North London and Hertfordshire, easily reached from West Lodge Park Hotel, form a unique and accessible region. It’s a delightful blend of villages, market towns and stunning open landscapes, grand estates and rivers and canals.
This area stands apart from the typical tourist hotspots, and that’s what makes it even more appealing. You won’t find long lines or crowds of tourists here. It’s a perfect destination for weekend getaways, and even our regular guests continue to discover new attractions with each visit.
Some of our personal favourites in this charming region include the enchanting woods of Ashridge, the cosy Brocket Arms in Ayot St Lawrence, and the historic Norman abbey in St Albans.
Other local attractions of interest include:
Whipsnade wild animal park is world famous for its thousands of acres on the Chiltern escarpment and animals from all over the world that are able to live in much more natural surroundings than in a cramped zoo. Well recommended.
An unmissable museum charting the rise and fall of the Roman Empire in St Albans and Hertfordshire.
Lee Valley White Water Centre – Are you ready for the ultimate white water adventure? Join us for adrenalin pumping action on the same course where Team GB won Gold and Silver.
500 acres of farm attractions within 10 minutes of each hotel. Wonderful farm shop and enough to keep the family occupied for the whole day.
10’000 acres of countryside on the doorstep – a wonderfully varied country park with lakes, rivers, meadows, RSPB Rye Meads bird reserve – very handy for guests at West Lodge Park.
Shaws Corner is about 15 minutes from Beales Hotel and a world away – George Bernard Shaw found peace and quiet here and the house is unchanged since his death in 1950. Enjoy a pint in the nearby Brocket Arms with the landlord Toby Wingfield-Digby after your visit.
Further into London, yet only 30 minutes from West Lodge Park is Kenwood House, the wonderful Robert Adam house in the middle of Hampstead Heath. Ideal in all weathers as the house holds the wonderful Iveagh bequest art collection, while outside are thousands of acres of glorious countryside – London at its best.
The wonderful Norman abbey of St Alban is always worth a visit.
Free entry to thousands of acres of bluebell woods, rolling Chiltern countryside, glorious views.
One of the jewels in the crown of Hertfordshire, home to the 7th Marquess of Salisbury and minutes from Beales Hotel in Hatfield. Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth 1) lived here under the protection of Robert Cecil and came down to West Lodge to hunt in the Enfield Chase.
Home of the Lytton family since 1490 and more widely known for huge rock concerts in the grounds. But the gardens and house are always worth a visit. And lots to keep restless families occupied too! Main Contact Martha Lytton-Cobbold.
Capel Manor is the internationally renowned horticultural and arboricultural college minutes from West Lodge Park, with over 30 acres of incredibly varied gardens. Main contact Steven Dowbiggin, Principal.
Hadley Wood Golf Club, about a minute from West Lodge Park, offers special rates for hotel guests at both hotels (click here for further information on Beales Hotels privileged green fees). A very fine course, designed by Alister Mackenzie of Augusta fame. Main Contact Bill Beckett General Manager.
The Grand Union Canal which meanders northwards through Hertfordshire from London to Birmingham is a wonderful place for a walk or a boat trip. One truly feels away from it all here.
Only minutes away from West Lodge Park, Trent Park is a jewel in the crown of this under rated North London borough.
Only minutes away from West Lodge Park, Forty Hall is a jewel in the crown of this under rated North London borough.
Only minutes away from West Lodge Park, Myddleton House is a jewel in the crown of this under rated North London borough.
Paradise Wildlife Park is about 20 minutes from both hotels – a wonderful zoo that is ever increasing in size and provides a great day out for families staying at the hotels. Main contact Steve Samuels.
