Stevenage & Knebworth
Busy Stevenage is more than just a thriving town with modern trappings. England’s first post-war New Town still holds on proudly to its past. Nestling alongside hotels and leisure centres, multi-screen cinema and retail park, you’ll discover an Old Town with characterful coaching inns, independent restaurants, specialist stores and stories of highway men on the Great North Way.
Nearby Old Knebworth has similar historic tales to tell at the Victorian Lytton Arms pub. But not even these can prepare you for what lies hidden in the town’s Great Park: the magnificent redbrick Tudor stately home, embellished by Victorian gothic fantasy, the 500 year old family seat of the Lytton family – Knebworth House.
Top tip
Let the kids run riot on the dinosaur trail, action-packed adventure playground and miniature railway at Knebworth House and Gardens.
Shopping time
If you’re after a bargain or fresh local produce, Stevenage markets are a great place to start. From Wednesday through Saturday there’s an indoor market to explore in the town centre, plus outdoor market stalls by the leisure centre on Wednesdays and Saturdays. There are specialist shops in the Old Town’s High Street and big name stores in the New Town centre.
For special gifts look out for the themed events in Knebworth Park throughout the year, such as country shows, garden shows and craft markets.
The kids won’t want to leave the adventure playground and Tarzan trail at Fort Knebworth. They’ll love the miniature railway and bouncy castle. To the 21st Century eye, there is something spooky-looking about the house with its gothic turrets, griffins and gargoyles.
The inside boasts a ghost or two, and a library where bookshelves hide the door. Be sure to drink in the view of the Banqueting Hall from the fine minstrels’ gallery. Back outside, the house is surrounded by pretty pockets of gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll. And don’t forget to take a look at St Mary’s Church with its 12th Century nave and medieval tower.
Things to do
Explore the story of Stevenage from the Stone Age at the excellent Stevenage Museum. Once you have discovered the history of the town visit the Stevenage Arts and Leisure Centre.
Situated right by the station and boasting a range of sporting and leisure pursuits alongside the Gordon Craig Theatre which has been entertaining audiences for more than 30 years and presents a wide variety of entertaining shows.
Knebworth Park is a perfect place to start for a great day out. Picnic, play or come for a special event like open-air theatre, jousting or classic car shows.