Luton Hoo Hotel

Berkhamsted Castle fell into romantic ruins 500 years ago but its huge banks, ditches and surviving walls remain atmospheric. The original moat and bailey was built following the Norman conquest of England in 1066 and there is a later stone keep, built by the Black Prince, eldest son of King Edward III, and where King John of France was imprisoned in 1356.

St Alban's is Hertfordshire's oldest town with a history dating back to the Iron Age. However it first came to prominence when, as Verulamium, it became one of the largest towns in Roman Britain. Today St. Albans is best known for its impressive abbey church, dating back to the 8th Century and built on what is believed to be the site of the martydom of St. Alban. Altogether a charming market town.

The Dunstable Downs offer 130 acres of public access in the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty, with circular walks, a visitor centre and spectacular views. The Downs are used by hang glider enthusiasts and visitors can watch traditional gliders taking off and landing at the London Gliding Club in the valley below.

Hatfield House, the Hertfordshire home of the 7th Marquis of Salisbury, was built between 1607 and 1611 by Robert Cecil, the first Earl of Salisbury and Chief Minister to James I. The State Rooms are rich in paintings, furniture, fine tapestries and historic armour. A stunning surviving example of Jacobean architecture.

The Lytton family have lived in Knebworth House in Hertfordshire for over 500 years and the present generation of the family continues to reside there to this day. Sir Robert Lytton bought Knebworth from Henry VII in 1490. Formerly a red-brick Tudor manor house, Knebworth was transformed in the 1840's into the gothic building it is today, decorated with turrets, griffins and gargoyles.

Whipsnade Wild Animal Park is one of the largest conservation parks in Europe, specialising in the breeding of rare and endangered species with over 2,500 animals living in 600 acres of parkland. Close by is Whipsnade Tree Cathedral, created after the First World War and where the mature trees give the effect of the nave, transepts and aisles of a large open-air cathedral.

Home to the Dukes of Bedford for over 450 years, the house at Woburn Abbey contains one of the most important private art collections in Britain, including works by Reynolds and Gainsborough, Canaletto's 21 views of Venice and collections of silver, gold and porcelain. Nine species of deer roam the 3,000-acre park, while Woburn Safari Park offers close encounters with altogether more exotic animals from around the world.

Extensive paths lead walkers through vast areas of mixed broadleaved and coniferous woodland at Bernwood Forest, specially protected because of its richness as a butterfly habitat. A special yellow way-marked path takes the visitor on an hour-and-a-half walk through some of the butterflies' favoured spots.

For younger families with children of up to 13 years old, Gulliver's Land makes a fun day out, featuring over 30 rides and attractions at one all-inclusive price.

Redbournbury water mill lies two miles north of St. Albans on the old Roman road, Watling Street, in the hamlet of Redbournbury. Although only a stone's throw from the main road it remains an unspoilt corner, little changed for hundreds of years. The farmhouse and surrounding buildings date back to the fifteenth century which, together with the mill, creates an area of historic interest. Last used for flour milling in the 1950's, the mill is at the end of a massive rebuilding and restoration project, which has taken over 10 years to complete. It is now established as a museum and the only working mill on the River Ver. Open Sunday afternoons, mid-April to early Otcober, 2pm-5.30pm.

Owned by acclaimed conservation body The National Trust, Sharpenhoe Clappers near Streatley village is an attractive area of chalk down, topped by an Iron Age fort. It is located in the Chilterns area of outstanding natural beauty and admission is free.

One of the most magnificent but least well-known gardens in England. Wrest Park's formal gardens provide a fascinating history of gardening styles, laid out over 150 acres. Open at weekends only.

Apart from one of the UK's largest shopping complexes with the longest indoor high street in Europe, Milton Keynes is also home to Xscape, itself boasting another European first: the largest indoor 'real snow' ski slope, plus an indoor rock climbing wall, ten-pin bowling, health and fitness centre and bars, restaurants and cafes. Not far from Xscape is the Milton Keynes National Bowl, a massive outdoor entertainment venue capable of holding 65,000 people.

The UK's largest shopping complex with the longest indoor high street in Europe.