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| Tuesday | 08:45 - 18:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:45 - 18:00 |
| Thursday | 08:45 - 18:00 |
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Stevenage, located just 20 minutes from London, offers visitors a timeless mix of heritage, retail therapy, and exciting events. As the first designated New Town in the UK, Stevenage has a rich history and is known for its innovative urban planning. Whether you're a nature lover, a culture vulture, or looking for family-friendly activities, Stevenage has something to offer everyone. In this guide, we'll explore the top attractions and things to do in Stevenage, ensuring that you and your family have a memorable experience.
One of the jewels in the crown of Stevenage is Fairlands Valley Park. Spanning 120 acres of beautiful parkland, this park offers a wide range of outdoor activities for visitors of all ages. The park features four linked lakes, perfect for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The Sailing Centre offers courses and activities such as dinghy sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, and powerboating. If you prefer land-based activities, you can enjoy boards & buggies, grass sledging, mountain biking, and even a high ropes course and climbing wall at the new 'So Challenging' area. For those looking to stay active, the Trim Track provides a jogging route through the park.
For a taste of the authentic Stevenage, a visit to Stevenage Old Town is a must. Located not far from the main train station, the Old Town is filled with quaint and unique shops, restaurants, and a vibrant nightlife. Take a stroll down the charming High Street and immerse yourself in the history and charm of this area. Don't forget to download a map of the Old Town produced by the Business and Community Partnership to help you navigate the area.
Located beneath St. Andrew and St. George's Church on St. George's Way, Stevenage Museum is a treasure trove of history. The museum houses a collection of over 18,000 photographs and 10,000 objects that detail the history of Stevenage. From fossils and minerals to costumes and old maps, the museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Throughout the year, the museum hosts a variety of events for families, children, and adults, making it a great educational and entertaining destination.
Just outside of Stevenage, you'll find the stunning Knebworth House. This historic country house has been the residence of the Lytton family since 1490. The house features a magnificent Victorian Tudor Revival facade, which encloses a much older building dating back to the 16th century. Inside, you'll find a wealth of interesting heirlooms and artifacts, including a Nobel Prize won by a former resident, Edward Bulwer-Lytton. The 28-acre formal gardens surrounding the house are a sight to behold, with a maze, colorful borders, and a wilderness area with a dinosaur trail. Knebworth House is also known for hosting internationally renowned music festivals, adding an extra layer of excitement to your visit.
Just a few miles east of Stevenage, you'll discover the idyllic Benington Lordship Gardens. Nestled in the charming village of Benington, these gardens offer seven acres of unspoiled views. The Georgian manor house, with its remains of a Norman castle and moat, serves as a stunning backdrop to the seasonal flower displays, Victorian Folly, Kitchen Garden, contemporary sculptures, and a spectacular rose garden. The gardens host a variety of events throughout the year, including the unmissable Chilli Festival in August, which adds a little extra heat to your summer visit.
Located on the west edge of town, near the train station, Stevenage Leisure Park is a one-stop destination for family fun. The park offers a range of activities, including Oxygen Freejumping, an indoor trampoline park with over 100 interconnected trampolines. For some friendly competition, head to Mr Mulligan's Lost World Golf, a crazy golf center. Afterward, catch a movie at the Cineworld multiplex cinema or enjoy a game of bowling at Hollywood Bowl. With a variety of dining options, including popular chains like McDonald's, Pizza Hut, and Nando's, there's something to satisfy everyone's taste buds.
Stevenage is known for its abundance of green spaces, offering residents and visitors a chance to relax and reconnect with nature. In addition to Fairlands Valley Park, mentioned earlier, there are two other notable parks worth exploring. Hampson Park, located in a quiet residential zone northeast of the town center, offers a massive children's playground and a community center with a café. Shephalbury Park, situated near Knebworth, features a range of recreational facilities, including a basketball court, tennis courts, football pitches, a bowling green, and a pavilion. These parks provide the perfect setting for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities for the whole family.
For those seeking cultural experiences, Stevenage has a range of attractions to offer. The Gordon Craig Theatre, located opposite the train station, hosts a variety of performances, including plays, musicals, dance shows, and comedy acts. St. Nicholas' Church, the oldest building in Stevenage, showcases impressive craftsmanship and features an abundance of Medieval graffiti, providing a unique glimpse into the past. Shaw's Corner, a museum maintained by the National Trust, was the former residence of the renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw. Explore the house, view Shaw's personal library and memorabilia, and stroll through the beautiful gardens surrounding the property.
In addition to the attractions mentioned earlier, Stevenage offers a range of family-friendly activities. Visit Stevenage Museum, where children can learn about the town's history through interactive exhibits and displays. Take a trip to the town center, the first traffic-free shopping zone in England, and explore the shops, restaurants, and iconic Modernist clock tower. Finally, head back to Stevenage Leisure Park for more family fun, including trampolining, crazy golf, cinema, and bowling.
Stevenage offers a diverse range of attractions and activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you're interested in exploring the town's rich history, enjoying outdoor adventures in its parks, or immersing yourself in cultural experiences, there's something for everyone in Stevenage. From the beautiful Fairlands Valley Park to the historic Knebworth House and the charming Benington Lordship Gardens, each attraction offers a unique experience. So pack your bags, plan your itinerary, and get ready to create lasting memories in the timeless district of Stevenage, just a stone's throw away from London.