After weeks of miserable weather, the next few days are set to be sunny and warm and here’s where you can bask in the heat in the serenity of nature.

With temperatures rising to 23°C over the weekend, it’s finally possible to enjoy the outdoors in all its springtime glory without wearing wellies.  

Here are 10 locations in Watford’s surrounding area where you can take a stroll in the woods or lie down in buttercup-filled meadows.   

1. Aldbury is a picturesque village with two pubs and a Norman church, it lies at the foot of wooded hills belonging to the National Trust Estate of Ashridge. From the centre of the village there are numerous walking routes which will take your through beautiful woodland trails and open hills.   

2. Pitstone Hill is just under two miles from Aldbury village and offers various walking routes one of which is a 6 mile stile-free walk which follows the ancient Ridgeway with stunning views from the top of Pitstone Hill before returning through the beautiful woodland of the National Trust’s Ashridge Estate. 

3. Bridgewater Monument has several walks around the estate which include the Wildlife Walk (2 miles), the Butterflies Trail and the Boundary Trail (16 miles). This National Trust area contains acres of ancient beechwoods, bluebells, deer and other wildlife, and pretty views.  

4. Northchurch Common is located near Berkhamsted and has plenty of trails which are perfect for for walking, jogging and nature trips. The common features beautiful wild flowers and is an ideal spot for family picnics. 

5. Sarratt spoils you for choice with its hills, valleys, rivers and woods, there is much to explore. Most walks are less than 6 miles and stretch from Chenies to the south-west and Chipperfield in the north east with all paths in between.  

6. Cassiobury Park is the largest public open space in Watford comprising of over 190 acres of green space stretching from Watford town centre to woodland and countryside to the west of the town. 

7. Rickmansworth Aquadrome is a popular area which has a number of attractive walks around the lakes or along the River Colne and Grand Union Canal.  

8. Oxhey Woods Sculpture Trail is a hidden gem and on arrival people are greeted by a carved archway to welcome you to the trail and upon closer inspection, you will notice an array of intricately carved tiny creatures designed by local children. 

9. Bentley Priory Nature Reserve lies north of the Uxbridge Road and northwest of central Stanmore. The land south of Bentley Priory house now forms the nature reserve and the Nature Trail which is 2 miles long begins at the Old Lodge Way entrance and shows visitors many aspects of the site. 

10. Hillmead Nature Park is a small wooded nature reserve in Bushy with grassland making up nearly half the area. An impressive horse chestnut tree gives the woodland extra character.