Last year’s Father’s Day was… well, we’d rather not recall! Scrambling to find presents without our go-to spots or sending dad our presents in the post and opening them over Facetime didn’t really cut it as a celebration of the main man in your life, so we’re ready to say a big thanks to dad in person this year. We’re looking to the experiences across Herts that can help us reconnect and make up for lost time this year – as we all know now, there’s nothing like a day out spent with your loved ones. Here are our top tips for days out we know dads will love – you bring the tickets… we know he’ll bring the dad jokes!
Please be sure to follow government guidelines when visiting, always check the website for the latest opening and booking information and take a look at our top tips to #RespectProtectEnjoy Hertfordshire.
A simple meal out as a family might once have been seen as an unimaginative Father’s Day present – but now we all know how special and missed this modest activity was! We’re so ready to pull up a chair and cheers with our loved ones again, so why not treat dad to a meal at some of our favourite foodie spots, like historic Ye Old Fighting Cocks, Britian’s Oldest Pub, or trendy gastropub The Bricklayers Arms.
Whether your dad is a suave, stylish dresser or you think the wardrobe could do with a little spruce up with help from yourself, we’re ready to head back to the shops. With over 80 shops and 15 places to eat under one roof, The Galleria Outlet Centre in Hatfield has a great selection of great brands at outlet store prices – because let’s face it, the Bank of Dad always does appreciate a bargain - and fantastic dining for refuelling after a hard day’s shop. With the centre’s brilliant on-site jungle themed adventure area Get Wild, young children will be entertained for hours… giving dad more time to peruse those shelves in a bit of peace…
Lions, tigers and bears, oh my! If your dad’s an animal lover (isn’t it always dad who says he doesn’t want a pet, then becomes obsessed with them?) then it’s time to head to Paradise Wildlife Park for the perfect family day out. Feed an ostrich, see a white lion, have breakfast with the snow leopards or enjoy a few rounds of golf at the Safari Adventure Golf Course. With hundreds of exotic animals and even an adventure playground, bring out the big kid in him and book your tickets today!
Has your dad been missing his skiing excursions this year? Treat him to an afternoon back on the slopes at The Snow Centre, perfect for pro skiiers and snowboarders to get back on the board on their 160m slope. If dad’s never been but always wanted to, sign him up to pre-paid beginners lessons and give him a new hobby he can enjoy again and again.
Treating dad to a summer escape needn’t send you to far-flung places or make you splash out on something unnecessarily expensive. Take an opportunity to get back into nature with The Camping and Caravaning club, and their two Hertfordshire sites at Theobalds Estate and Hertford. Give dad the chance to get back on the BBQ, take some time to reconnect as a family over s'mores and stories under the stars - and to make the most of your staycation, check out our favourite spots to explore on your weekend away.
Did you know that Mad-Eye Moody and Bill Weasley are actually real-life father and son? Find your spellbinding similarities as you sip a Butterbeer at Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter in Watford. Explore the sets of the film and make a pit-stop for the gift shop to stock up on everything from Bertie Botts Every Flavour Beans to wands. Make this Father's day magical.
