ACTIVITIES
Head to the slopes
If you are hankering after a white Christmas in Herts rather than the usual grey one, then head to The Snow Centre at Hemel Hempstead where there’s always perfect snowy ski conditions. Christmas activities include sledging on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day or ride the ringo slide (a kind of inflatable toboggan run), suitable for children from age four. Warm up with a hot chocolate or mulled wine in their Schuss Bar. On December 7 covers band, UpTones, will be adding an après ski party atmosphere to Saturday night on the slope. thesnowcentre.com
Dancing on ice
You may wobble around like a baby gazelle, rather than dance on ice, but skating is a wonderful winter experience. This year Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell is reducing the number of skaters allowed at any one time on its real ice rink, so there’s more room to release your inner Torville and Dean. Hire of skates is included and little ones can use a cute penguin skating aid. The rink, open until January 6, is all-weather with a heated marquee for spectators. Head for hot chocolate and other goodies in the Ice Café. vanhage.co.uk
Christmas break out
We don’t mean escaping from the in-laws but from Bishop’s Stortford Escape Rooms. Santa’s candy making machine is broken and only you and your team of elf engineers can save the day. You have just one hour to break the codes to be set free. The game can be played by up to 10 people – great for the family, especially with teenagers and their friends. knowescape.co.uk
Wild swim
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 de Hertfordshire Life.
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Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 de Hertfordshire Life.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
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Explosive history
With bonfire night this month, author Harry Smee recounts the explosive story of his family’s firework company, Brock’s, creators of wonders and war-changing weapons
A Day In The Life Of... A Jewellery Designer
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Meet the fire investigation dogs securing convictions against arsonists and murderers who otherwise may go free
The greatest traveller
Exploring ancient civilisations and rising powers, Violet CressyMarcks became the most travelled woman of her age. Fifty years after her death we look at her incredible life
Return of the Queen of Romance
Twenty years after the death of record-breaking novelist Dame Barbara Cartland, Gillian Thornton talks passions, plots and a new audience with her son at the family home in Essendon
In bed with CELEBS
Marking its 70th year, Welham Green soft furnishings company Ashley Wilde has grown from a pile-it-high, sell-it-cheap business into an industry leader with A-list partnerships
Roam with a view
We may not have coastline or mountains, but Herts has beautiful views all the same, if you know where to look
Saving Mrs Tiggy-Winkle
The secret life of a much-loved British mammal and simple steps we can take at home to stop its extinction
A walk down Surreal Street
Paul Crowley draws on his graphic designer’s eye to capture scenes from the country to the street, all tinged with surreality
5 minutes with
Carole Spiers, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce member and founder of International Stress Awareness Week
