And just like that, the school holidays have flown by. With pencil cases to purchase, new shoes to buy and uniforms to replace (they’ve grown how much taller??), we know there are more than a few chores on the list before September rolls around, but we also know that shopping is the last thing on your little one’s list of must-dos before terms starts again.
Allow us to help - our back to school shopping destinations offer the practical paired with a portion of fun, a little sweetener to, let’s just say it, bribe your monkeys into trying on the shoes with minimal fuss, safe in the knowledge that they’ll soon be skipping off to the cinema, swinging around the playground or tucking into something delicious.
Watford
We’ll start in Watford, shall we? Atria Watford has everything from Clarks for those shiny new shoes, and M&S for new school trousers, right through to JD Sports for their PE kit, but if you can, do see if you can pop into a couple of stores for yourself, because there are over 200 big brands here! Once those little smiles have worn thin, it’s treat time, and believe us you’re all in for a treat here. Choose from movie magic at the cinema, rock climbing and escape rooms, bowling, mini golf, or a delicious lunch from the likes of Pizza Express, or churros from Churros Mexicanos!
Round off the day with a quick skip off to nearby Cassiobury Park for some outdoor fun, and maybe even a go on the miniature railway!
St Albans
Take your littles to St Albans’ cobbled streets and you can peruse independent shops alongside big brands for those back-to-school basics, offer a little sweet bribery in the form of freshly baked treats from the weekly farmers market, and hopefully get a little autumn wardrobe inspiration for yourself while you’re at it. Once you’ve all shopped til you’ve dropped, head to the Verulamium Park for some free fun in the sun at the splash park and make some memories. If the weather turns, St Albans Museum + Gallery in the heart of the city centre should be next on your list, with plenty of free and affordable activities and exhibitions to keep busy bees happy.
Hertford
Our beautifully historic Hertford might not bring joy to your kids’ weekend for its incredible castle or weekly market (you’re sure to love it for that though), but the playground within nearby Hartham Common is sure to get them smiling. Pack a picnic, explore The Warren woodland, or play frisbee in this green haven and make the most of those last days of summer. In Hertford, there are more than 200 high street and independent shops to seek out those last-minute buys, from stationary to new shirts, and even a back to school haircut!
Welwyn Hatfield
In Welwyn Hatfield, The Galleria outlet shopping centre is the place to go to bag a back-to-school bargain. School uniform favourite M&S can be found among the big-name brands, offering exceptional offers throughout the range. While The Works is top of the list for pencil case packing and all the stationary they never knew they needed! With shopping ticked off, Get Wild’s jungle-themed play area is next with its thrilling selection of tunnels, slides and ropes to entertain those little monkeys. While the nearby Campus West is sure to raise a few smiles, with a roller rink, cinema and soft play on hand to turn a “boring” day of shopping into the best day of the holidays.