Located in the county of Hertfordshire, Welwyn Garden City is a lovely town known for its tree-lined streets, parks and town centre. Founded in 1920 by Ebenezer Howard, it is both a garden city and new town and home to approximately 50,000 residents.

I’m a proud Welwyn Garden City former local. I was born and bred and lived here for the first 30 years of my life, so I know a thing or two about the area. Here’s my pick of 15 things to do in Welwyn Garden City and surrounds to get you started.

1. The Welwyn Viaduct

One of 170 viaducts in the UK and constructed in the 1850s, the Welwyn Viaduct is an impressive railway bridge that allows the train line to cross the Mimram Valley. It’s a striking piece of Victorian engineering and the area underneath it has recently been pedestrianised so you can walk right under it with no cars in sight.

2. Welwyn Garden City Town Centre

You can see the evidence of the careful town planning ideals in the town centre itself, with large green spaces containing beautiful fountains lending a pleasant air to the whole place.

3. Shopping

The town centre also contains the Howard Centre – once a thriving shopping mall that drew people to the area – and John Lewis, an upmarket department store that is the pride of the town centre. For more shopping head to the retail parks of Stevenage and Hatfield.

4. Welwyn Village

Welwyn village, also known as Old Welwyn, is a charming village with a nice church, some good restaurants and a large concentration of pubs – five at the last count. The White Horse down a little side lane is a good choice for a cosy drink, and The Wellington on the main high street serves excellent food.

5. Welwyn Roman Baths

For the history buffs there are well-preserved Roman baths under the A1(M). The baths were once part of a larger villa built in the 3rd century. It’s amazing to think that thousands of people zoom down the A1(M) motorway every day, not realising they are driving over ancient history. Check the opening hours before you go as these can be limited.

6. Local pubs

There are a number of excellent local pubs in the surrounding villages for a cosy pint or Sunday lunch. The Cowper Arms at Digswell, the Plume of Feathers in Tewin and the White Hart in Welwyn village are some of my favourites.

7. Tewinbury Farm

Set in the Hertfordshire countryside just outside Welwyn Garden City, Tewinbury Farm is a complex of barns housing wedding venues, a hotel and a number of restaurants and cafes. It’s well worth stopping here for a meal or overnight stay.

8. Golf at Panshanger

Panshanger golf complex has an 18 hole golf complex as well as a 9 hole pitch and putt course which is a fun way to while away an afternoon.

9. Stanborough Lakes

Another one for the kids, Stanborough Lakes has a large boating lake and playground and is a popular local favourite for feeding the ducks.

10. Go for a walk

On your doorstep is the Hertfordshire countryside, with plenty of opportunities to don your walking boots and get some fresh air. Try these suggested walks for some ideas to get you started.

11. Take the train to London

Well served by two train stations on a fast train line into London Kings Cross, Welwyn Garden City is understandably a very popular place for commuters. This makes hopping into London a breeze for a day out. Trains take 30 minutes into London and run every half an hour. Bonus: if you take the train from Welwyn North into London you’ll go over the Viaduct.

12. Hatfield House

Located in Hatfield, an easy 10 minute drive from Welwyn Garden City, Hatfield House is a beautiful Jacobean country house packed full of history. You could easily spend a day touring the house followed by a walk through the park, gardens and woodland. Hatfield House happens to be one of my favourite places in the area. To find out why click here.

13. Knebworth House

A 10 minute drive in the other direction is Knebworth House, a Tudor stately home with lots of outdoor adventures for the kids. Explore the house, gardens, adventure playground and dinosaur trail – Knebworth House is a great day out for families.

14. Raja Knebworth

While you’re in Knebworth stay for a curry at the Raja. I’m giving this place a special mention as I think it’s that good. The Raja Tandoori restaurant in the village of Knebworth was a firm favourite of mine for many years. If you’re in the area and peckish for a curry don’t miss it.

15. St Albans

A 20 minute drive down country roads will take you to St Albans, a very historic city with a magnificent cathedral. Known to locals as “The Abbey”, the cathedral is spectacular and worth a visit. St Albans was a Roman city and still has lots of accessible Roman sites such as a city wall, fort and forum. It has an attractive city centre with history everywhere you look and plenty of shops, cafes and restaurants to keep you busy.

Getting Here

Welwyn Garden City is well-connected and easy to access.

If you’re driving Welwyn Garden City is right off the A1(M) motorway.

If you’re arriving by train Welwyn Garden City and Welwyn North station are both on the fast train line from London.

If you’re flying in Luton and Stansted airports are 20-40 minutes away.

Where to Stay

Welwyn Garden City is well served by a number of chain hotels with plenty of budget friendly options. For something different, the pubs in Welwyn village have rooms and make for a nice alternative. Click here to see the full list of accomodation in Welwyn Garden City.

Further Afield

Hertfordshire is a beautiful English county with lots to recommend it and London is on your doorstep. For Harry Potter fans the Harry Potter Studios are 30 minutes drive. Or why not include Welwyn Garden City in your next England road trip. For more ideas read about our recent England road trip which included a stop in Welwyn Garden City.