and more in the heart of Stevenage’s bustling town centre. If you’re looking for something a little different, head over the bridge and you’ll quickly reach the quirky Old Town with its variety of boutiques, cafes and independent stores – perfect for a relaxing weekend browse. Shop ‘til you drop…
LUNCH
Salt & Good
In the heart of the town centre you’ll find Salt & Good, an unlimited world buffet food experience, bringing flavours from kitchens, streets, stalls and markets from around the world in the best authentic way. Make your selection from a wide combination of mouth-watering dishes including Italian, Indian, Mexican, Thai, Chinese, Grill, and Desserts & Ice cream. They also have a cocktails & champagne bar with a wide range of spirits, beers, wine, cocktails, mocktails and lots of treats for the kids. Pick & Mix cuisine from around the world…
AFTERNOON
Stevenage Leisure Park
After lunch, head to Stevenage Leisure Park to entertain the entire family with excellent facilities including a 3D and 4D cinema, Bowling, Trampolining, Crazy Golf, and an excellent soft play centre. If theatre is more your cup of tea then you will also find The Gordon Craig Theatre and Boxfield Gallery within the building - an acclaimed theatre and a contemporary art gallery exhibiting the works of cutting-edge artists, photographers and sculptors from the local region and around the world. Fun for all the family…
DINNER
PI-Bistro
With rustic-chic style and a gallery setting, Pi-Bistro has a refreshing simplicity within a comfortable and relaxed dining environment. Set within the ever-changing gallery walls at the Gordon Craig Theatre, Pi has something different and unique to offer. Their ethos is simple; heart-warming food, a relaxed environment and friendly service and a recently revamped menu now includes a choice of tasty starters, delicious mains and a range of Chef’s signature pies! Art & Eat…
MORNING
Fairland’s Valley Park
The next morning head to Fairland’s Valley Park - the Jewel in the crown of Stevenage, situated right in the city centre and once voted as one of the UK’s leading free visitor attractions. The park consists of 120 acres of beautiful woodland and parkland and is well equipped to keep the whole family entertained with 2 excellent children’s play areas, water play splash park, pony and horse rides and a variety of walking routes. There is also a Sailing Centre for water sports including canoeing, kayaking, windsurfing, powerboat courses, and angling. The Centre also runs many land-based courses and activities such as Boards & Buggies, Grass Sledging, Orienteering, Mountain Biking and Power Kiting. The newest addition to the Centre is ‘So Challenging’ offers a thrill experience with a ropes course and climbing wall. Time to get active…
LUNCH
Stevenage Indoor Market
After your active morning in the park, head to the indoor market in the town centre to refuel where you’ll find a huge range of independent and chain eateries with delicious options for everyone. Make your way to Thai Pride for a delicious authentic Thai dish or Café Bella Vista for tasty Italian food made with the freshest ingredients. All handily positioned under one roof, there are many excellent cafes, restaurants and coffee shops to choose from so you’ll find something to suit everyone. Take your pick…
AFTERNOON
Knebworth House
Bring the whole family for an afternoon of fun and adventure at Knebworth House. Famous worldwide for its rock concerts and as the home of Victorian novelist Edward Bulwer Lytton. Spend the day exploring the lovely gardens, maze and beautiful walled kitchen garden and follow the Dinosaur Trail in the Wilderness Garden with your little ones as they try to spot the 72 life-sized dinosaurs and prehistoric creatures. Head inside the house where knowledgeable guides will tell you the stories of Knebworth’s long history and you can find out about the family’s contribution to literature, politics and foreign service and visits by characters as diverse as Charles Dickens, Winston Churchill. A fantastic fun day out for adults and children of all ages at one of Hertfordshire’s finest stately homes. Open from March –September.
DINNER
Rump & Wade
In the evening, head to British Brasserie Rump & Wade at the Cromwell Hotel for honest, flavourful food that is British at its heart. The chefs seek to source British produce and prepare the dish in British styles where possible and love taking advantage of rarer cuts of meat & cooking them low and slow in just the right way to enrich the meats with a huge flavour punch. Ingredients are locally sourced where possible using suppliers such as the Stickleback fish suppliers in Welham Green, and the nearby Dingley Dell farm which has a superb reputation for producing the highest quality meat. Don’t miss their home-smoked salmon- indulgent and delicious! Home grown grub…