Bank Holiday Weekend Adventures with Regatta

Welcome to May! We're well into Spring now but as is always the way with the British weather, we still have absolutely no idea what to wear when we leave the house. From snow in April, to weeks without rain, we're all as confused as each other as to what this Bank Holiday Monday might bring! However, an extra day to get outside and enjoy more outdoor adventures is always welcome, so here are some ideas if you're looking to try something new this weekend.

woman in yellow gilet swings on a rope swing smiling in the sunshin

Top 5 Outdoor Family Bank Holiday Adventures:

1. Have a picnic in the park - one of the only ways we can mix with other people at the moment is eating outside, so why not make an occasion of it and create a traditional picnic spread, complete with blanket (which you may end up wearing for warmth!).

2. Go on a family hike - we might all be slightly sick of daily walks at the moment, so now is the opportunity to venture a bit further afield. Why not challenge the family to a half or full day hike, with plenty of snack stops along the way! You can see some of my favourite places to visit in Hertfordshire here, and loads of walks on the OS website.

3. Build something outdoors-y - whether it's a den, a rope swing, or an extravagant tree fort, get creative and build your own outdoor adventure playground using sticks, leaves, branches and blankets. Make sure you only use what's readily available and don't go chopping anything down (unless it's your own garden)!

4. Camp outside in a tent - while campsites are now officially open, many aren't allowed to open their communal facilities until 17th May, so if you decide to go camping away from home make sure you check before turning up. Alternatively set up your own camp-out in your garden with all the benefits of clean, warm amenities a stone's throw away. Just don't forget the marshmallows!

5. Go on a bike ride together - this list wouldn't be complete without a bike ride, a fantastic way to get out and see a bit more than you can on two legs. Two wheels mean you can travel further and faster, and still stop for ice cream halfway! If you've got little people, search for local off-road trails that mean you aren't trying to navigate traffic and might offer some more scenic views along the way. Here are some of my favourite ones near me in Hertfordshire: The Alban Way, The Nickey Line.

two women looking at a dog in a large muddy puddle

Whatever you're getting up to, having the proper kit is always key - especially with the changeable weather (have I mentioned the weather enough in this post yet?!). Boots that will keep your feet warm and dry on wet, muddy walks yet breathable in hotter temperatures are high on my list of adventure must-haves.

My latest pair of boots from Regatta got a good test on our last visit to the woods at Frithsden Beeches, near Ashridge in Hertfordshire. From attempting to drag the dog out of all the muddy puddles, to climbing on rope swings and stomping through the trees I was impressed with how comfortable they were straight out of the box! They're waterproof and water-repellent which makes for easy cleaning, and the cushioned footbed makes them great for longer walks. You can see the sole has loads of grip as well, so you feel confident taking on gravelling paths and muddy slopes. Regatta as a brand are also on the affordable end of the spectrum when it comes to outdoorwear which makes them a great option for those just starting to spend more time outside, but without compromising on quality, comfort or funky blue stripes!