Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire - Hemel Hempstead Attractions
Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead
Tours near Hemel Hempstead
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Historical Toursfromper adult$129
Audio Guidesfromper adult$57
Historical Toursfromper adult$123
Historical Toursfromper adult$108
Historical Toursfromper adult$162- fromper group (up to 6)$492
Historical Toursfromper adult$113
Historical Toursfromper adult$130- fromper adult$388
Historical Toursfromper adult$93
Indoor snow center with real snow and scenic slopes, providing ski and snowboard instruction for all ages and skill levels, complete with lift and on-site shop.
This attraction description was created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for this description. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in this AI-generated description is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
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Other Top Attractions around Hemel Hempstead
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
What travelers are saying
- Ivana S1 contributionI had a first class of skiing after 10 years of skiing absence. I had a good time, the conditions are not overcrowded, it is well managed, easy to borrow the equipment, easy to follow the signs, the instructor Jon-Henri was able to to help us the group to easy to skiing, was very patient and took time to explain individually which was appreciated. I would recommend to go.Written June 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- EliotG90Farnborough, UK33 contributionsMy partner had purchased a driving experience for my Birthday. I was able to drive the Toyota Supra and Nissan Skyline from the Fast and the Furious movies. Overall it was a positive experience and I did have fun, but they have a few things they need to improve on. I'll cover the positives first.
1. Event seemed well organised and ran. There were lots of people and there was lots going on, with people coming and going and jumping in and out of cars. Staff were constantly on walky talkies getting people where they needed to go.
2. Staff and instructors were friendly and helpful. I had a good chat with the chap that took me out, though I can't remember his name. He got a few people to move over for me, as surprisingly, I was one of the faster drivers on the day, so that was good!
3. There were no silly limitations such as keeping the cars under 3000 rpm or anything like that, the instructor was helping me get faster and faster, albeit it was all over after 6 (short) laps. Would have been nice if the track was a bit longer. There's only really 3 corners and a small straight and then you're back in the speed restricted zone.
4. Good variety of cars and events, though it seemed some people were disappointed their chosen cars were not available on the day. Both of mine were, so I was unaffected, but I can imaging it would be a big disappointment if you were.
Now the negatives:
1. Getting to the car park is like driving across the surface of the moon. Also, the walk back to reception is very muddy and slippery in places, so leave your high heels at home! A couple of bags of gravel to help fill the holes would make the road much easier for people driving in sports cars to get to/from the car park and wouldn't cost a lot. Toilets were also a bit grim.
2. The briefing was 50% telling us what was happening and another 50% marketing, trying to get you to purchase extra options such as insurance for 'x' amount, a video for ~£20, more laps for 'x' amount etc. However, the one thing they didn't mention, which we would have actually paid for, is the viewing area near reception only allows you to see the drivers in the speed restricted section of the track, so taking photos or videos on your phone doesn't really let you see anything at all. If you want to see the fun, you have to pay £5 to walk out to a double decker bus where you can see the whole track. Whilst charging a fiver for this is a bit silly, they didn't even tell us it was a thing, so my partner didn't really get to see me doing anything from where she was stood. We only found out at the end, which was a shame. This should be better communicated in the briefing.
3. There's a lot of waiting around. I don't think I actually drove a car until about 1.5 hours after I arrived and then it was all over in 10 minutes. Once the briefing was over there was no instructions about where to wait or when you would be driving. Everyone was just aimlessly hanging around until their name got called, seemingly at random. I understand timings can be fluid, but there was no info on what to expect, or that your name would even be called. Again, better communication in the briefing would have been appreciated.
4. The Supra had an issue whilst I was driving it. Whenever I went to full throttle in third the power would cut out just as things were getting fun. So at least half my laps I was concentrating more on avoiding that happening instead of just having fun. Wasn't a massive deal, but still frustrating. I don't think any of the dials worked and the cars didn't seem particularly well looked after, but they do live a hard life at these places.
Overall, I had a good, fun, 10-15 minutes of driving, but I couldn't give it 5 stars due to the reasons above. I went into it with low-ish expectations, as these driving experiences never really live up to the dream, so it met my expectations. I'd like to give 3.5 stars, but I can't, so 4 it is. 3 would be too harsh.
Oh and take a coat, it gets windy! :)Written June 2, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Tiny T1 contributionSorry I’m Christian but I liked the temple. It was very fancy and Buddhist but I’m not a Buddhist, I’m Christian so yeah.
👍Written May 9, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - JosephLondon, UK26 contributionsUnder rated or under appreciated? I’m not 100% sure, but I do know the effort the climbing staff put into this centre is extraordinary.
Having climbed here regularly and attended courses here, I’ve grown to love it even despite is few foibles.
The climbing is well distributed - vast areas for bouldering with accessible and logical grade progression. Challenging and lengthy climbs at lead and top rope, some of the highest in London including a great crack section, Along with excellent short walls with accessible grades up to challenging crimp climbs. The centre has it all in a relaxed and positive atmosphere.
It is easy to spend all day here enjoying difficult climbing with the right groups.
Foibles wise? Well the cafe leaves a lot to be desired - as the skate park is mostly used by youth, it’s not kitted towards adults. Sweet treats slush puppy and Nescafé are all that’s on offer - if the cafe sold proper coffee and a range of whole foods, it might fit better with the climber culture it wishes to attract. The whole cafe could be redesigned with the Skate/climb cutler in mind rather than looking cold, grey and warehouse-like. Comfortable seating in reclaim fashion (like the climbing wall waiting area) could lift the profile and make the place feel comfortable, encouraging customers to stay longer and enjoy the atmosphere.
An unavoidable foible? The wall temperature. In winter, the centre bleeds heat in the winter months and the climbing wall can be desperately cold. Now, for hardy alpine types like me, this adds to the joy, it feels like I’m actually climbing in the outdoors - good training! However for others beginning in the sport this can be off putting and lead to short experiences and negative feelings towards the centre and even the sport.
A last foible - and this is more a comment on London climbing - the walls are so tall in comparison to what other centres offer, it can feel a little heady up there. I have friends who joined me having only climbed at the castle, complain the routes were too long! Perhaps this is an assume with indoor climbers in general - having no experience for long multi pitch climbing, the perceive the wall as too daunting. In my opinion? Those climbers should get over themselves - climbing is about challenge. If it seems to tall, then climb it until you complete it!
If you want a good place to challenge your indoor climbing skill set and get you ready for outdoor climbing. If you want to push yourself and want to try somewhere new. If you want a relaxed atmosphere and support? Come and have a go at the XC - if you think you’re hard enough!Written October 6, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jodie CLondon, UK70 contributionsI had some time to kill while having my car serviced and MOT'd so went for a walk as I don't live in this town. What a lovely find! There is so much open space (many dog walkers) as well as a two playgrounds, a small skatepark and even a splash fountain that I know I will be bringing my own kids back to when the mercury rises this summer. And the walled flower garden was so serene and aromatic.Written April 13, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Caroline BTring, UK683 contributionsWent along to a short talk by the curator of these medieval wall paintings. Interesting story as to who might have had them painted and why they remained hidden. The talk was part of Open Days 2023 but I believe the paintings are sometimes open by appointment. It’s not a museum and there are no facilities. There is a local pub/ restaurant nearby and you are close to the centre of Hemel Hempstead if you plan a tripWritten September 20, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Steve5 contributionsA 'catch up' meal with three friends. Good meal. Good service and reasonable value. This must be a nice venue in summer. We will be back.Written March 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Simone P6 contributionsWe held a memorial service at St Mary's Church for our Mother. It is a beautiful venue. All attending were very complimentary. The Minister, who was standing in, was excellent as were the organist and helpers. Thank you.Written August 16, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- The_Concierge_8Trinidad and Tobago3,591 contributionsWe were exploring the little villages of Hertfordshire online and I stumbled upon Apsley.
It was actually the Paper Mill that drew me in and the fact that there the was a river and canals. Supposedly, Frogmore Paper Mill is the birthplace of paper's industrial revolution.
Unfortunately they were closed and have been since a devastating fire in January 2022. They plan to re-open Summer 2024 (no fixed date yet though). A pity they were shut and I'd love to return to take a tour.
They are just 15 minutes walk from the Apsley train station. I can't help but feel that a little upgrade to the station would bring more visitors, especially older folks who cannot maneuver the tall staircases at the station. Whilst they had a clean bathroom, the little waiting room was a mess with garbage all over the floors.
Apsley is a little suburb of Hemel Hempstead. There's the Paper Mill pub, Darcey's Bar, the cute little Union Coffee & Dough food truck and a few other eateries, though some like the curry house were closed, perhaps for the winter. The bridge across the river has been done quite nicely. The Apsley Marina is a sight as well.
But beyond that, there really isn't much else here.
There are little waterways that meet here and it's a nice area to explore if you want to kayak and cycle. However, the state of the towpath was just pure mud in some places so it really even turns you off from walking very far. There's water fowl which the kids might like.
If you've got a couple hours and want to just see somewhere new, then go. If not, I'm not sure it's really worth a day's trip or a complete detour from your county exploration plans.
Honestly, I liked Rickmansworth better.Written March 16, 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - AlinaRCHertfordshire1,726 contributionsThe Water Gardens were designed by one of the UKs top garden design teams Geoffrey Jellicoe and his wife Susan. In 2017 they were thoroughly refurbished with over £2M of Lottery funding. All the renewed planting has now settled in, and the gardens are looking in great condition. The choice of annuals and bright colours gives it a 50s retro feel.
The gardens are linear - following the river Gade and running parallel to the high street. It takes about an hour to explore, but you could easily sit and relax, spending longer.
If you are visiting from outside Hemel Hempstead, it could be combined with a visit to Gadebridge Park - about 10 min away or a stroll along the canal.Written July 8, 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Nicola DHessle, UK3,077 contributionsWe visited the Old Town on a Saturday afternoon and saw a sandwich board advertising the Sunday Market which is only once a month. As we were staying nearby we decided to return the next day. However the board gave no times.
We found the Gadebridge Lane free car park which was not far away. The market was in the square next to the town hall and the grounds of the pretty Norman church, St Mary’s. However we were a bit too early as it did not start properly until 11am. It was mainly artisan goods; arts, crafts, jewellery, pottery, artisan bakers, beer etc. We bought a few bits & bobs for Christmas gifts (never too early!) and some lunch for later.
When we left, not all the stalls were set up. It really would have been handy to have the time of the market advertised.
It was a very nice setting and well worth the visit.Written September 21, 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - goldneyfoxRome, Italy40 contributionsA wonderful place full of antiques and other interesting bits and pieces. Lots of different dealers offering different items. Spread over 3 floors in a old pub with a outside area there's always something new to find. Car parking onsite. Open every day from 10amWritten December 7, 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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