Local Expert
The gift of being having twins is fantastic, but when you go from two of you to four of you, it can be a huge financial shock. We have plenty of fantastic family time together, but we try to do it on a budget.
The gift of being having twins is fantastic, but when you go from two of you to four of you, it can be a huge financial shock. We have plenty of fantastic family time together, but we try to do it on a budget.
Here’s our family fun guide to Hertfordshire:
- Maidenhead Aquatics, St Albans - not just a place that sells fish, but children can feed the larger fish for £1 per tub. There’s a small soft-play area suitable for up to 8 year olds, perfectly located in the cafe!
- Verulamium Park, St Albans - 3 hours free parking is available in the sport centre car park. Centred around a lake (unfortunately you’re not allowed to feed the ducks though). There is a large play ground, and the splash park is highly popular in the summer months.
- Cassiobury Park, Watford - great park, and fantastic water park that opened summer 2017. There is some free parking available, but subject to availability. Other than that, and maybe an ice cream (or two) its a free day out.
- Aldenham County Park, Elstree - To enter there is a small charge per car (no matter how many guests). There’s a great Winnie the Pooh themed walk around the 100 aker wood, as well as the opportunity to feed the ducks at the lake. There is also a play area. For a extra fee, you can also access the farm.
- Heartwood Forest, St Albans - We love taking a stroll around the Magical wood, seeing all the carved animals along with the way. Takes about 1.5 hours to complete with toddlers!
- Lavender Fields, Hitchin - Beautiful location in the summer to take some amazing photos. You can take some clippings which the boys enjoyed.
- Ruislip Lido & Railway, Ruislip - Perfect location to head to in the summer, with a manmade beach and splash park. Although the carpark is very small, so arriving early is recommended.
- London Colney Paddling Pool, St Albans - Very small, but free. Mine were a little too young for it this summer, as the water was knee height for me, and I felt like I couldn't relax.
- Frosts Garden Centre, Bedford - They make fantastic effort in the summer, with a HUGE outdoor sandpit and ride on toys (all free).
- Hatfield Park Farm, Hatfield - See my other blog post for more info, but a firm family favourite.
- Stanborough Lakes, Welwyn Garden City - Fantastic park, and great walk around the lake. In the summer the kids can paddle in the shallow waters.
Classes
In our area are ridiculously expensive, and as I knew I’d struggle with the stress of having two babies and one me, I decided not to sign up to anything. The only place I have joined was our local twin club. There was a annual membership fee of X, and twice a month they put of a play session that is X to attend. Also throughout the year there are family events/parties at the weekend which are great fun!
Restaurants
When it comes to eating out we tend to stick to very family friendly establishments. Our firms favourites are; Pizza Express, Harvester and Nandos.
All offer plenty of high chairs and a reasonably priced children’s menu.
Locally we also have “The Waffle House”. I love popping here for brunch, and the boys are a big fan of their banoffe waffle! It has a really relaxed feel, and the perfect location for a mummy catch up.
Shopping
St Albans - We are fortunate in St Albans to have a lot of options when in comes to shopping. Our Town centre is split into various arcade areas. You have the main strip with mum essential shops like M&S and Boots, then St Christopher Place, which has higher end brands like Cath Kitson and Jojo Maman Bebe, and also the Maltings which includes shops like Wilkinson’s, and H&M.
The Galleria, Hatfield - Great for Outlet shopping. It includes a fantastic Gap outlet and Choice, which is especially great for picking the kids up clothes at bargain prices.
Stevenage - before falling pregnant I’d barely ever been to Stevenage, but that’s where the hospital we selected was based so during our (at least) fortnightly visits to the hospital we became very acquainted with the area. Especially Mothercare! I don’t usually visit their town centre, but they have most of the bargain shops (The Range, B&M Bargains, Home Bargains) based in various retail parks.
Supermarket/Groceries - When it comes to supermarkets I don’t have any particular favour to any of them. They all have their faults. With having twins, knowing that your supermarket has a double trolley is VERY important. My one frustration is our closest Aldi in Hatfield, they only do singles. It’s brilliant for baby products, but I have to always take someone else with me.