The Top 3 Ways To Cool Off In St Albans This Summer

Chill, St Albans… Discover Unforgettable Experiences to Beat the Heat

We waited. That’s what we do. Patiently during the darkness of the winter months, waiting for Summer. The very promise of those golden rays of sunshine shimmering over the Cathedral kept us going…

And after the first really hot day, we’re desperate to cool off, find the shade, unable to sleep at night.  But don’t worry, we have the answer. Here are the absolute top three ways to beat the heat, cool off and have loads of fun at the same time. Here’s our top 3 fun-in-the-sun activities in St Albans this Summer. Let’s go!

1. Dive In: Swimming (and paddling) in St Albans

Nothing spells relief from sweltering temperatures quite like plunging into cool, sparkling water.

·      Westminster Lodge Leisure Centre: This state-of-the-art facility boasts a spacious, sunlit pool with dedicated lanes for both serious swimmers and casual splashers.

·      Swimming lessons: What if you can’t swim? No problem. St Albans has a couple of highly rated swimming schools operating in different parts of the city.

·      Dolphin Swimming School operates out of Samuel Ryder school and St Albans High School For Girls

·      Watersplash Swim School operates out of Marlborough Science Academy and Sandringham

·      Both offer classes for kids from absolute beginner to lifesaver level, adult courses, fitness classes, and during school holidays crash courses too

·      Paddling by the Stepping Stones – a favourite spot for toddlers and water loving dogs, it’s hard to resist dipping your toes in the water by the stepping stones located near the Fighting Cocks pub

·      DO – Get water confident and improve those strokes with swimming lessons in St Albans

·      DON’T – Even think about swimming in Verulamium Park lake, that’s for the wildlife only!

2. Take to the Skies: Flying Lessons for Adventurous Souls

If cooling in the water doesn’t float your boat, why not take to the skies to beat the heat. It’s way cooler up there (actually cold!)…

·      Plaistow Airfield: Hidden down the back lanes in Chiswell Green, St Albans, is  Plaistow Airfield home of Exodus Airsports. Here, you can book an introductory flying lesson in a microlight with an experienced instructor, take the controls yourself, and experience the exhilarating sensation of flight. The panoramic views of Hertfordshire, with fields unfurling like patchwork beneath you, are simply unforgettable. And as for cooling down, it’s like driving in the sky with the top down.

·       No previous experience is necessary, but if you do get bitten by the flying bug, Exodus Airsports can train you to get your microlight pilot’s licence.  And then you can beat the heat by flying to Scotland.

·      The Unique Perspective: Few things rival the sense of freedom as you rise above the city, leaving the bustle behind. The rivers and rooftops of St Albans, the ancient cathedral, and the rolling greenery all take on new meaning when seen from above. It’s a cool, breezy escape for the mind as well as the body, and an unforgettable gift for a special occasion.

3. Cast a Line: Fishing for Serenity

If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground while seeking respite from the sun, fishing in St Albans maybe the answer.

·      Verulam Angling Club has been a mainstay in St Albans life since 1934, and has two exclusive fisheries. Riverside Road Fishery is nestled between Verulam Golf Club and The Alban Way, and Frogmore Fishery located in Colney Street between St Albans and Radlett

·      Fishing Lessons – The club also runs free lessons for the uninitiated, which includes equipment and bait, and after your lesson you can try out your new skills in a supervised area.  Beware you may get hooked. Sorry, terrible joke.

·      Albans Lakes in Colney Heath and Redbournbury Fishery near Redbourn offer a couple of further options.

Whether you’re a seasoned fisher or a first-timer, finding a bit of shade and immersing yourself in the countryside is guaranteed to cool both body and mind.

Final Thoughts: And that’s not all…

Whether you’re diving into cool waters, soaring into the sky, or sinking into the quietude of a riverside afternoon, these top three activities offer refreshing escapes from the heat. But if you’re looking for more ideas for fun stuff to do both indoors and out, Hobby Republik has over 250 activities in St Albans to choose from.