Best places in Hertfordshire to cool off this week

Tuesday marked the hottest ever day in May recorded, with temperatures soaring to more than 30 degrees.

Although slightly cooler weather is expected over the weekend, temperatures are set to creep back up on Thursday and Friday.

So if you're looking for somewhere cool to ride out the rest of this heatwave, we've got you covered.

Hertfordshire offers a range of options for beating the heat, from outdoor pools and splash parks, to shady green spaces.

Here's a list of eight of the best rated places to cool off this week, complete with Tripadvisor and Google Review scores.

1. Letchworth Lido

This heated 50-metre outdoor pool in Letchworth Garden City has been praised by visitors who feel "lucky to have this in my area".

Reviewers have noted reasonable entry charges and both its large pool and heated pool for toddlers.

It boasts a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.3 stars out of 5 based off more than 490 Google reviews.

2. Hitchin Swimming Centre

The centre boasts a 50-metre heated outdoor pool which is open from May to September with a sunbathing terrace and two indoor pools.

It's part of North Hertfordshire's popular lido offerings and boasts a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on more than 1,150 reviews on Google Reviews.

Meanwhile, on Tripadvisor it has a rating of 3.6 out of 5.

3. Cassiobury Park

This Green Flag Award-winning park in Watford features newly refurbished paddling pools with two splash pools plus state-of-the-art splash pads.

Reviews describe it as "large and well organised and supervised" with facilities perfect for kids of all ages.

It currently boasts a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.6 out of 5 stars out of more than 90 reviews on Google.

4. Splashlands

This wet and dry play facility features a paddling river meandering through a 600 square meter splash pad water play area.

Located at Stanborough Park Water Sport Centre, in Welwyn Garden City, it offers extensive ways to stay cool.

It has a rating of 3.8 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.6 stars out of 5 based off more than 250 Google reviews.

5. Aqua Parcs

This inflatable water park on Fairlands Valley Park lake, in Stevenage, is described as having "great organisation, friendly staff and lots of fun for all".

The brand new obstacle course lets visitors bounce along floating obstacles before cooling off in the lake.

It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.8 stars out of 5 based off more than 20 reviews on Google.

6. Verulamium Park

Located near Westminster Lodge in St Albans this park features lakes where visitors can "feed the ducks, admire the swans" and enjoy the waterpark area.

The Inn on the Park café is conveniently located "close to the lake, waterpark, children's play area, outdoor gym, beach".

It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.7 stars out of 5 based off more than 3,200 reviews on Google.

7. Oakmere Park

While not featuring swimming facilities, this park offers two large ponds with shaded areas perfect for cooling walks.

Reviewers note it's a "really nice park" with "lots of ducks" and pleasant natural surroundings

It has a rating of 4.3 out of 5 on Tripadvisor and 4.4 out of 5 stars based off more than 740 reviews on Google.

8. Royston Leisure Centre

TripAdvisor reviewers describe "good gym facilities and nice pool" with "clean and decent changing rooms".

The centre features a 25-metre swimming pool, with regular giant inflatables sessions typically scheduled on weekends.

It has a rating 4 out of 5 stars based off more than 140 reviews on Google.

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