THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead - 2024 (with Photos) - Tripadvisor
Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead

Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire - Hemel Hempstead Attractions

Things to Do in Hemel Hempstead

Tours near Hemel Hempstead

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Top Attractions in Hemel Hempstead

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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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*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

  • Asha P
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I had a two hour group lesson with Simon, but I was the only skier. Simon is very matter of fact and takes his teaching very seriously, in my opinion, but I found him to be an excellent coach and felt I really improved in such a short space of time and took on board his comments which I have remembered and have used in subsequent ski trips on my own. He really is a very good teacher!
    Written May 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jay M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Absolutely an amazing day out with the drifting mx5 experience … honourable mention to Jojo drift instructor absolutely amazing instructor and genuinely helps you learn to understand how to drif ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
    Written May 31, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Tiny T
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sorry 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Jodie C
    London, UK70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    I 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Joseph
    London, UK26 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Under 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, 2019
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Caroline B
    Tring, UK683 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Went 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 trip
    Written September 20, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Steve
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A '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, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Simone P
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The_Concierge_8
    Trinidad and Tobago3,589 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AlinaRC
    Hertfordshire1,726 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    The 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, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Nicola D
    Hessle, UK3,077 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    We 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, 2021
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • goldneyfox
    Rome, Italy40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A 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 10am
    Written December 7, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
The above attraction descriptions were created by AI, using information and phrases commonly found in reviews users submitted to Tripadvisor. Tripadvisor did not create and is not responsible for any of the above hotel descriptions. Please read full traveler reviews for more details and information. If you believe something in one of these AI-generated descriptions is inaccurate, please share your feedback.
Reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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