Welwyn Garden City
lend serenity to the more unnatural trappings of modern life. This 1920s idyll, England’s second of Sir Ebenezer Howard’s garden cities, is the heritage of tomorrow.
With healthy values at heart, it’s hardly surprising that parks and lakes, sports centres and golf courses abound. Welwyn takes its leisure seriously and apparently always has - check out the Roman baths, the last remaining evidence of a third Century villa.
Top tip
Don’t miss the sun-chasing garden hut at Shaw’s Corner. It’s where the great writer penned his best known works, even though it is only six feet square.
Shopping Time
Enjoy a leisurely pace and refreshing retail therapy here. Howard’s original plans set the shops around a fountain and lawns, giving it a comfortable Neo-georgian feel.
These days, it’s the Howard Centre that steals the show. This two storey boulevard of big name shops is spacious and light, opening out to the station, bus station and further major department stores.
Things to do
If you’re a budding Nick Faldo, go tee-off on the courses where the great player learnt his trade. Not so crazy about golf? Whisk the kids away to Stanborough Park for some fun with the game’s more light-hearted version. 126 acres of parkland makes for some great family time out, plenty of watersport splash and nature trails. Have an active day down the ski slope at Gosling Sports Park where there really is sport for all.
There’s secret Roman history to hunt out at Welwyn Roman Baths on the outskirts of town - the precious ancient baths are the only surviving part of a third Century villa.
Shaw’s Corner in nearby Ayot St Lawrence has more priceless treasures. In this shrine to George Bernard Shaw, see the 1938 Oscar he received for Pygmalion and his collection of hats in the hall. It’s all just as he left it. The gardens are inspirational too, with frightfully English flower meadows and herbaceous borders. Don’t miss the special events here for a real treat.