Heartwood Forest, Hertfordshire

If you’re looking for a forest experience with wide paths, suitable for a wheelchair and a picnic spot in Hertfordshire, head to **Heartwood Forest**. A mere 3miles from St. Albans, is this planned forest, covering 347 hectares, known to be the largest continuous new native forest in England.

Heartwood Forest

Pick from the well-marked routes or chart out your own to discover the woodland, bluebell displays in spring or the woodland characters carved out of wood. This (RunGo link) is the 5km route we did, passing through The Magical Wood, Pudler’s Wood and Langley Wood. The forest is a combination of open spaces and tree-covered canopied paths, offering shade from those scorching hot days.

Getting here: Follow post code AL4 9DG for parking. There’s ample parking spaces, however there are no toilets, bins (except one for dog poo) or drinking water. It would be a good idea to carry a bag for rubbish and drinking water.

Wildflower meadows and honeysuckle

If you’re looking for a place to grab a drink or two, there are several options within walking distance — The Queen’s Head or Green Man pub or Heartwood Café & Tearooms. I can recommend Queens Head for a great beer garden!

For more fun days out check out Day trip from London — Shere, Surrey, *Finding shade on a hot day — Epping Forest, Tulips in the UK @tulleystulips, A day out in St Albans*