The heatwave has well and truly arrived, so it's time to daydream, soak up the rays and escape the heat of the city streets to the rolling countryside of Hertfordshire! From outdoor cinema amongst acres of lavender, to jazz in the grounds of manor houses, our round up will give you the perfect way to capture those glorious days of summer.
Jazz Afternoon at Down Hall
Sip Champagne, indulge in an afternoon tea and enjoy the sounds of jazz music in an afternoon on the terrace at Down Hall. The food, music and views are all covered, so all you need to do is round up some friends! Jazz on the terrace
Sopwell Summer BBQ
Throw the party of the summer this year with a delicious BBQ spread all set in the Hertfordshire countryside at the sensational Sopwell House. Whether you’re looking to celebrate a birthday or you just fancy raising a glass to a cracking summer, preparing a party for your friends never looked so easy breezy! Fun in the sun
Matombo Garden Sculpture Exhibition
Bringing the culture of Zimbabwe to the very English country gardens of Knebworth House, the Matombo Garden Sculpture Exhibition will once again feature sculpture from a whole host of Zimbabwean artists. Crafted in Zimbabwe
Watford Short Film Festival
Film fans, it’s time to step up and help judge the work of a whole showreel of short films from undiscovered film-makers across the UK! Drama, factual and animated content will make up a festival packed with plot twists and awards, so be ready for plenty of excitement. Cameras rolling
Classic Ibiza at Hatfield House
Join the biggest dance party of the summer in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside! Iconic Ibiza anthems will play out across Hatfield Park, performed by The Urban Soul Orchestra for a classic twist on the best of the party island. Lasers at the ready
Outdoor Cinema at Hitchin Lavender
Patrick Swayze sweeping Jennifer Grey off her feet (literally), sensational countryside views and the scent of lavender in the air at dusk – pretty picture perfect, right? This summer you can watch everything from Pretty Woman and Dirty Dancing, to Raiders of the Lost Arc and Top Gun right in the purple-hued setting of Hitchin Lavender. Love and lavender in the air
Watford Big Bandstand
Summer breeze and the sounds of live music drifting through Cassiobury Park, we can’t wait to roll out the picnic blanket this year. Every Sunday, listen out for music ranging from jazz to ukulele pouring out of the bandstand for perfect sunny afternoon lazing. Music in the park
Festival Fun
Go a penchant for folk music? A real nostalgia for Britpop? Or maybe you’re just an all-out hothead? With a sensational line-up of music and food festivals spilling out across the Hertfordshire countryside this summer, festival fans are in for a treat! Take a look at what’s coming up and get those dates in the diary! Feeling festive
Al fresco dining
When you’re surprised with week after week of glorious sunshine, it’s hard not to dream about the weekend with a G&T in hand and sensational summer food on the menu, but let’s face it, the last thing you want to do is waste a minute of sunshine on researching the best pub garden! Luckily for you, we’ve done it all for you – seven al fresco dining spots to help make the summer! A summer of food