Emilia Kettle

Food critic and television personality Giles Coren praised The Grove Hotel's buffet at The Glasshouse in Watford, calling it luxurious, varied and entertaining. The £94 peak-weekend offering includes carvery meats, pasta, Asian and curry stations, robata-grilled food, seafood, pizza, salads, cheese and desserts. Coren acknowledged the high price and rated the food quality around six out of ten, but said the virtually unlimited quantity made the experience worthwhile. Tripadvisor guests similarly praised the freshness, variety and quality of items including oysters, lobster, langoustines, sushi and beef.

Sea Breeze Fish & Chips in Stevenage is praised for freshly prepared food, generous portions and good value. The shop holds ratings of 4.4 on Tripadvisor and 4.6 on Google, with customers highlighting its hot food, crispy batter, large portions, friendly staff and efficient service. Its menu includes a range of fish, traditional takeaway items and burgers.

Sandwich in Kent has been named one of the UK's loveliest harbour towns by The Telegraph and is described as an accessible weekend destination roughly two hours from Hertfordshire. The medieval former Cinque Port, situated on the River Stour, is noted for its preserved streets, Heritage Harbour designation, Guildhall Museum, historic documents, churches, festivals and dining options. Accommodation includes the Bell Hotel, Kings Arms Hotel, St Crispin Inn and a nearby Travelodge.

The Sea Tree in Ware is presented as a leading fish and chip shop in Hertfordshire, with a 4.5/5 Tripadvisor rating from more than 300 reviews and a 4.6/5 Google rating. The gluten- and dairy-free restaurant and takeaway serves traditional fish and chips alongside seafood, burgers and alternative dishes. Customers praise its food quality, light batter, chips, atmosphere and accommodating options for people with dietary restrictions.

Vanstone Park Garden Centre in Hitchin is celebrating 50 years in business and offers more than gardening supplies, including a miniature railway, wildlife lake, children’s areas, dog grooming and an Orchards café. The family-run centre provides gardening advice, parking, Wi-Fi, deliveries and carry-to-car service. Its railway operates mainly at weekends and during school holidays, while the lake attracts birds and waterfowl. Visitors have praised the centre as a pleasant destination for shopping, family activities and a leisurely day out.

Westmill Tea Room in the Hertfordshire village of Westmill has received highly positive reviews, with ratings of 4.7 out of 5 on both Tripadvisor and Google Reviews. The vintage-style tearoom serves breakfasts, lunches, homemade scones, cakes and other baked treats, with afternoon tea available by advance booking. Guests particularly praise the homemade cakes, sandwiches, cleanliness, food quality and peaceful setting.

Gotha Gardens and Café at Pembroke Farm near Baldock is highlighted as a peaceful Hertfordshire attraction featuring topiary, rose, woodland and wildlife gardens, along with a café serving handmade cakes, sandwiches, lunches and Sunday brunch. The gardens receive strong ratings from visitors, admission costs £5 from March to October and £2.50 from October to March, and children under 16 enter free.

Stanstead Abbotts in Hertfordshire is highlighted as a historic riverside village known for its medieval origins, timber‑framed architecture, and development as a commuter hub after the arrival of the railway. The area offers walking and cycling routes and features several well‑rated pubs and restaurants, including The Red Lion and Khunnai by Elle. The Red Lion is noted for its beer garden and seasonal menu, including Sunday roasts.

Standalone Farm in Letchworth Garden City offers family‑friendly attractions including animal encounters, play areas, cafes and seasonal events, featuring popular animals such as a Highland cow named Bridget. Ticket options range from individual passes to family packages, and visitor reviews highlight the welcoming atmosphere and variety of activities for children.

A family-run Italian restaurant in Wheathampstead, L’Olivo Ristorante Italiano, is highlighted for its excellent food, attentive service and warm atmosphere, earning high ratings on Tripadvisor and Google. Founded by Sergio and Jo Perano, the restaurant features contemporary design with historic elements and serves traditional and modern Southern Italian dishes. Customer reviews consistently praise the quality of the meals, cocktails and overall dining experience.

Waltham Place Farm in Maidenhead, about an hour from Hertfordshire, is highlighted as a highly rated naturalistic garden praised by Monty Don for its biodiversity‑focused approach. The historic site features several themed gardens and sustainable practices that avoid artificial fertilisers and pesticides. Visitors frequently commend the gardens’ beauty, educational tours, and organic farm shop produce, contributing to its strong online ratings.

A long‑running family‑owned tearoom on Battlers Green Farm in Radlett is praised by customers for its fresh meals, homemade cakes and signature Welsh rarebit. Reviews on Tripadvisor and Google highlight friendly service, flavourful dishes and consistently high quality, contributing to the venue’s strong local reputation.

Tring in Hertfordshire is highlighted by Love Exploring as one of England’s most underrated towns, noted for its Rothschild heritage, the Natural History Museum Tring, Tring Park’s landscaped green space, and a strong mix of independent shops and eateries. Local attractions, including Collage Lake Nature Reserve and the town’s book festival, contribute to its appeal as a lesser-known destination.